Commit to the Lord
whatever you do,
and your plans
will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
We are pleased to provide a certified
faculty that strives to enhance a child's
life in an encouraging and caring manner.
It is our mission to create a
supportive, positive, loving &
enthusiastic learning environment
where students become aware of their
own unique potential, always feeling
self confident & inspired.
We are here to serve you.
Our teachers prepare their own, up-to-date syllabus for each class, striving for student growth & advancement and for the greatest learning opportunities for your children. We feel it is vital to stay current within the dance community, keeping up on education, the progressing art form and it’s teachings to provide students with our
own unique method of instruction, style and choreography.
Rachel Johnson is an Atlantic High School graduate and holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from Iowa Western Community College. With over 23 years of dance teaching experience, she has made significant contributions to the dance community. Rachel is a proud member of Dance Teacher Web and is a certified instructor with accreditations from Acrobatic Arts and Alixa Flexibility. Throughout her career, she has developed countless award-winning routines and trained numerous talented students.
Dedicated to growth, Rachel continually seeks opportunities to advance, develop, and refresh her teaching skills, ensuring that she brings the best practices to her students. She travels annually to continue her education and staying current in her teaching. Having recently becoming a member of TJK, she takes classes from instructors through out the US. Her goal is to remain in constant training, to always keep her enthusiasm alive, and to keep growing in her career. Married for 13 years to Erik, who works for Cass County EMS, they are parents to three wonderful sons: Issac, Noah, and Abraham. Rachel is also the owner of Eleven O Three, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her organizational skills, calm demeanor, and patience with children set her apart, creating an environment where students feel supported and motivated. Despite managing multiple responsibilities, she remains composed and exudes ease when working with her students. Outside of her professional life, Rachel enjoys shopping, camping, fishing, and boating with her family. She also loves spending time with their two dogs, Ellie and Zoey, and their cat, Charlie. Her well-rounded lifestyle and passion for both family and dance make her a beloved figure in the community.
Fun fact: Rachel was an only child growing up! Now she is blessed with two brothers and two sisters.
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 1:5
Haley Johnson-Pelzer is an Atlantic High School alumna who furthered her skills by completing the Barbizon Modeling and Acting School. With over 23 years of dance instruction and performance experience, Haley has built a distinguished career. She was a member of the Midwest Vision Dance Crew and is an accredited instructor as well as an award-winning choreographer. Haley is also certified in Progressive Ballet Technique, a member of Dance Teacher Web, and a Beachbody Live dance coach. Committed to staying current in her field, she continues her education annually by earning new dance teaching certifications.
In addition to teaching, Haley has choreographed for various high school activities, show choirs, and dance teams. Her talents have taken her to workshops in cities from Omaha to Des Moines to Kansas City. One of her core beliefs is that educators should continually learn; this philosophy drives her to participate in dance workshops, conventions, and intensives to keep growing in her craft.
Haley has been married for 19 years to Casey Pelzer, who serves as both a middle school principal and pastor. Together, they have two daughters, Gracey Mae and Nelley Jae. Alongside her dance career, Haley works as a phlebotomist at Cass Health Laboratory, where she enjoys engaging with people of all ages. Known for her friendly demeanor, she truly doesn’t know a stranger!
Her passion for creating extends beyond dance; she loves bringing unique ideas to life, whether through choreography, music, routine concepts, clothing design, handcrafted items, photography, or decorating. Haley is also a devoted dog lover, caring for four dogs in her household. She cherishes family time and embraces the ministry journey she and her husband have been privileged to undertake.
Fun fact: Haley was crowned Miss Iowa Teen USA 2002 and represented Iowa at the nationally televised Miss Teen USA pageant.
Favorite Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
Gabrielle Johnson, an Atlantic High School graduate, began her professional journey as a certified CNA. Her background in dance and tumbling, paired with years of performing in annual recitals, has shaped her into a skilled Acrobatic Arts instructor. Currently, she is responsible for leading the Acro Tumbling program at the studio, where her excellent classroom management and positive approach to teaching have made a significant impact. Her contributions and values are highly treasured within VDC.
In addition to her work at the studio, Gabrielle serves as the Activity Director at Heritage House. In this full-time role, she dedicates her efforts to organizing engaging activities for residents in both assisted and independent living areas. Recently, she has also developed a passion for photography, capturing the beauty of her subjects in her spare time.
Gabrielle has been married for 8 years to Jeremiah Johnson, whom she fondly describes as a "true mountain man." Together, they have a young son named Bridger. Known for her boundless joy and infectious happiness, Gabrielle's positive energy ensures that everyone around her has a good day. Her love for life and those around her makes her a favorite among students and parents alike, as she exudes beauty both inside and out.
Outside of work and teaching, Gabby enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and creating bohemian-inspired art. She is also a cat lover and cherishes the moments she shares with her family.
Fun Fact: Gabrielle is a twin!
Favorite Verse: Ephesians 2:8
Nicole Korpela-Rhoderick is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned a degree in Theater Performance with an emphasis in Choreography. She brings a wealth of experience to the studio, having studied various dance forms, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and clogging. Nicole spent her youth competing in dance and has carried this passion into her adult years by teaching, coaching, and choreographing award-winning solo and group competition routines.
