Deanne Roberg

Owner/Director

In 1969 Deanne Roberg founded Deanne's Dance Studio, fusing two of her loves, children and dance into a single vision…..using the art of dance to instill self-esteem in children, inspiring them to become their personal best.  Deanne followed in her mother Stephanie’s footsteps, herself a professional dancer and instructor, beginning her teaching career at age seventeen.  After moving to Minnesota, Deanne’s kind teaching style and choreographic skills, kept her in demand with professional and community theatres as well as local schools.  She is a founding board member of Child’s Play Theatre, now the well known Stages Theatre.  This love of the stage led her to create the studio’s Novelty (Theatrical Dance) classes.  Through these she has instilled confidence in even the most timid child, bringing them out of their shell.

Now proud mom and grandma, she is still at the healm of the studio, teaching Novelty and delighting students with impromptu demonstrations of her amazing tap skills.

During her 37 years serving Minnetonka and surrounding area families, Deanne has cherished every first dance class, wiggly tooth, new baby sibling, story about school, first date, prom picture, graduation, visit home from college, wedding, and finally, completintg the circle, when a former dancer brings their little one for their own first dance class.  Still, she has never waivered in her belief that this studio is first & foremost about the kids.  From the first student to those now numbered in the thousands, she has not only taught them to love dance, but more importantly themselves. Always striving to help them be, as she says, “Not only the best dancer, but the best person possible.”

Shannon Roberg

     Instructor/Choreographer

There is little Shannnon hasn't done in her 27 years as an instructor and choreographer for Deanne's Dance Studio. 

While captain of her high school's dance team, she began instructing pre-school and early elementary dancers, quickly progressing to teach the oldest and most experienced dancers in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, danceline, pointe, and modern.

For three seasons, Shannon coached the successful Benilde St. Margaret's dance team and has since branched out to choreograph for theaters throughout Minnesota.  Her work has been seen at Macalaster College, Hennepin Stages, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Theatre L'Hommee Dieu, Theatre in the Round, MCA, and Old Arizona Theatre.  In addition, she has worked as guest choreographer for the St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts and the Actors Theatre of Minnesota.    

Although Shannon still hopes her dream of becoming an NFL running back will be realized, she would never trade a minute of all the wonderful experiences her career in dance has brought to her.

Missy Hemmeke

Instructor/Choreographer

After years of teaching and choreographing, in addition to coaching competitive dance teams throughout Los Angeles and San Fransisco, Missy moved to Minnesota and joined Deanne’s Dance Studio. 

For the past 12 years, Deanne’s dancers have benefited not only from her expertise but from the drive and passion for dance she instills in them.  Throughout her teaching career, Missy has instructed dancers in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical pointe, and danceline, with tap standing out as her favorite.  Whether introducing two year olds to the joy of dance, or polishing the most accomplished teen dancers, Missy’s energy and care for her students is ever present. 

In addition, Missy is the director of the dance program for the successful Step by Step Montessori schools throughout the Twin Cities metro area.  Above all however, Missy’s greatest joy is raising her five year old son Willy.

Stephanie Karr-Smith

Instructor/Choreographer

With 21 years of teaching to her credit, Stephanie begins her 4th season as proud faculty member of Deanne's Dance Studio.  Her teaching style compliments all dance disciplines, as she believes ballet technique is the most important base for any young dancer.  Her own training began at the highly regarded Minnesota Dance Theatre, under the direction of nationally renowned founder Loyce Houlton.  In 1985 she began teaching for Minnesota Dance Theatre, in addition to acting as personal assistant and regisseur to Ms. Houlton.  Stephanie’s talent and drive led her up through the ranks, eventually gracing the stage as soloist for ten years.  In addition, during her 35 years as a professional performer, she delighted audiences as she danced for the Children’s Theatre, Minnesota Opera, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and currently the highly acclaimed Ballet of the Dolls. 

