“Our Mission is to teach the art of dance in a fun and loving environment. Our caring and professional instructors teach students of all ages and ability levels in a positive, friendly and family-oriented environment. Not only do we teach dance but we teach self-confidence, discipline and teamwork.”

Alicyn Stephens

Owner, Director, Instructor

Alicyn Stephens began dancing at the age of three at Elevation, where she trained in both the recreational and competition programs, studying a variety of dance styles throughout her childhood and high school years. During that time, she also gained valuable teaching experience as a substitute instructor and teaching assistant at EDA.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she continued her passion for dance as both a choreographer and performer with the university club team, Optima Dance. In addition, Alicyn expanded her knowledge of dance through the university’s dance curriculum with minors in Dance Movement Therapy and Promoting Activity for Diverse Abilities.

Alicyn is passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. This passion led her to teach and volunteer for two years with a nonprofit organization in Madison serving children and adults with disabilities, where she learned specialized experiences creating inclusive and adaptive dance opportunities for students of all abilities.

In 2025, Alicyn returned to her hometown to continue her passion of teaching dance at EDA. She is committed to providing a positive, encouraging, and high-quality dance education where every student feels welcomed, supported, and finds their love for dance!

Sarah Krueger

Instructor, Founder.
Sarah began her dance training at the age of 5 in her hometown of Baraboo Wisconsin. Under the direction of Penny Imray, she discovered her love and passion for teaching while in High School when she was given the opportunity to apprentice and instruct. As a young dancer, Sarah studied from many notable dancers and educators from around the country in her travels to competitions and conventions. After graduating high school, she continued to teach at various dance studios and dance teams, while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Sarah received her BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007 and soon opened Elevation Dance Academy in 2008. Miss Sarah loves and appreciates the opportunity to help students build confidence and a love of the arts through dance.

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Melaina Sturdevant

Instructor, Melaina began dancing at the age of 3 at Betty Hayes School of Dance in Avoca, where she trained for 15 years in ballet, lyrical, tap, clogging, jazz, and hip hop. She returned to her home studio as an instructor, teaching and assisting classes in the styles she grew up performing for the past 2 years.

Melaina recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and will begin her career as a second-grade teacher this fall. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and build confidence, and she is excited to share her love of dance and teaching with the students at Elevation Dance Academy.

Nicole Bauer

Nicole Bauer is a passionate speech-language pathologist and devoted wife and mother to three. Nicole began dancing at the age of five and has continued to be involved in various forms of dance instruction and choreography since 2007.

Rowan Erickson

Instructor, Rowan began dancing at the age of five at her hometown studio in California, where she trained in a variety of styles and spent nine years as a competitive dancer. She also performed as a member of her high school’s dance team. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Rowan danced and choreographed with Optima Dance, creating and performing works in contemporary, hip hop, and jazz. She is currently pursuing her Accelerated Nursing degree while continuing to share her passion for dance through teaching.

Rowan has several years of teaching experience and is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover a love for dance in a positive and encouraging environment. She is excited to join the Elevation Dance Academy family and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of dancers.