About Us
We are Studio West Dance Center, independently visioned and operated since 2006.
SWDC offers an experience for all. We understand everyone’s journey is unique and offer two enriching paths for our dancers through our Performance and Pre Pro opportunities. We offer the very best in a well-rounded dance education under one roof for the beginner to advanced dancer.
Our History
It all began with the deep seed instilled in the then 40-year-old Jennifer Knostman to provide the next generation of artists with the meaningful, inspiring, creative, and passionate experiences rooted in her own dance education growing up in Kansas. As a mother of three, she felt there was a hole that needed to be filled in her community: to provide the “all-’round” dance experience.
With a family environment from its inception, Studio West Dance Center has been helping the youth of Northern Colorado to discover and pursue their dreams through the art of dance. We prepare each dancer for a successful path in life, as we believe dance skills are life skills. Our dance education is based on foundation and current industry standards in all genres and styles, cultivating lifelong relationships, helping others, and the importance of being present. Our values in technique, artistry, dance education and performance opportunities have not wavered 17+ years later.
They say it takes a village. We are so grateful to all the families, guest artists and faculty who make us who we are today and bestow on us this privilege to continue making art.
Jennifer Knostman
Owner, Artistic Director, Instructor
(Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop)
Jennifer Knostman opened Studio West Dance Center in 2006 and has been sharing her love of dance since. From her first dance class at the age of 3 to SWDC as you know it today the art of dance has fueled her passion for over 55 years and taken her from coast to coast. Nurturing and encouraging the next generation of artists and HUMAN beings has been her top priority from SWDC’s inception and continues today.
For the past 34 years Jennifer and her husband Tom have been building roots here in Fort Collins and Northern CO. Together, from the ground up they created Studio West Dance Center, and raised three “dancing” babies. Having their own children go through the program fueled and guided the model for the continued pursuit of bringing the best faculty, master teachers and intensives to Northern CO. Today, Jennifer has stayed rooted in these values and ensures that excellence in artistry, technique and education are at the forefront of SWDC’s philosophy.
You will still find Jennifer in the classroom, as well as continuing her own pursuit of dance education. Her dancer’s have graduated from Juilliard to USC and in between, you can find them on cruise ships, world tours, dance companies and beyond. She has been awarded many national awards and accolades along the way and can be seen in Dance Teacher’s May 28th 2019 Higher Ed issue, “Harrison Knostman’s Winning Path to Juilliard.”
She is devoted to keeping the art of dance alive in a fun, nurturing and kid friendly environment!
Full-Time Staff
We understand we are more than “dance instructors”. As your child’s role models and mentors, we are committed to inspiring them to be the best version of themselves on and off the dance floor.
Ashton Schmeekle
Kathy Vreeland
Katie Hazard-Chubb
Brady Rowan
Madelin Gagner
Leah Dennon
Rhiannan McGee 2024
Ernan Torrez
Guest Faculty
Harrison Knostman
Malia Schonfeld
Emily Carpenter
Sithumi Sinley
Katie Hazard, an Ohio Native started dancing when she was 13 years old. Before her dancing days, she started as a competitive gymnast where she ended as a level 9. Katie moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in 2011. She immediately started working for the touring company MusEffect. Where she has been a principal dancer in the past 8 shows of “The Divine Direction.” She also had the opportunity to travel with Hollywood Vibe Dance Convention where she assisted top tier professionals for 10 plus years.
Ernan Torrez