Instructors
Ms. Anna
Anna Steil-Kerns
Owner, Director, Teacher, and Competition Team Coach
A native of Oelwein, Iowa, Anna has dedicated her life to the art of dance and to sharing its transformative power with others. Anna began dancing when she was 9 years old in her hometown, where a love for dance first took root and blossomed into a lifelong passion. Anna continued her education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Health Promotion, along with an Entrepreneurial Certificate. While at the university, she was also a proud member of the Iowa Dance Team, further honing her performance and leadership skills.
Now in her 18th season as owner of Northeast Iowa Dance Academy (formerly Steil’s Studio of Dance), Anna continues to enhance the art of dance within the very community that shaped her. She is a certified instructor through Acrobatic Arts and works closely with the studio’s competition team ~ choreographing, coaching, and mentoring dancers at all levels. Her involvement in both the technical and creative aspects of the studio reflects her deep commitment to her students and the continued growth of the program.
Anna’s mission is to provide her students with the same enriching opportunities she experienced through dance ~ opportunities that foster not only technical skill, but also self-confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships. Her love for and commitment to dance is reflected in her many professional affiliations, memberships, and awards.
Whether she’s teaching in the studio, preparing dancers for competition, or organizing performances, Anna brings passion, purpose, and a deep sense of community to everything she does. She finds immense joy in working with students of all ages and takes great pride in watching each dancer grow in both ability and confidence.
Ms. Elsie
Elsie Schmit (VanDaele)
Instructor, Competition Team Coach & Social Media Manager
Elsie, from Fairbank, has been part of the Northeast Iowa Dance Academy family since the age of 7. What began as a childhood passion quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment to the art of dance. In 2016, while still a student herself, Elsie began teaching classes ~ balancing her own training with her growing role as an instructor. Her early experience leading younger dancers fueled her desire to help students grow in both skill and self-confidence.
Elsie went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Today, she teaches a wide range of styles and age groups, coaches the studio’s competitive dance team, and oversees NIDA’s social media presence ~ bringing energy, creativity, and professionalism to every part of her work.
As a competition team coach, Elsie is passionate about developing well-rounded dancers who are strong in both technique and teamwork. She finds joy in helping dancers challenge themselves, set goals, and celebrate their progress on and off the stage.
Elsie is at the studio nearly every day and truly loves every minute of it. Whether she’s choreographing, teaching little ones, or supporting dancers at competition, she’s proud to share her love of dance and honored to walk alongside her students in their journey.
Miss Lana
Lana Gieselman
Instructor & Competition Team Coach
Lana, from Oelwein, has been dancing for 19 years ~ 14 of those with Northeast Iowa Dance Academy, where she is now entering her 5th year as an instructor. With extensive pre-professional ballet training and a deep passion for sharing her knowledge, Lana brings a strong classical foundation and a love for artistry into every class she teaches.
She studied ballet at several prestigious conservatories across the country and was a trainee at both Minnesota Dance Theater and Next Generation Ballet. Lana has also attended summer intensives at Texas Ballet Theater, Ballet Chicago, Next Generation Ballet, and Ballet West ~ experiences that have shaped her both technically and artistically.
At NIDA, Lana is known for her ability to pass on that knowledge in a way that excites and inspires her students. She loves teaching because of the joy and energy her dancers bring to the studio. Watching them grow in confidence, skill, and passion is what motivates her most. Whether she’s teaching beginner ballet or advanced technique, Lana creates an environment where students feel challenged, encouraged, and celebrated.
For Lana, dance is not only a form of expression ~ it’s a lifelong journey of growth, discipline, and joy. She believes that the lessons learned in the studio extend far beyond the stage, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to help dancers discover their own artistic voice.
Miss Hannah
Hannah Schmidt
Instructor & Competition Team Coach
Hannah, originally from Oelwein, and now living in Independence, has been dancing since the age of 3. With a lifelong love for movement and expression, Hannah continued her dance journey beyond high school by joining a dance company at the University of Northern Iowa, where she further developed her skills and artistic voice.
Hannah’s favorite style of dance is modern, and she especially enjoys teaching it because it challenges dancers to step outside of their comfort zones and explore new types of movement. She believes modern dance is a powerful tool for creativity, expression, and personal growth ~ both for students and choreographers.
As an instructor at Northeast Iowa Dance Academy, Hannah finds joy in watching her students evolve throughout the year. She is passionate about creating a space where dancers feel free to express themselves, experiment with choreography, and explore the stories dance can tell.
