Our Story
Dance Gallery of South Dakota is a prominent classical ballet and dance studio located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recognized for its comprehensive curriculum and professional training atmosphere.
The studio was founded in 1999 by owner and director Jackie Pederson-Kriens. It began as a small operation with just 40 students utilizing a single studio space on the second floor of a downtown Sioux Falls building. The original downtown facility became known for its distinct, urban "New York dance studio" aesthetic, featuring 12-foot ceilings to accommodate partnering work and specialized men's classes.
Over the two decades following its launch, Dance Gallery experienced rapid growth, eventually expanding its enrollment to 300 students. To support this volume, the school developed a multi-studio infrastructure featuring seven well-equipped training rooms outfitted with state-of-the-art sound systems and professionally constructed sprung flooring.
Dance Gallery differentiated itself by anchoring its educational framework in highly regarded dance syllabi, specializing in:
The Cecchetti Method: A rigorous, classical ballet technique and training method.
Leap 'N Learn: A specialized early-childhood dance curriculum designed to safely introduce young children to movement.
To provide advanced training and rigorous performance outlets for its upper-tier students, the studio established the Dance Gallery Youth Ballet (DGYB). Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, pre-professional ballet company, DGYB offers extensive performance opportunities for dedicated regional dancers aged 9 and Older.