HDA Instructors

Keri Leemkuil

Dance Director and Owner

Keri Leemkuil-Kramer Director and founder of the Hudson Dance Academy. Established in 2002 has grown from a handful of classes to the beautiful, inviting and enriching studio it is today. Keri has more than 28 years of experience as a dancer and 22 years of experience as a dance instructor specializing in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical. She received her early training at Siouxland Movement Arts and Dancing with Celeste in Sioux City, IA. Keri holds a BSBA in Marketing from Creighton University where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Modern under Mrs. Valerie Roche.

She also has had the opportunity to continue her education in dance by taking classes in New York and Chicago under choreographers Gus Giordano, Joe Tremaine, Liz Imperio, Frank Hatchet, Randy Ducan, Mia Michaels, Dave Scott, and Wade Robson. Keri's dancers and choreography has won numerous awards at regional and national competitions. Keri was awarded the outstanding performance award for having quality dancers and choreography in 2011. Keri has choreographed Grease, Guys and Dolls, The Secret Garden, Anything Goes, The Wizard of OZ and The Sound of Music for the St. Bernard's Theater Department in St. Paul. Keri was also chosen to choreograph for the Miss Hudson Pageant in Hudson, WI. Keri has also judged "I Love Dance" competition and has been selected to teach the dance portion of the curriculum at Hudson Middle School for the last 5 years.

Cassandra Hartman

Dance Instructor

Cassandra Hartman is originally from Hudson, WI. She has been studying dance for over 19 years and competed with H.D.A.'s national championship competition team for over 7 years. She has performed in many cities including New York City and Orlando. She has studied with nationally recognized master instructors from across the country. Cassandra is our main hip hop instructor along with teaching jazz and lyrical. Cassandra's lyrical and hip hop choreography has won many awards at dance competitions. She continues to dance in productions such as the Nutcracker and our Annual Recital. Cassandra also volunteers her choreography to the Hudson School District for their Dance Unit in the Middle School. In 2009 she was selected to work for the Pulse convention in Chicago, Il and was honored to dance for the Pulse Showcase for two years. Cassandra is currently working toward a Bachelors degree and working full time as a CNA. Cassandra has been trained in and has experience teaching Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Pom/Dance, and Hip Hop.

Kalyssa Tatroe

Dance Instructor

Kalyssa Tatroe began her dancing career at St. Croix Academy for the Arts in Stillwater Minnesota at the age of 5, when she immediately fell in love with the art of ballet. She danced there for several years, performing in every spring recital and presentation of The Nutcracker. She later moved on to The Phipp's Center for the Arts, where she was part of many productions, a few were Narnia and Beauty and the Beast. She soon joined Hudson Dance Academy's performance of The Nutcracker, and instantly wanted to be a part of the studio. Kalyssa has been working towards her degree at University of Wisconsin in River Falls while along with continuing her dance education in Ballet. Kalyssa also attended master classes from Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, and Doug Cadwell. In 2009 she was selected to work for the Pulse in Chicago, IL and also performed in the Pulse showcase. She is currently teaching ballet, pointe, lyrical and stretching and conditioning at the Hudson Dance Academy.

Erica Wiggs

Dance Instructor

Erica began her dancing career at Hudson Dance Academy when the studio first opened. She has had the opportunity to be part of the HDA competition lines and has won numerous awards. Her solos have won many first place awards. While dancing Erica was in many Nutcracker productions, selected twice to perform at the Pulse, and has been a vital part of the Hudson Dance Academy family. Erica has also continued her dance education under Mia Michaels, Cris Judd, Wade Robson, and Dave Scott. Erica is currently teaching Preschool, Jr. Hip Hop. and Tap and Jazz. She also works full time in Hudson.

Sami Schrack

Assistant Dance Instructor

Sami started dancing in Milwaukee, WI when she was little, studying ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. When her family moved to Hudson, WI Sami started dancing at Hudson Dance Academy. Sami was part of our Company dance line and has continued her dance education at conventions such as the Pulse and Jump. Sami is currently studying at University of Wisconsin in River Falls and is part of the Dance program. Sami is assisting Mrs. Keri and Miss Cassi preparing to teach next year.

Brenda Richardson

Front Desk and Preschool Dance Instructor

Brenda started dancing as a young girl at Pat Fletcher's and then Helmer Dance Studio. Brenda, her husband and two daughters are longtime residents of River falls, WI . Brenda spent two years at Shoreline Dance teaching preschool combo, Beginning Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. She has continued her dance education by attending the Jump dance convention. When she is not dancing in our Adult classes or teaching she is also at our front desk helping dancers and parents. Brenda's two daughters are part of our dance family, Brooklynn is a member of our Mini Competition line and Mackenzie takes our Jr. Level Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. We are very blessed to have Mrs. Brenda as part of the H.D.A. family.