For Hannah, dance is not just an art form ~ it’s an escape, a creative outlet, and a way to connect deeply with both emotion and meaning. She brings that same sense of purpose and exploration into every class she teaches, helping her students discover their own unique voices through movement.
Miss Karlee
Karlee Fuelling
Instructor & Competition Team Coach
Karlee, originally from Independence, Iowa, has been part of the Northeast Iowa Dance Academy family for most of her life ~ dancing with the studio for 15 of her 18 years of training. Her journey from student to teacher reflects her deep love for dance and her dedication to sharing that passion with others. After 4 years as a teaching assistant, she is now entering her 6th year as an instructor, bringing experience, enthusiasm, and a genuine connection to her students.
Karlee is currently in her third and final year at the University of Northern Iowa, where she is studying and serving as a captain on the UNI Dance Team. Her leadership, energy, and dedication shine both on campus and at the studio.
As an instructor and competition team coach at NIDA, Karlee loves working with dancers of all ages, especially young children. Her favorite part of teaching is helping students discover their own love for dance and watching them grow in confidence and creativity. She believes in using dance as a powerful outlet for emotion and self-expression ~ something she’s experienced personally and now encourages in her students.
Karlee brings positivity, passion, and a strong connection to the studio community. Whether she's in class, at competitions, or cheering on dancers from the sidelines, she strives to make every student feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Miss Izsy
Izsy Fauser
Instructor & Competition Team Coach
Izsy, from Oelwein, Iowa, has been dancing at Northeast Iowa Dance Academy since she was just 3 years old. She is currently in her second year at the University of Northern Iowa, where she continues her dance journey as a member of the UNI Dance Team. Izsy has grown both as a dancer and a person through her years at NIDA, and she is excited to share that experience with her students.
Izsy is going into her 5th year of teaching at NIDA and assisted many classes prior to that! She loves teaching because it allows her to spend time with young dancers and get to know each one as a unique individual. She believes dance classes should be fun, supportive, and inspiring ~ a place where students can develop skills while feeling encouraged to express themselves creatively. Her goal is to make every class enjoyable and rewarding for all dancers.
For Izsy, dance is more than just movement ~ it’s a true passion that brings her happiness and fulfillment. She finds joy not only in performing but also in teaching, knowing that dance has the power to boost confidence and bring out the best in people. This passion motivates her every day in the studio.
Izsy is dedicated to helping her students discover their own love for dance and supporting them as they grow in both skill and confidence. She looks forward to continuing to inspire and encourage dancers of all ages at Northeast Iowa Dance Academy.
Miss Elzsie
Elzsie Fauser
Instructor
Elzsie, from Oelwein, Iowa, has been dancing at Northeast Iowa Dance Academy for over 14 years. She started assisting classes at a young age and began teaching classes in 2020. Now, as a senior at Oelwein High School, she continues to grow as both a dancer and instructor within the studio.
Elzsie loves teaching because of the energy and excitement her students bring into the studio. She especially enjoys seeing the joy on their faces when they learn something new or accomplish something they’ve been working hard on. Her goal is to create a fun, supportive space where dancers feel encouraged and proud of themselves.
She connects easily with younger students and loves making class an enjoyable and positive part of their week. Whether she’s helping a dancer with their first steps or cheering them on during a performance, Elzsie brings enthusiasm, patience, and a true love for dance to everything she does.
In addition to teaching and assisting classes, Elzsie continues to train as a student herself ~ dedicated to improving her technique and staying connected to the art form she loves. She’s excited to keep learning, growing, and sharing her passion with others.
Miss Mackenzie
Mackenzie Christian
Instructor & Competition Team Coach
Mackenzie, from Independence, Iowa, has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Before joining Northeast Iowa Dance Academy during high school, she trained at Dancer’s Edge in Cedar Rapids. Dance has always been a meaningful part of her life, and she is passionate about sharing that love with her students.
Currently, Mackenzie is in her second year at the University of Northern Iowa, where she is studying Elementary Education with a minor in Social Emotional Learning. She is also a member of the UNI Dance Team, where she continues to grow her skills and perform at the collegiate level.
At NIDA, Mackenzie primarily coaches the competition team, helping dancers build confidence, improve technique, and perform at their best. She also steps in to substitute teach classes, bringing enthusiasm and encouragement to dancers of all ages and levels. This past year, Mackenzie choreographed many solos and contributed to group routines, using her creativity and experience to help dancers shine on stage.
Mackenzie has a deep passion for dance, valuing it as a powerful form of self-expression through diverse styles and movement. With dance being a lifelong influence, she is proud to be part of the studio community and finds great fulfillment in supporting her students’ growth ~ both as dancers and as individuals.
