MEET OUR TEAM
About The Pointe
The Pointe School of Dance has proudly served the Cedar Rapids community for over a decade, creating a space where dancers feel supported, inspired, and empowered.
We believe that great dancers are built from the inside out. That’s why we focus on developing leadership, confidence, and a love of dance alongside strong technical skills. Whether a student is taking their very first class or joining our teams, we are committed to helping them grow and achieve their goals both in and out of the studio.
Learn more about The Pointe team below!
DIRECTOR
Vanessa Terrell
Miss Vanessa is the founder and director of The Pointe School of Dance and has been teaching and mentoring dancers for over 15 years. Her award-winning choreography has earned multiple “Best Choreography” and “Judges’ Choice” honors, and she has worked with studios, schools, and performing groups throughout Iowa.
In addition to leading The Pointe, Vanessa is a competition judge, convention teacher, and speaker who coaches dance educators and studio owners on best practices in student safety and wellness, business management, and parent communication. She brings a current, industry-informed perspective into every aspect of the studio.
She is passionate about developing strong, confident dancers through high standards, age-appropriate artistry, and a deeply supportive environment where every child is known and valued. Vanessa is a Certified Coach with More Than Just Great Dancing® and YPAD Certified, reflecting her commitment to youth protection and safe, developmentally appropriate training.
Vanessa’s husband, Dan, is a high school band director at Linn-Mar High School. They have two kids, Ray and Emmy, who are dancers at the studio. When not at the studio, Vanessa enjoys marathon training, reading, and spending as much time with Ray and Emmy as she can.
Contact Vanessa at: vanessa.thepointe@gmail.com
STUDIO OPERATIONS MANAGER
Laura Goeing
Miss Laura has been part of The Pointe since the very beginning and is a cornerstone of our team. She holds a degree in Dance from Southeast Missouri State University and brings extensive experience across all styles and age groups.
Laura is both a highly skilled instructor and the leader behind the studio’s daily operations. As Studio Operations Manager, she oversees scheduling, performances, and systems that ensure a seamless, organized experience for every family. Her consistency, attention to detail, and care for both students and staff are essential to the high standard families expect at The Pointe.
She is YPAD and Acrobatic Arts Certified and has completed multiple advanced dance teacher training programs, reflecting her commitment to safe, high-quality instruction.
When not at the studio, Laura enjoys spending time with family and staying connected to the dance community.
Contact Laura at: laura.thepointe@gmail.com
STUDIO PROGRAMS MANAGER
Demetra Chiafos
Miss Demetra brings exceptional depth of training and artistry to The Pointe. She holds a BFA in Dance from The Ohio State University, with a focus in Performance and Composition and Research Distinction, as well as a BA in Japanese. She also earned her MA in Japanese Translation from SOAS University of London while continuing to teach at the studio.
As Company Coordinator, Demetra leads and mentors our competitive dancers with a focus on both technical excellence and artistic growth. She teaches across all age groups and styles, bringing a thoughtful, highly educated approach to her work.
She is YPAD Certified and deeply committed to developing dancers who are both skilled and confident.
When not at the studio, Demetra enjoys continuing her language studies and engaging in creative and academic pursuits.
Contact Demetra at: demetra.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Grace Beaty
Miss Grace began dancing at The Pointe at age three and trained extensively through high school as part of our competition team and technique programs.
She earned her AA from Kirkwood Community College and is currently studying at the University of Iowa, pursuing degrees in Political Science and Criminology, Law, and Justice, with plans to attend law school.
Grace continues to train in dance while in college and brings a thoughtful, encouraging presence into her classes. She is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Grace enjoys her academic studies, continuing her dance training, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Grace at: grace.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Kara Bullerman
Miss Kara is a versatile instructor who works with dancers of all ages and specializes in tap. She is known for her thoughtful teaching style and her commitment to helping each dancer grow with confidence.
In addition to teaching, Kara is an active leader in our studio community. She is a dance mom, serves as President of The Pointe Foundation Board, and is passionate about expanding access to dance in our area. Outside of the studio, she works as an attorney.
Kara is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Kara enjoys spending time with her family and supporting community initiatives.
Contact Kara at: kara.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Savanah Cosgrove
Miss Savanah grew up training at The Pointe and brings years of experience in all styles of dance, with a special love for tap and lyrical. She was a member of the competition team for six years and has trained through conventions, competitions, and master classes.
