Sharing the passion of dance through quality education since 1982

Fergus Falls School of Dance welcomes dancers of all ages to grow in confidence, discipline, and joy through movement.

Who is FFSD?

Fergus Falls School of Dance is one of the longest running traditional dance studio in the midwest. Founded in 1982, FFSD is led by owner and director Suzanne Svare and supported by a dedicated team of instructors committed to quality dance education.

What We Do

We offer age-appropriate dance classes that focus on strong technique, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance. Whether a dancer is stepping into the studio for the first time or continuing years of training, our classes support growth at every stage.

Our Dance Season

Classes are offered throughout the school year. Each season includes two annual performances: our auditioned Dance & Dessert fundraiser in December and our Spring Concert, which features all of our dancers.

Our Class Offerings

Fundamentals

Ages 4-7 | Preschool - 1st grade

Fundamentals classes introduce young dancers to the joy of movement in a structured and supportive environment. Students explore rhythm, coordination, musicality, and classroom structure while building confidence and social skills.

Students are placed by school grade, recognizing that physical and emotional development are the most important factors at this age.

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Pre-Ballet

2nd grade and up

Pre-Ballet introduces students to the foundational concepts of classical ballet while continuing to build coordination and body awareness.

Students begin learning ballet positions, movement vocabulary, and musical phrasing in preparation for more structured ballet training.

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Tap

2nd Grade and up

Tap classes introduce students to rhythmic footwork and musical timing. Students learn foundational tap technique while developing coordination, listening skills, and rhythmic expression.

Tap classes are available for both youth and adult dancers.

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Ballet

3rd Grade and up

Ballet is the foundation of many dance styles and focuses on posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and coordination. As students progress, training becomes more structured and technique-focused.

Consistent training is important for developing the strength and precision required in ballet.

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Jazz

4th Grade and up

Jazz classes emphasize dynamic movement, flexibility, and expressive performance. Students develop strength, coordination, and musicality while exploring contemporary jazz technique.

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Modern

4th Grade and up

Modern dance encourages creative exploration and expressive movement. Students develop body awareness while learning modern dance techniques and improvisation.

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Pointe

By Instructor Approval

Pointe work is introduced only when students have developed sufficient strength and technique in ballet. Students must be enrolled in at least two ballet classes per week and receive instructor approval before beginning pointe training.

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Adult Classes

FFSD offers adult dance classes for dancers of all experience levels. These classes provide an opportunity to stay active, explore movement, and enjoy dance in a welcoming environment.

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Why We Dance

Our Mission

Fergus Falls School of Dance strives to shape the movers of tomorrow through quality dance education.

Our Vision

Fergus Falls School of Dance welcomes dancers of all ages and inspires confidence and creativity with a lifelong appreciation of the humanities.

FFSD’s Legacy

Fergus Falls School of Dance was founded in 1982 by Sue Gunness. In 1985, leadership of the studio passed to Ramona Jacobs, whose decades of direction established a strong foundation for quality dance education in the Fergus Falls community. Through extensive training and continued professional education, she shaped a studio rooted in technical excellence, creativity, and care for generations of dancers.

Today, Fergus Falls School of Dance is owned and directed by Suzanne Svare, who began dancing at the studio at age seven and trained there for twelve years. Leading the studio she grew up in, Suzanne is supported by a dedicated team of instructors and student teachers who bring diverse experience and passion to the classroom, continuing FFSD’s welcoming and growth-focused approach to dance education.

FFSD’s Legacy

Fergus Falls School of Dance was founded in 1982 by Sue Gunness. In 1985, leadership of the studio passed to Ramona Jacobs, whose decades of direction established a strong foundation for quality dance education in the Fergus Falls community. Through extensive training and continued professional education, she shaped a studio rooted in technical excellence, creativity, and care for generations of dancers.

Today, Fergus Falls School of Dance is owned and directed by Suzanne Svare, who began dancing at the studio at age seven and trained there for twelve years. Leading the studio she grew up in, Suzanne is supported by a dedicated team of instructors and student teachers who bring diverse experience and passion to the classroom, continuing FFSD’s welcoming and growth-focused approach to dance education.

Interested in the 2026–2027 Dance Season?

If you’re considering registering for the upcoming season, we’d love to stay in touch.

Share your information below and we’ll notify you when registration opens.