Dawn Schulberg was enrolled in dance class at age 3 and lasted a few weeks before she said she was kicked out.
She came back a year later and has danced ever since.
Decades later, the Prior Lake woman dreamed of owning her own dance studio, which came to fruition more than 20 years ago when she opened Premiere Dance Academy in downtown.
It started small with 150 students and classes that were held in rented spaces. Now, close to 600 students are enrolled in classes, some of whom represent the third generation of a family being taught at the school.
“Everyone has the ability to dance,” Schulberg said, noting children as young as 1 and as old as 85 have enrolled in classes at Premiere, some of whom went on to dance professionally. “Instilling confidence in our students is the No. 1 thing.”
Schulberg’s long dedication to dance and public service was honored in October when she was summoned to Hollywood to accept the inaugural Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Industry Dance Awards ceremony, appearing onstage at the historic Avalon nightclub to accept the honor.
The award highlighted the local dance studio’s participation in “Dancers Against Cancer,” an organization that provides financial assistance to dance teachers, dancers and their families, with millions of dollars raised since forming in 2012.
Schulberg said she cried when notified of the honor by phone. She is quick, however, to say the award is not about her, but rather her family, staff members and parents who have been supportive over the years.
Twenty staff members are now employed by Premiere, which offers a variety of classes focusing on specific types of dance, and for various age groups and skill levels.
While her daughters were off at college, their mom was opening the local studio. Schulberg said her daughters, Cassie and Callie, who both studied and worked in various parts of the country and abroad, have been an integral part of the operation, particularly in the area of choreography. Her son, Jason, is also involved in the general operations of the studio.
Schulberg said she is particularly proud not only Premiere’s affiliation with Dancers Against Cancer, but also “Darby’s Dancers.” The local studio joined the national movement to offer children who have special needs the opportunity to take dance classes and perform on stage.
Darby’s Dancers was formed in honor of a 14-year-old girl who had Down’s Syndrome and loved to dance. She was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in 2013.
Dance companies throughout the country were solicited to offer classes and learning opportunities to children with special needs at no expense to parents. Premiere Dance is one of the many participating studios throughout the U.S. offering such services.
Those who drive by the studio on Sundays during the months of January through June may see a parade of men entering the studio on Sunday evenings. Close to 125 dads of dancers participate in the annual recital with their daughters and attend weekly classes in the six months prior to the annual event.
“We do give them Super Bowl Sunday off,” she said with a laugh.
While Schulberg said the award was not about her, she felt honored to be chosen. Her goal, however, has always been to reenforce the value of teamwork and giving back to one’s community.
“I hope I am an example to everyone to live their dream,” Schulberg said. “This is not about me. It’s about what we have brought to the community in giving the kids the confidence to be where they want to be.”
