Aug. 13, 2021

Opening a dance studio in Sioux Falls is almost nothing like opening one in small-town South Dakota, but Kristie Moore has found a way to make it work.

Artistry Dance Studio, founded by Moore, was constructed on the idea that dance is a lifelong practice, she said. The studio will focus on teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels, regardless of previous experience or dedication to the activity. Moore said her experience owning studios in smaller towns taught her that not every student is equally committed to dance, and there are some who just want to do it for fun.

“What I know works, based on what I experienced running and teaching at those other dance studios, is really being able to welcome students who are both serious and focused, committed to dance and want it to be their thing,” she said. “But also there’s girls who maybe play basketball or want to run track or maybe just didn’t decide until later grade school or even middle school years that dance is something they’re interested in.”

Moore has owned and taught at studios in towns of all sizes, from 800-person Onida to Pierre to Sioux Falls. She also has five daughters, including two who actively participate in dance. Her time in Sioux Falls has been focused on being a mother, finishing a master’s degree, serving at a nonprofit and even political fundraising. Moore said that while she has wanted to open a studio here for a while, it has been difficult because of the differences in size and expectation — and her busy schedule as a mother. 

“Opening a studio in Sioux Falls is a bigger project,” Moore said. “It’s a bigger undertaking and endeavor than doing it in one of those small towns I grew up in. I knew quite a few people in Pierre, and you’re familiar with the expectations there. This is very different.”

Artistry will offer classical ballet, tap dance, modern dance, lyrical and contemporary dance and even Irish dance classes. Jessica Rooney will serve as the artistic director and lead instructor. The full team of six instructors has been active in the Sioux Falls dance community for several years and brings a new level of expertise to the studio, she said. 

“I needed a team of instructors who our vision, our desires are aligned. We’re super compatible, but our strengths also complement one another,” Moore said. “I’m super hopeful, and I feel confident that that’s what we have to offer here at the studio.”

The studio itself, which is located at 69th Street and Southeastern Avenue, has experienced construction delays because of material shortages, but Moore anticipates that the entire space will be done in the coming weeks. Earlier this month, an open house was hosted in the building, and even with the unfinished space, Moore said lots of potential students came through.

“I was surprised with the number of people who stopped by,” she said. “I think people are excited, and students are eager to see a new space and meet instructors. It was just super fun.”

The studio will kick off to a busy start when classes begin Sept. 7. The schedule is packed, with offerings Monday through Thursday. Auditions for the winter show, the Nutcracker, will take place just a few weeks after classes begin.

“I’m just super thrilled,” Moore said. “I feel like it’s too good to be true.”