She has also coached an Omaha high school dance team for six years, focusing on pom and hip hop pieces and leading the team to several state runner-up titles. Additionally, Nicole worked at The Rose Children’s Theater in Omaha as an actress, dancer, choreographer, and dance captain for their main stage shows. Her extensive background in dance and theater has made her a versatile instructor.
Currently, Nicole holds a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, and she teaches at Washington Elementary. She remains active in the dance community as a member of Dance Teacher Web. Her husband, Erik, is an avid outdoorsman. Nicole's kindness, calm nature, and love for children are evident in everything she does, making her a beloved teacher. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys acting and participating in musicals. When she’s not busy teaching or performing, she loves rooting for the Huskers. Her broad expertise in both dance and theater, combined with her gentle demeanor, makes her an invaluable part of the team.
Fun Fact: She is a National Champion Clogger!
Favorite Verse: Romans 12:9
Linda Johnson, affectionately known as "the Mother of our tribe," is an Atlantic High School alumna and an IWCC Reiver. She has been a dedicated studio receptionist for countless years, contributing her warmth and expertise to the team. Linda has been married for 44 years to John Johnson, a local career firefighter and paramedic. Together they have six children and are blessed with six grandchildren.
Linda is known for her unique, eclectic, hippie style and her remarkable ability to manage Eleven O Three. In her role, she oversees sales, business operations, customer service, and retail requisitions with the finesse of a seasoned professional. In addition to this, she is the creative force behind “Sweet Peace,” a venture where she salvages old collectibles and crafts original, eccentric decorative arts, highlighting her passion for unique creations.
Often referred to as "Grandma Linda," she exemplifies selflessness, always giving more of her time and energy to others than to herself. Whether it's providing material goods, preparing a delicious meal, offering sage advice, or simply giving her love, Linda is known for her generous heart and unwavering support for those around her. She constantly encourages and uplifts others with the goal of bringing about improvement and happiness.
In the rare moments when she has free time, Linda enjoys camping, spending time with her family, and cooking for others. Residing in the Johnson household are Susan Beasley and Kid the cat, who are cherished members of the family. Linda’s nurturing spirit and love for those around her make her an irreplaceable part of the community.
Fun Fact: Linda is a talented kitchen barber. She has spent many years cutting and styling the many men & friends of the Johnson family.
Favorite Verse: Proverbs 22:6
Sydney Sanny is an Atlantic High School graduate currently working at Ouron Title as a beginner abstractor, where she focuses on researching, typing, and preparing abstracts. With 15 years of personal dance education, Sydney has transitioned into the role of a dance instructor. She holds certifications in strength training, injury prevention, and introduction to preschool dance, and she is committed to furthering her teacher education through both online and in-person training programs. As a member of Dance Teacher Web, Sydney is continually expanding her knowledge and skills.
Sydney is no stranger to the studio, having been a student classroom assistant during her school years while actively participating in show choir, musicals, and productions. Her deep passion for the performing arts shines through in her teaching. In addition to her dance background, Sydney is a long-standing member of VDC's Company Team, where her team earned the prestigious title of Grand National Champions during the National Finals.
Known for her impressive memory and eagerness to learn, Sydney regularly attends conventions and workshops, where she has been recognized and awarded for her talents. Outside of the studio, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her family and friends. Her outgoing personality and high energy are infectious, and one of her greatest strengths is her ability to encourage and uplift those around her with kind words and compliments.
Fun Fact: Syd was the show choir dance captain for all 4 years in high school, teaching and choreographing pieces for competition & shows, where they won multiple awards & high ratings.
Favorite Verse: Psalm 149: 3-4
Emily Assmann-Anderson is a graduate of Harlan Community High School and attended both IWCC and BVU. Her passion for dance began in her youth, participating in hip hop, tap, contemporary, and tumbling. After moving to Atlantic, Emily contributed her time backstage at the annual recital and traveled with the hip-hop team, showcasing her dedication to the dance community.
Her love for the arts and music runs deep, and her gentle heart and kind spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Emily works full-time at Farm Credit Services of America as a Crop Insurance Specialist.
She has been married for five years to her husband, Justin, an Atlantic native. Together, they have a cherished fur baby, a spoiled husky named Akira. Recently, they welcomed their daughter, Sutton, to the family, adding another layer of joy to their lives.
Fun Fact: Emily Cheers on the Iowa State Cyclones & KC Chiefs
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13
Kelsey Haupert is a graduate of Atlantic High School and is currently pursuing her Associate's degree in business at IWCC. She also has aspirations of becoming an EMT in the future. Kelsey brings 5 years of dance and performance experience through VDC, with a background in sideline and competitive cheer that dates back to when she was just 4 years old.
During her high school years, she was actively involved in choirs and show choirs for four years. Kelsey has a passion for teaching and helping others whenever the opportunity arises. In her free time, she loves riding her dirt bike with family and friends, which is her all-time favorite hobby.
Fun Fact: I am a twin!
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 60:22
Villa Dance Company also employs assistant teachers and other essential studio staff who play a crucial role in supporting both the instructors and the office manager throughout the dance season. These dedicated individuals serve as an extra set of eyes, hands, and caring hearts, helping to nurture and mentor the students. They are hardworking, loyal, and loving role models, carefully selected to contribute to the positive environment of the company.
