At Dance Garage, our vision is to be the premier destination for burlesque, cabaret and other forms of dance in the Cedar Rapids area, recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. We envision a future where Dance Garage becomes a hub for both aspiring and seasoned dancers and performers, offering a wide range of classes, workshops, and events which cater to diverse interests and skill levels. We aim to create a vibrant community that embraces the beauty and artistry of burlesque and cabaret, while also challenging societal norms and promoting body positivity. Through our passion for dance and our dedication to providing exceptional instruction, we aspire to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their unique selves and unleash their inner performers.
We are working to redefine the world of burlesque and cabaret dance, and create and inclusive, empowering, and transformative experience for all who walk through our doors.
Meet the Team!
-
Cassie Laas
CO-OWNER, INSTRUCTOR
The one that never stops dancing seemed to be a perfect fit as another lead instructor. She has danced since she was little, during high school, and got her dance minor because she could. She is always looking for ways to get others to dance with her, so let’s dance! -
Heather Gates
CO-OWNER, INSTRUCTOR
Due to her unique style and energy she was approached to be one of the main instructors and creative customized detailer. Being a part of this venture allows her to tap into and share with others this her custom talents. -
Suellen Carmody
CO-OWNER, FOUNDER
Instigator of opening her garage to others, she took charge leaning on her strong, multi-venture background she began and did most of the grunt work to put us on the path for a successful business and a fun place for people to express themselves.
Our Story
The 2020 pandemic forced a cherished studio to close, causing a community of passionate dancers to lose their second home - to lose their second family. Not long after, Iowa was hit by one of the most unexpected and powerful derechos the Midwest has ever seen, destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Recognizing the growing isolation and lack of a creative outlet, we knew we had an opportunity to help restore our beloved community.
It started as a small group of us dancing in a literal garage, and eventually in October 2020, Dance Garage was opened, marking our third year in business. Opening in the midst of a pandemic couldn’t have been done without the continued support of our three co-owners. With their combined 50+ years experience, they have committed to providing a safe and supportive space for our community to connect with like-minded individuals and reconnect with themselves, releasing the stresses of daily life, and act as a simple reminder for adults to set the time aside to have some fun!
Our 3-year-old Dance Garage is still a baby business, and we have only just scratched the surface of influencing positive change in our community. One of the most crippling challenges is spreading the word, getting new people in the door, and keeping them coming back. We believe Venmo can help us achieve our goals of increased outreach and retention by financially supporting our newly-evaluated marketing endeavors, elevating our message and teaching people that dance is for everyBODY!
Primarily targeting the middle-aged woman, Dance Garage understands that life as a woman can come with a multitude of different plights: best representing this is our very own co-owner, who is facing a long and scary battle with cancer. It’s taken a toll on all three of us owners, but the war is not yet won. This past year has been particularly challenging to balance studio and home life. So we’ve re-evaluated our business plan to determine where changes could be made to help improve our new sign-ups and member retention. We have been so lucky to have a member volunteer her time and marketing expertise to lead us in a small brand face-lift! Unfortunately, this cancer battle has limited all of our time, energy, and financial security to move forward with some of the wonderful changes and improvements she’s suggested.
As women whose predominant dance experience is the style of burlesque, we at Dance Garage are no strangers to the disillusion of the general public’s perception of adult women who dance. Throughout history, women have been made to fit inside a picturesque version of who others want us to be, and degraded for being the people they choose to be. Women have spent too much time in the backgrounds of so many others’ lives, with very little voice, and even less representation. Dance Garage stands for the strength and perseverance of our community - we lean on each other for strength and fight for what we believe in!