She is known for her upbeat, engaging classes and her ability to build strong relationships with her students. Her positive energy creates an environment where dancers feel confident and excited to learn.
Savanah is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Savanah enjoys spending time with friends and family and continuing to stay connected to dance.
Contact Savanah at: savanah.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Emme Glesner
Bio and headshot coming soon!
INSTRUCTOR
Sydney Gorak
Bio and headshot coming soon!
INSTRUCTOR
Taryn Hildenbrand
Bio and headshot coming soon!
INSTRUCTOR
Christine Rippel
Miss Christine brings a unique blend of dance training and medical knowledge into her teaching. She trained at The Pointe and continued dancing at the University of Iowa, and now teaches all ages and styles while also serving as a Company coach.
As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Christine incorporates injury prevention, strength, and proper technique into every class. She is also a coach for the Marion High School Varsity Poms team.
She is YPAD Certified, CPR and First Aid certified, and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Christine enjoys coaching, staying active, and spending time with her family.
Contact Christine at: christine.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Claire Stevens
Miss Claire is a student at the University of Iowa studying Elementary Education with a minor in Dance. She trained and competed at The Pointe and was also involved in high school dance team and show choir, performing at national-level events.
She currently serves as a leader in the University of Iowa Dance Marathon, supporting children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.
Claire is passionate about working with children and helping young dancers build confidence while discovering a love for dance. She is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Claire enjoys her work with Dance Marathon and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Claire at: claire.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR + SERVICE TEAM
Katie Terrell
Miss Katie is a valued member of both our teaching staff and service team, creating a welcoming and positive experience for every family she interacts with. She grew up dancing in Boone, Iowa, and continued her dance career at the University of Northern Iowa, performing with the International Dance Theatre.
At The Pointe, Katie teaches classes and coordinates our summer dance camps, bringing organization, creativity, and energy to each program. She also works as a behavioral associate in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, giving her a strong foundation in child development and student support.
Katie is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training and Manager Training programs.
When not at the studio, Katie enjoys spending time with family and supporting the students she works with both in and out of the classroom.
Contact Katie at: katieterrell.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Beth Tygart
Miss Beth has been teaching dance since 1992 and brings decades of experience into every class. She trained in Omaha and continued dancing at the University of Iowa.
She teaches all ages and styles, with a special love for tap, and is known for creating a warm, encouraging classroom environment. Dance is truly a family tradition, as both of her daughters have grown up dancing and now teach as well.
Beth is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Beth enjoys time with her family and supporting their continued involvement in dance.
Contact Beth at: beth.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Denise Wedel
Miss Denise has extensive experience performing and teaching a wide range of styles, including ballroom and Latin dance. She leads our Chance to Dance program, which provides meaningful dance opportunities for students with special needs.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance.
Denise is also a paraeducator supporting students with special needs, bringing additional expertise and compassion into her teaching. She is YPAD Certified and has completed More Than Just Great Dancing® Teacher Training.
When not at the studio, Denise enjoys supporting her students and spending time in her community.
Contact Denise at: denise.thepointe@gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR
Kenzie Zeien
Bio and headshot coming soon!
A DANCE STUDIO YOU CAN TRUST
Our Certifications
We are a proud More Than Just Great Dancing studio. The Pointe School of Dance is Cedar Rapids only MTJGD-affiliated studio. This organization comprises the nation’s best dance studios and adheres to the highest standards in curriculum quality, business management practices, and community involvement.
The Pointe School of Dance is also Iowa’s first YPAD Certified dance studio. This certification ensures that dancers who take classes at The Pointe are in a safe, healthy, and positive environment. This mission is incredibly important to us here at The Pointe. ALL of our staff who work with kids are CPR-certified, background-checked, and YPAD-certified.
We believe that every child, at any ability level, deserves amazing dance training. Our studio provides a safe, age-appropriate environment backed by trusted certifications and highly trained staff. We are excited to welcome your child!
Join our Community!
Enrollment is open for our summer programs and the 2026 - 2027 season. Our students enjoy confidence-building programs that are designed for every age and stage. We’d love to welcome your family to the studio!
“We ♥ the pointe! My girls dance in a positive and uplifting environment that builds strong self-esteem.”
• Jenny, Dance Parent
