We realize that parents have choices between studios and activities for their children, which is why we feel very fortunate that so many families believe we are the best choice for their student's dance education. [Testimonials]  We are constantly evaluating and improving our facilities and continually training our staff to ensure that we provide our students and parents with the best experience possible.  That positive experience is our mission -- to use an enjoyable and enriching activity to improve your child's rhythm, flexibility, balance, musicality, poise, and self-discipline.

All studios are not the same.  We invite you to see why Prima School of Dancing is the right choice for your child to enjoy the beautiful, fun, and athletic art form of dance.

Christy Remington - Director
The majority of the classes at Prima School of Dancing are taught by the owner/director Christy Remington.  She has over 25 years of dance experience, focusing the majority of her training in ballet, tap and all styles of jazz.   Christy started teaching for Prima School of Dancing in 1995 and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education specializing in early childhood instruction from Colorado Christian University.  She continues to further her dance training through education programs and dance teacher trainings around the country including Mississippi, Colorado and most recently New York.  To her credit, Christy was the Director of a performance group and taught a wide range of dance classes on an outreach project to Cambodia for the organization Y.W.A.M. (youth with a mission).  Additionally, Christy is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level six of the ABT National Training Curriculum. Miss Christy brings to the classroom a love for her students and a desire to pass along her life-long passion for dance.

Melanie Cruse
Melanie grew up dancing at Prima School of Dancing with all types of dance.  Melanie pursued this passion at the University of Wyoming where she graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance.  During her University training she was chosen as a student choreographer for the American College Dance Festival.  Melanie is also a certified STOTT Pilates instructor, one of the most respected names in Pilates. Melanie brings passion and energy to the classroom and we excitedly welcome her back into the studio for another year of teaching at Prima.

Wendy Underwood
Wendy will be returning to teach beginning and intermediate adult tap.  She has taught at Prima for many years and has choreographed for Community Theatre and the Black Hills Playhouse.  Most recently, she was chosen to be the guest choreographer for Beauty and Beast, part of the Broadway series at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.  Wendy will be teaching both levels of Adult Tap on Sunday evenings.  Prima is fortunate to have such a dedicated instructor with an extensive tap background and obvious love for the art form. 

Sarah Christiansen
Sarah started training in dance from early childhood, she continued to study dance throughout college at the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska and University of Northern Colorado.  Along with all her dance experiences Sarah has earned a degree in Business Administration and another in Sociology.  Sarah has taught for the University of Nebraska’s Club Kicks Program and taught C.O.R.E.-Conditioning Organized for Results Everywhere. Sarah brings a wide range of teaching experience to Prima and we are grateful to have her as an instructor this year. 

Jill Bunkowske
Jill has an extensive educational background, which includes a Master’s Degree in Education.  She has taught 24 years of elementary education and 4 years of physical education and adapted physical education.  She has trained in Cechetti Ballet and has taught dance and fitness classes for over 25 years.  Jill is certified by STOTT Pilates and is also a certified yoga instructor. Prima is thrilled to welcome Jill into our program as she brings such a wealth of knowledge and experience in dance, Pilates and fitness education.

Nicci DeMarce
Nicci DeMarce grew up in Grand Forks, ND dancing, performing and teaching for the ND School of Performing Arts. She was selected to study on summer scholarship at the American Conservatory of Dance, Chicago, IL for three years; also taking class at the Lou Conte (Hubbard Street Co.) and Gus Giordano studios while dancing/performing in Chicago. She was able to study under Especially Tap Chicago's artistic director, Julie Cartier and founder Bruce Stegmann. She had the honor of becoming Miss North Dakota 1994, performing tap and lyrical across the state. She performed a tap number at the 1994 Miss America pageant for her talent competition. Nicci also studied Latin dance, Salsa & Merengue, for a year in Costa Rica, Central America, teaching at a resort. For the last 10 years, Nicci taught Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Latin genres of dance for all ages at the Aberdeen Arts and Cultural Center. She served as a member of the South Dakota Dance on Tour, SDAC committee, selecting professional companies for annual tours, residencies and performances and also served as a dance subject matter expert for the South Dakota Grant Review Panel. nbsp;She now resides in Rapid City with her husband, Chris and daughters Gabbi and Chloe. She is excited to join the Prima dance faculty and meet everyone! nbsp;

Heather Pickering
Ms. Pickering recently relocated to South Dakota to do her student teaching in the Central High School Theatre Department. She holds a BA in Theatre with an emphasis in music and dance from Colorado State University and a BA in Education from Chadron State College. She has worked both on stage and behind the scenes in Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Georgia, and Nebraska. She has worked for such well known organizations as The Georgia Shakespeare Festival and Up With People. She served as the Education and Outreach Director for Black Hills Community for the spring and summer season of 2008. During that time she served as the Artistic Director of Storybook Island Children’s Theatre Company, and wrote and Directed Flutter, a mixed ability movement piece that was performed with the Suzie Cappa Players of The Black Hills Workshop as well as individuals from Black Hills Community Theatre. She now serves as a transition specialist for incoming freshmen students at Central High School.