Sweet Sixteen
by Art with Altitude
This article originally appeared in theWinter 2025-26 issue of Art with Altitude.
Being a dancer at Elevation Dance Studio (EDS) means you are a role model, no matter your age or skill level. Sixteen years ago, owner Renee Fleischer became that role model for the dance community in Steamboat Springs. This year, the EDS team celebrates its Sweet 16 anniversary season with themed recitals that reflect what it means to be a dancer in Steamboat Springs—incorporating the grit and beauty of our mountain town with the unique spirit of resilience that comes from growing up here.
“Dance has the power to connect people, to tell stories, and to build community. My hope is that Elevation remains a place where that connection can be felt by everyone, whether they are on stage, in class, or in the audience,” said Renee.
When Renee first founded EDS, there was a real void in consistent, comprehensive dance training in Steamboat Springs. Inspired by dancers who had moved to town with strong training and experience, she felt called to create something that could match their passion. “To be honest, the challenge of opening and running a studio felt intimidating,” Renee admitted. What began as a response to a need has grown into something much bigger: a second home for dancers and families, and a place where passion, training, and community thrive together. “It’s in the everyday milestones where the true magic lives,” says Renee. “But what stands out most are the people, the dedication, and the journey it took to get there.”
Most people in town are familiar with EDS’s annual Nutcracker performance, the first of which premiered in 2012. Since then, the show has consistently featured 80–95 dancers, every cast drawn entirely from the local community. “One of the most iconic memories for me was the Sugar Plum Fairy solo, choreographed by Solange Guenier-Chambers and performed en pointe by Maggie McElhany. The music and choreography felt fresh, new, and relevant, and I remember feeling so proud and inspired to keep presenting the Nutcracker with a unique twist each year.”
The 10 Key Ingredients for Success at Elevation Dance
1. Clear Expectations & Structure – Attendance, dress code and effort standards
2. Supportive Relationships—Faculty guidance and peer encouragement
3. Individualized Attention—Feedback tailored to each dancer’s growth
4. High-Quality Training—Age-appropriate curriculum and strong technique
5. Growth Mindset Culture—Celebrate effort, progress and resilience
6. Safe & Inclusive Space—Physically safe and emotionally supportive
7. Performance & Goal Opportunities—Stage time, competitions, personal goal-setting
8. Parental Partnership—Parents as positive supporters
9. Passion & Joy for Dance—Creativity, artistry and fun alongside hard work
10. Role Models & Mentorship—Faculty and older dancers modeling discipline and professionalism
At Elevation, training is about more than talent. It’s about making progress, applying corrections, trusting your teachers and showing up with a positive attitude. “You can be the most technically gifted dancer in the room, but if you are not easy to work with, that will matter just as much as your technique,” said Renee.
Students hoping to join EDS can apply for scholarships from Steamboat Dance Theatre. Because scholarships don’t always cover competition and costume expenses, Renee has personally supported families through sponsorships over the years. “We will continue partnering with organizations like Partners for Youth and other nonprofits to ensure that any child who wants to dance at Elevation has a place to do so. Accessibility in the arts is essential. Everyone deserves the chance to explore their creativity. Giving children the opportunity to train not only helps them grow but also empowers them to create more opportunities for themselves and others in the future.”
EDS has been the first step for many young dancers who have gone on to remarkable opportunities, including spots on the Gonzaga University Dance Team, university dance companies and clubs at the University of Wisconsin and Fordham University, the USD Dance Team and arts programs at Pace University in New York.
• Maile Buschmann is currently part of the company at Cary Ballet in North Carolina.
• Wiley High, a CLI Conservatory graduate, is pursuing a career out of Los Angeles and was hired as part of CLI’s recruiting team.
• Marty St. Pierre is now dancing with Avant Chamber Ballet in Texas.
Looking Ahead
What does the future hold for EDS? “We see ourselves cultivating partnerships that connect our dancers to national and international opportunities, while keeping our roots firmly planted in Steamboat. Most importantly, Elevation will remain a place where every child who dreams of dancing has a place, regardless of background, because accessibility and community impact will always be at the heart of who we are.”
As for Renee, you might just find her around town enjoying her favorite meal—a salad with a side of fries—and singing along to Beyoncé.
Elevate the Arts: Buy your tickets for Nutcracker, take a dance class, or belt out Beyoncé at the top of your lungs. AwA
