5 things to know about Prior Lake's Business of the Year

Prior Lake American

There are many businesses in Prior Lake, but only one can be named Business of the Year. This year, it was Premiere Dance Academy on Colorado Street in Prior Lake.

“We were among so many incredible businesses and were very proud and honored that we were chosen,” co-owner Dawn Schulberg said. “It is such a special thing to own a business with family, so to have everyone there to share in the excitement was an unforgettable moment.”

Jenny Nagy, the community involvement coordinator for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, was named Businessperson of the Year. The winners were announced during the chamber’s annual meeting on Jan. 17.

Premiere Dance Academy has been in Prior Lake since the spring of 2003 — here’s five things to know about the business.

1. The owners are experienced dancers

Premiere Dance Academy is owned by Dawn Schulberg, Cassie Norgren and Callie Schulberg. Dawn Schulberg grew up in a dance studio and eventually went on to direct, choreograph and instruct students in a studio setting. Norgren and Callie Schulberg are certified with Dance Educators of America and have studied and performed in the Twin Cities area, New York and Italy.

2. The studio is involved in the community

Being a part of the community is even one of the core lessons the instructors try to teach their dancers, as well as “to always be themselves, to respect and encourage others, to work hard, to inspire others, to learn from others and to be a part of their community,” Dawn Schulberg said.

The academy joined the membership for the chamber as soon as it was opened and have since made an effort to participate in volunteering by collecting food and toys and sponsoring events.

“We think that Prior Lake has so much to offer and have supported Shop Local, Shop Often and built relationships with our local businesses,” Dawn Schulberg. “We owe a lot of this to our staff as well. We feel pretty lucky to be in such a supportive community with so many wonderful people.”

3. The academy works with all sorts of students

The studio aims to include everyone who wants to dance in the academy, Dawn Schulberg said. At this point, that’s about 800 students. The instructors work to provide all types of dances and levels for participants.

“Whether they want to start dancing at age 3 or 16, whether they want to dance recreationally for an hour a week or 15 hours a week in a competitive environment, we work hard to make everyone feel valued and like family,” Dawn Schulberg said. “We truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of dance and we try to create a place for them to feel safe and encouraged at all times.”

4. The business has moved spaces a few times

The academy started out renting a library space for 170 students. After two years, the company outgrew the space and rented more spaces at the Priodale Mall and a gymnastics business in addition to the library. After the business continued to grow, the company constructed its own building in downtown Prior Lake and opened in 2007.

5. It’s hoping to grow

“We see ourselves continuing to provide and teach for the dancers we currently have and we hope to see them bring their own children to our business someday as well,” Dawn Schulberg said. “We want to be a part of the generations to come and we will continue to provide the best instruction possible.”