ANDREA SCHAEFER

Andrea Schaefer is honored to continue instructing and inspiring students after 15 years of leadership as previous owner of Barefoot Dance Studios from 2007-2023.  Andrea is thrilled to watch Barefoot head into its next chapter from the role of coach/instructor.  Andrea began her journey into dance education here in Rapid City teaching Ballet to gymnasts at Just Jymnastics.  This opportunity inspired her to academia where she received a BA in Dance Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico.  While in New Mexico, Andrea danced for many world renowned choreographers including Georg Blashke, Jonathan Kane and Esther Balfe.  Her professional career began in New Mexico as well under Bill Evans Dance Company, Donna Jewell Dance Company and Theatre and Ecotone Physical Theatre.  Her professional dancing career also took her to the Austrian Alps for two years performing in the glacial spectacle HANNIBAL with over 9000 audience members for Lawine-Torren.  These performances included base jumpers, controlled avalanches, the Red Bull flying team and dancers from around the globe. Upon her graduation, Andrea returned and brought a new vision of dance to Rapid City and immediately got to work within the community as a choreographer, artist and community builder.  She inspired ideas and choreographed from 2008-2017 with Flutter Productions gaining her the ANCOR National Community Builder Award and a local Community Building Award from Black Hills Works Foundation.  She has also choreographed numerous main stage productions for Black Hills Community Theater and Black Hills Playhouse.  Andrea also brought her vision to Hot Springs and Phillip South Dakota, touching the lives of hundreds of South Dakota children in rural communities. Andrea's leadership broadened into a statewide role as President of Dance Network of South Dakota for seven years where she brought dance studio owners and students together from around the state for annual conventions giving South Dakota dancers opportunities with professionals in the industry. Andrea is most proud of her work inside the classroom bringing her whole self to the table to demonstrate to her students that it is okay for them to bring their whole selves to everything they do in life.