Pulse Dance Fitness Studio

Pulse Dance Fitness Studio opened in 2023 in West Des Moines, founded by Mikaela, a lifelong dancer and multi-certified fitness instructor. Mikaela trained for 18 years in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, and Tumbling, competing around the country and serving as Co-Captain of the Valley Dance Team the year they won State. After stepping away from dance during her Bachelor of Architecture degree at Iowa State University, she rediscovered her passion through cardio dance fitness classes and became a certified Zumba instructor. Over the next 10+ years she taught at studios across the country—Chicago, Boston, and back to Des Moines—collecting additional fitness certifications and developing her approach to dance fitness before opening Pulse in her hometown.

The studio now has a team of over 20 instructors offering over 36 classes every week across seven class formats. Pulse Dance is the signature cardio class set to pop, club, and hip-hop music with follow-the-leader choreography and athletic toning moves. Pulse Groove offers the same energy in a low-impact format, perfect for beginners, those recovering from injury, and active seniors. Pulse Choreo is a structured choreography class where you learn and perform a complete routine—styles rotate through hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, and Broadway-inspired movement. Pulse Barre combines traditional ballet barre work with Pilates mat exercises and cardio bursts. Pulse Sculpt pairs high-intensity dance-inspired cardio with classic strength moves using hand weights and resistance bands. Pulse Circuit is a full-body conditioning class with dynamic warm-up, strength-based circuits using weights and resistance, and an energizing finisher. Pulse Stretch is a candlelit, restorative class focused on flexibility and joint mobility.

All classes run 45–60 minutes and are rooted in movement and designed for all levels with no prior dance experience required. Classes are set to energizing, curated playlists and designed to be accessible, empowering, and fun. The studio is located at 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115 in West Des Moines and includes women's and men's locker rooms with restrooms, changing areas, lockers, cubbies, and a vanity counter in the women's room.

The studio runs private dance fitness parties for bachelorette parties, girls' nights out, birthday celebrations, and corporate team building. Groups can choose from any class format and bring their own snacks, refreshments, and decorations, starting at $300 for up to 10 guests. New clients can try 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $39 with no long-term commitment required.

Classes run 45–60 minutes set to energizing, curated playlists. Most formats use follow-the-leader choreography designed for all levels; some lean more into strength and conditioning. You can pre-register online or walk in (though spots aren't guaranteed), check in at the front desk when you arrive, and bring the required shoes or mat depending on your class choice.

The studio has a team of over 20 instructors. Mikaela, the founder, is a multi-certified fitness instructor with 18 years of dance training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, and Tumbling, plus over 10 years of experience teaching dance fitness.

No dance experience required; all classes designed for all levels, and the studio emphasises that if you can clap to the beat, you can do these classes.