Karen’s Dance Studio

My daughter took her first ballet lessons at Karen’s Dance Studio years ago. Back then, the studio was located across the street from Joplin High School off of 20th Street and was run by Karen Drouin (called “Miss Karen” by her students), an accomplished dancer who opened the studio back in 1971.

Miss Karen would talk about her own daughter Nicole who was a professional dancer, and who was performing in the Las Vegas show “Mystique” at the time. Miss Karen’s face would glow when she talked about how Nicole traveled to places all around the world performing in the show. She was truly proud.

When my daughter’s interest turned to gymnastics, we stopped going to Karen’s Dance Studio. After we left, we heard through the grapevine that Nicole had returned to Joplin to teach classes at her mother’s studio. Not long after that, we heard that Miss Karen was sick. In January 2011, my friend who had taken lessons from Miss Karen for 15 years, delivered the news that Miss Karen had passed away from cancer.

Even though she had just lost her mother, Nicole kept the studio running. Students continued rehearsing their dances for the spring recital, the first one the studio would have without Miss Karen at the helm. On May 21, 2011, with professionalism and grace, Nicole directed the recital on her own.

The very next day, Karen’s Dance Studio was completely destroyed by the tornado.

With her show-must-go-on mentality, Nicole found a temporary space near Cracker Barrel to house the studio, and this is where my daughter returned to dancing this past winter.

This year’s spring recital demonstrated to us the level of professionalism that Nicole has brought to Joplin. The costumes were well chosen and the choreography was first rate. The lighthearted last number of the show included the fathers of some of the dancers performing to “Gangnam Style.” They were such good sports about it and actually did a really great job!

Photo courtesy of KDS 

This September, Nicole opened up a new facility, located at 2113 Davis Blvd., with over 6,500 feet of space and three studio classrooms. Classes are offered there for anyone age two through adult.

 Photo courtesy of KDS

Parents can watch their children during class either through viewing windows outside of each studio or on television monitors that are located in the lobby.

The facility also includes a dance store, safe room/study lounge and three spacious private changing rooms.

Photo courtesy of KDS 

Currently, over 40 different classes are scheduled during the week in the three studios (there are no Saturday classes). The types of classes offered are ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acrobatics, theatre dance, yoga and cardio (for adults).

 Photo courtesy of KDS

If your dancer wants to pirouette through the summer, Karen’s offers a month-long summer session plus various dance camps. Last summer, the choices for camps included Princess Camp, Dancing Disney and Camp Hip Hop Rock. The camps lasted a few hours each day and ran for about four days. My daughter took the hip hop camp and loved it.

More than just a place to take dance lessons, Karen’s Dance Studio teaches professional skills and promotes an encouraging atmosphere, where students feel cared about. Nicole has managed to build a business and create a dance family.

Miss Karen would be proud.

 Photo courtesy of KDS

Karen’s Dance Studio is located at 2113 Davis Boulevard. Click here to visit Karen’s Dance Studio’s website, and click here to visit its Facebook page.

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Living Life to The Fullest!

I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.

I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.