6 minute read
PULSE DANCE STUDIO MAKING ATHLETICS LOOK EFFORTLESS
By Bob Fitch
The parents of Kara Van Voorst always instilled in her that she could do anything. “I believed them. I believe I can do anything and I’m just going to go out and work my tail off to make my dreams come true.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, but rooted in South Dakota, Kara became a dancer before even entering kindergarten. Dance became her life’s passion, especially under coach Melissa Strong at 5678! Dance Studio in Sioux City. She was on the competitive dance team at Dakota Valley High School in North Sioux City (including the team that won the first two of 13 consecutive state titles). She was on the dance team all four years at South Dakota State University under coach Christie Pekoske. Kara was the head coach at SDSU (2016-18) and at Harrisburg High School (2021 and 2022 seasons).
Six years ago, Kara’s passion manifested itself as Pulse Dance Studio in Harrisburg. Pulse launched with 40 student-athletes. Going into fall 2023, the studio is welcoming more than 450. The company’s rapid growth led Kara to recently break ground on a new studio just a few blocks west of her current location. A large crowd of Pulse families joined in the groundbreaking celebration.
The current rented facility has two 1,500 square foot studios. Kara will own the new building expected to open in January at the intersection of Willow and Honeysuckle. Pulse will have studios measuring 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 square feet, with room for future growth.
Running a dance studio combined Kara’s passion for dance with her college studies in entrepreneurship, marketing and management. “I’m a big believer in fate. Whatever path you’re meant to take, you’ll end up on that path.”
A Physically Demanding Sport
“Dance is different than other sports because you’re supposed to make everything look effortless and perfect. There’s definitely artistic elements to dance, but it is so physically demanding. We’re a very athletic-based dance studio. We push really hard in our competitions and recital classes. Even in the summertime, our kids work on their conditioning through our Pulse power workout program. They’re lifting weights, they’re squatting and they’re working on agility.
“Whether they’re jumping, kicking or leaping, our athletes make it look easy. But, just like any athlete, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes to make an incredible routine that blows you away.”
From Classic Ballet To Freestyle Hip Hop
There are six types of dance classes taught at Pulse:
• Acro: Tumbling skills incorporated into dance routines.
• Ballet: Classical dance focused on technique.
• Hip hop: Funky dance and fun freestyle.
• Jazz: High-energy dance with intense storyline.
• Lyrical: Elegance and emotion.
• Pom: Sharp, high-energy dance using pom poms.
There are classes for ages 3-18. Pulse has four assistant coaches who Kara praised for their energy, enthusiasm and expertise: Jean Stoick, Crimson McCall, Kassy Strable and Ashton Swift.
In the past year, Pulse athletes ramped up involvement in dance competition programs, going head-to-head against studios with much longer histories. The four Pulse competition teams brought home six grand champions, 11 first places, four second places, one third place, one fourth place, and one fifth place. In the upcoming season, five teams will compete, including at Nationals in Wisconsin Dells June 2024.
“This is my 27th year consecutively being in the dance world. So I feel confident in my skills and that I always give my kids 210 percent. But it was so validating to see our ‘little powerhouses’ go out there and do so well in their first year of competition.”
Competition provides lessons in winning and losing graciously, as well as bouncing back from a disappointing performance. “We want to win. We want to go for that. But we can’t just talk about it, we have to be about it. How are you going to get there? It’s the same for us as coaches. I could sit here all day long saying I want to be the best coach ever. But if I’m not planning, training and putting passion into it, it’s not going to happen.”
Family And Community
Kara’s husband, Kyle Van Voorst, is a precision ag specialist for Complete Ag Solutions of Inwood, Iowa. He also graduated from SDSU. He played football while she danced on the sidelines, yet the two didn’t meet until after college. They’ve been married for three years. “It’s awesome how opposites attract. I get excited about things and push him a little bit, while he keeps me a little more grounded,” she said.
Her mom, Barbara Christopher, started the family’s chain reaction moves to Harrisburg. She works in the IT department at the Harrisburg School District. Kara’s dad, Roger Holt, is the most recent family resident in Harrisburg. He’s worked at Ace Hardware for several months and recently purchased a home in the city. Her brother and sister-in-law, Jared and Shannon Christopher-Holt also live in the Harrisburg school district.
“Harrisburg is a unique community. It still has that small town feel, but you also have big town things that are happening.” She was intentional in her choice of Harrisburg for her business. “I saw a need within this community and I knew I’d be the one who could fill it. It’s been a big blessing, not just for myself, but for the families who have been looking and wanting an option like this for their kids. Harrisburg is such a wonderful, warm community that fits my personality and my coaching style.”
Kara praised the camaraderie of dancers and their parents. “Even when our kids compete against each other, we stay together as the ‘Pulse family.’ They totally believe and trust in the vision and direction that Pulse is going. I cherish all our Pulse dancers and families who believe in and love Pulse as much as I do! Pulse would not be where it is today, building a new studio, if it wasn’t for their support and intense passion.”