In 1999 she was awarded the prestigious McKnight Fellowship, in recognition for her special achievement and contribution to the art of dance.  In addition to sharing her vast experience, Stephanie leads her classes with respect and a great sense of humor, building an atmosphere that encourages, nutures creativity, and inspires students to reach their highest potential. 

Beth Pitchford

Irish Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Beth began Irish dancing by accident. Upon returning from a six month stay in Scotland in 2001, a friend referred her to a group to do Scottish Country Dancing. As it turned out, they did Irish ceili dancing. Beth gave it a try anyway and fell head over heels for the dance style!

Beth started step dancing the following year with the Drake School of Irish Dance (Atlanta, Georgia) and hasn't looked back yet (except to check to make sure she's kicking her bum). She helped run the Athens Irish Dancers (Athens, Georgia) and step danced for one of Atlanta's best contemporary Celtic bands, The Border Collies as well as the Athens, Georgia, band Banish Misfortune.

 Beth has been competing in Irish dance since 2004, and has been to the following feiseanna: Peach State Feis 2004, 2005, 2006 (Atlanta); Rince na h’eireeann Feis 2005 (Charlotte, NC), Feis na Tara 2004, 2005, 2006 (Atlanta), and the Minnesota Feis 2006, 2007, 2008 (St. Paul) and the Twin Cities Feile 2008 (St. Paul).

 She placed first in treble jig, reel, light jig, single jig and traditional set making her “Prizewinner level” in those dances (the highest an adult can receive). Beth continues to compete in slip jig and hornpipe.  Her four hand and eight hand ceili teams have always recevied first place recognition.

 Beth brings a new flare and excitement to our Irish dance program.  Our dancers have performed at the Landmark Center in St. Paul for their annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration, as well as other venues during the year.  They also performed August 15th at the Irish Fair of Minnesota at Harriet Island. 

Laura Kirkeby

Instructor/Choreographer

This is Laura’s first year at Deanne’s Dance, and she is excited to be a part of this studio! She received her BFA in Dance from the University of Minnesota and is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Tap, Pointe, African-based movement, Afro-Brazilian, Hip-Hop, and Clowning. She grew up doing theater at a young age and has performed at the Guthrie, Stages Theater Company, Patrick’s Cabaret and the Walker Arts Center. Laura studied dance and music in Jamaica and has taken class in Los Angeles, New York and London. She has performed in pieces choreographed by Louis Falco, Laurie Carlos, Paula Mann, and David Gordon. Laura also loves to choreograph and has shown work at Patrick’s Cabaret and choreographed “The Mitten” at Stages Theater Company and “The Wiz” at Columbia Heights. Laura loves teaching and emphasizes the importance of individuality and risk taking with her students. 

Julia Schmitt

Instructor/Choreographer

Julia began dancing with Deanne's Dance Studio at the age of 10 at when the studio was still at St. Therese.  Beginning with danceline, she quickly added more and more classes until she had tried nearly every class that was offered (The only class she has yet to take is Irish).  Throughout her years dancing at Deanne's, Julia has been a teacher's assistant, instructor for Novelty parts, substitute, rhinestoner/prop builder, back-stage lady, receptionist and dancer.

A 2004 graduate of Minnetonka High School, she performed in various musicals as well as being a member of the Minnetonka Dance Team as both a captain and choreographer.  Julia received a B.A in Spanish from the University of Minesota, Morris.  While at school she choreographed, taught and participated in numerous dances for the student-run dance organization as well as acting as both Public Relations and Co-chair.

After her graduation from college she decided that Deanne's Dance Studio was where she needed to be and worked at the front desk for a year. During that time she realized that not only did she love the studio and the atmosphere, but she loved getting to know all the students.  After taking a year off to just take class, she missed the opportunity to interact more with dancers.  Julia is honored to be a part of the Deanne's Dance Studio staff and hopes she can give as much to her dancers as the studio has given to her