Golden Valley Class Is More Than Dance

Toni Nelson, a wife, mother, grandmother, and dance instructor since 1974, made one of her most important decisions at the age of three.

Her parents gave her and her sisters the opportunity to choose between dance, horseback riding or playing the piano. Nelson said that one of her sisters chose horseback riding, the other chose piano, so she chose dance. Almost 40 years later, Nelson, 64, remains happy with her decision.

"Dance is a lifetime sport and it keeps me young," she said. Nelson has even turned dance into a career as a dance instructor.

Nelson began her career as an instructor working out of her parents' home for five years.

"One day I called the Brookview Community Center to see if they were in need of a dance instructor—and the rest is history," she said.

Nelson has been teaching ballet and tap at the community center for more than 20 years. It has evolved into a family affair.

In 1992, Nelson's daughter, Nicki Cullen, came on board to help her mother conduct dance lessons at the community center. 

Like her mother, Cullen started dancing at the age of three as well. Now "both of my daughters are in dance and it's nice to pass on the tradition," Cullen said.

Since then this mother-daughter duo has established a reputation for their quality of teaching. Just ask Karla Boemer of Golden Valley. Boemer's daughter Sidney is a first year dance student at the community center. 

"They're good and know what works for their students," Boemer said.

So one might ask how this program has survived over the years. Simple: affordability.

"Class prices are reasonable," said Erin Hale of St. Louis Park. "My daughter was in gymnastics last year and this year, the price doubled." As a result, while looking through the Golden Valley Parks and Recreational brochure, Hale was drawn to the $40-per-session price of the class.

But it's not just prices alone. It is also the life lessons that are taught to a young, emerging woman. Terry Burgess of Golden Valley enrolled her daughter, Mya, three years ago for tap dance at the community center.

"When Mya started, she would say, 'I don't want to go,' and she was so shy. Now, she's not shy and has blossomed into a leader of her class," Burgess said of her five-year-old daughter.

Said Nelson: "Performances teach self-confidence and provides people in general to give kids credit for their abilities. Our students grin ear-to-ear during recitals just from hearing the applause from the audience."

It is the love for dance and confidence given to kids that have kept Nelson, Cullen and the community together for so long.  

"Last week during the winter storm, 20 students out of 23 showed up for class and that speaks for itself," Nelson said.

Upcoming information regarding ballet and tap dance classes at the community center can be viewed at the City of Golden Valley website.