Cedar Rapids
Sara Eighme- Sara is the owner and director of National Dance Academy. She has been teaching in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area for over ten years. Each year Sara continues to study in Chicago and New York to keep up with the latest trends in the industry. Sara judges dance competitions throughout the United States and is currently an on-site director for International Dance Challenge. Sara enjoys challenging her students and is dedicated to helping them reach their full potential.
Sherry Oesterborg- Sherry is a terrific dancer and teacher. Her classes are energetic, positive, and lots of fun! Sherry studied musical theatre at the University of Iowa, and previously taught in Dubuque. Sherry is also our office manager at National Dance Academy.
Lisa Anderson- Lisa joins our faculty with over 20 years of dance experience. She attended the University of Northern Iowa and has previously taught in the Des Moines area. She has choreographed for numerous dance teams and Pom squads in the Midwest. Lisa’s passion for dance and classic technique make her classes a fun and challenging experience.
April Schaefer- April began dancing at age 3 in Winterset, Iowa. She studied all forms of dance including ballet, jazz, and tap. April attended the University of Iowa and received a B.A. in dance in 2004. While at Iowa she performed in many shows at Space Place Theatre for the university dance program. She has choreographed for dance teams and pom squads in southern Iowa. April's passion is to teach children and teens so that they may not only learn the correct fundamentals, but also have the talent and passion to continue life dancing.
Megan Witte- This will be Megan’s first year on faculty at National Dance Academy. As a former Dance of Iowa North student, she assisted Sara throughout high school. She attended the University of Northern Iowa and was a member of the UNI dance team. This fall she will be continuing her education at the University of Iowa. Megan has choreographed for several high school Pom squads. Her love for children and dance make for a winning combination.
Jon Finck- Jon, originally from Ohio, has lived in New York and Los Angeles where he was on the Tremaine Dance Center Scholarship for one year. He has traveled throughout the United States dancing and teaching, and just finished a contract performing on Holland America Cruise Lines. He has been a part of “Grease,” the musical touring around Europe in such countries as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. He has also performed and taught in Japan at their Broadway Dance Center near Tokyo. Jon has performed in movies and music videos such as “Austin Powers” and “If I Told You That” by Whitney Houston and George Michael. He has performed in industrials, tours, TV shows such as MTV Germany and Fame L.A. and live stage shows for over seven years. He has assisted with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and teaches on tours and conventions.
Kayla Happel- Kayla grew up dancing at Dance Of Iowa and graduated as a diamond dancer. She is now attending Mt. Mercy College, majoring in nursing. Kayla is also the co-captain of the Mt. Mercy Dance Team. We are very excited to have Kayla on faculty this yer.