Faculty

Meet the Staff at Synergy Dance Center

Family Owned | In Business Since 2010 | Over 30 Years of Experience

Family Owned
In Business Since 2010
Over 30 Years of Experience

Dana Riste

Owner/Director/Instructor

Becoming a dance teacher has always been my dream. Owning my own studio still feels like a dream!

I began dance at the age of 8 and have continued my training with conventions, workshops and master classes since I was a teenager. I have taken class from so many great instructors, Gus Giordano, Al Gilbert, Jo Rowan, Dan Karaty, Mandy Moore, Gil Stromming, Greg Russell, Debbie Dee, Steven Boyd and numerous others. I began my teaching career at age 16 and have enjoyed teaching dancers of all ages.

My goal is to make Synergy Dance Center a place where everyone feels at home and important. I believe that everyone CAN dance. It is not about talent, it is about passion.

When not dancing, I enjoy spending time with my husband Tom and my family; daughters, Macie and Aubrie and my son-in -law Tyler. We like to travel, spend time "up north", and get together with our family. I also love to read and scrapbook whenever time allows.

Aubrie Klotz

Office Manager/Instructor

Dance has always been my passion. I started dancing at the age of 2 and fell in love. When I was old enough I joined the Competition team and started assisting classes. Throughout my dancing years I have had classes in ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, Indian and African. I just couldn’t get enough dancing! In elementary school I wanted to do something other than just dance but I loved dance and wanted to find something that complimented that, I found Baton Twirling!

I started twirling baton when I was seven years old. I went on to join a competitive baton team that I have twirled with for over 15 years, during which my team attended the national competition held at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. I have won many state and national titles both individually and with my team. I am also a certified National Baton Twirling Association International judge.

When I am not dancing, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Tyler and our son Kaison.

Amy McIntyre Roberts

Customer Care Team

I am so happy to be at SDC! I love everything about dance. I danced at a dance studio from age 2 to 18. After I finished my undergraduate degree and a Masters in Elementary Education, I craved taking a class that I wanted to, not because I HAD to. So, I went back to dance class! Life IS better when you're dancing, especially with tap shoes on. When my daughter began to dance competitively, I gave up my place on the stage. Being a dance mom is still some my favorite and proudest moments of parenting. I can't wait to help you and your dancer have a great time at Synergy!

Karol Hanson

Customer Care Team

Hello families! I’m excited to be at Synergy, and look forward to meeting you. You will find me at the front desk! I will be happy to answer your questions and help make your time at the studio go smoothly.

I was introduced to dance through by daughter who began dancing when she was five. She danced recreationally through 6th grade, then danced competitively through high school. I loved every minute of being at the studio watching class, and cheering on the dancers at each competition and recital. There is nothing like a dance family!

Missie Kane

Instructor

I started my first dance class on my third birthday. It was the best gift I have ever received and I still thank my parents every year for allowing me to become a dancer. I continued dancing with Dana as my instructor for the next 15 years as a companie dancer with a strong passion for ballet and pointe.

From there I went on to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, where I minored in Dance with an emphasis on Kinesiology. I was also a member of the Concert Dance Company under the vision of Dr. Toni Poll-Sorensen. In addition to the core tap, jazz and ballet, I was also trained in modern, musical theatre, and Alexander Technique. My training in Alexander Technique has changed my day-to-day life and dancing dramatically, by making me more aware of where movement stems from and where it can take you.

After graduation, I came back home and started dancing at the new Synergy Dance Center. It was great to be back in the place where I grew up. After taking classes and subbing various classes, I knew it was time to start teaching again. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to leading these beautiful dancers.

I currently work at CarSoup.com as a Data Analysis. When I am not dancing My husband, Nate and I enjoy spending time with our sons, Wendell and Sterling.

Macie Riste

Instructor

I started dancing at age two and have been in love with it ever since. My background includes ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and tap, and I had the privilege of being part of Synergy’s Companie program for over 10 years.

In my classes I like blending technical skills with creative expression, and I'm dedicated to helping each student reach their fullest potential while fostering a supportive and inspiring environment.

When I’m not teaching dance, I work in a laboratory at Mayo Clinic. You can often find me curled up with a good book, trying a new baking recipe or out hiking through nature.

I look forward to dancing with you soon!

Jessie Huebsch

Instructor

My parents first enrolled me in dance when I was 5 because I was so incredibly shy. While I maintained quite a bit of that shyness throughout my school years, the studio and the stage became my safe place. My instructors nurtured and encouraged me to be my best self, both within the walls of the studio and out in the world. It's that confidence that I want to give every dancer that I have the privilege to work with.

I have learned that everyday that I get to step into a dance studio is a blessing and one that I will never take for granted.

I am thrilled to be back where my dance journey started! I grew up dancing at Brenda's School of Dance and then started teaching after I graduated. I learned not just how to dance, but to be the best teacher I could possibly be from Ms. Dana. Most recently, I spent many years teaching recreational and competitive students at JAMM Dance in Rosemount prior to their closing. Finding myself back "home" is a gift and I am so excited to be a part of the Synergy Family - I can't wait to dance with you!

Samantha Saffle

Instructor

Hey there!
My name is Samantha Saffle, but you can call me Sam.

Ever since I started dance at 3 years old, I told my family I was going to be a dance teacher. My dream became a reality! I am blessed to have been dancing for 20 years. Many of those years consisted of competitions where I competed jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and many productions. I was also part of the NHSDA chapter where I was president. I am so grateful for what dance(and Synergy) has given me and for the relationships I have made while dancing here. Synergy has always felt like a second home to me and I’m excited to be not just the student, but a teacher now!

Outside of being a dance instructor at night, I am a teacher during the day at Cornerstone Preschool and Childcare. When I’m not busy teaching little ones, you can find me snowmobiling, dirt biking, UTVing, hunting, fishing, and crafting. You can find me anywhere outdoors or in my craft room!

I am excited to dance with you here at Synergy!

Lorelei Noire

Instructor

Bio Coming Soon!

Kimberly Seaberg

Instructor

Hello, my name is Kimberly but feel free to call me Kimmy if you'd like.

I started taking dance at the age of 7 because I watched my two older sisters doing it and I fell in love. I spent the next ten years dancing at a local studio where I trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. During those ten years I was also a part of the competition team at my studio with a strong focus in contemporary and jazz. In addition to dancing at a studio, I also was a member of my high school dance team for three years.

After high school I went on to attend college at Bemidji State University to pursue a Mass Communications degree. Of course going away to college wouldn't keep me away from dance so I began teaching Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet at a local studio for four years. In addition to teaching at a studio, I was also the varsity coach for the highschool dance team for two seasons. After graduating college I moved back home and spent a couple years teaching dance in Bloomington before going back to coaching high school dance team for a couple of seasons.

All of this dance experience has brought me to Synergy and I couldn't be more thrilled! I am so honored to be a staff member at this great studio. I look forward to meeting all of you soon!