Jessie Schnack came to Johnston Iowa 3 years ago with the love of the arts in her soul and a vision in her mind. Knowing that she wanted to take her talents in the realm of dance to the youth of Iowa, she made a decision: Bring the arts to life for children with dance and musical theater. Once she saw that empty brick building with a “For Sale” sign in front of it, she instantly knew that this was the place and this was the time to make the vision a reality. Being the winner of the Fabulous Fosse Award in 2020, she recalls Fosse’s words: “Anyone can dance; I will teach them how”. And with those words, and with the passion and talent Jessie had as a dancer, choreographer and educator, she opened up The Dancer’s Theater for children.
“The Arts are such a shared experience” says Schnack when asked about the mission of The Dancer’s Theater. Children ages five through eighteen attend summer dance and musical theater camps at the theater and Jessie makes sure to build that sense of community while they learn. Jessie adds that “This is a space where it is okay to make mistakes” when speaking of her philosophy. The Dancer’s Theater in Johnston is coming up on its one-year anniversary as a non-profit organization and is thriving in its quest to expose the youth of Iowa to the wonderful world of dance and musical theater.
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The Mission and Vision of the Dancer’s Theater
Jessie Schnack’s mission for the Dancer’s Theater is clear: “We are dedicated to youth performance arts. Our mission is to create an inclusive and safe space for kids to come and create. It’s okay to make mistakes; we are a judgment-free zone.” She emphasizes the importance of providing guidance while encouraging children to explore their creativity. “We want to culminate with performances, celebrating hard work and giving kids a platform to express themselves.”
Jessie’s passion for theater started early in her life. “Ever since I was part of my first community theater group, I’ve felt the magic of being part of something bigger. I’ve been dancing since I was three and always knew that I had a purpose in the arts,” she shared. This lifelong passion has driven her to create a space where children can experience the same joy and growth she found in the arts.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Community
Starting the Dancer’s Theater was not without its challenges. Jessie candidly spoke about the difficulties of running a nonprofit, especially her initial lack of business acumen. “I have the performance art experience, but I don’t have the nonprofit experience. I’m constantly learning and seeking advice from others,” she admitted. Despite these challenges, Jessie’s drive and commitment to her mission have helped her navigate the complexities of managing a nonprofit.
Jessie also highlighted the supportive community that has been instrumental in the theater’s success. “I have a couple of families who offer help and advice. They see where I’m struggling and step in to assist, whether it’s with grant applications or fundraising efforts.” This community support underscores the shared experience that is central to the arts.
Unique Offerings and Programs
The Dancer’s Theater sets itself apart with its unique approach to classes and performances. Jessie explained, “We offer shorter sessions, typically between six and ten weeks, to accommodate busy families. This allows kids to try something new without making a long-term commitment.” The theater offers a variety of classes, including traditional dance, musical theater, and dance storytelling, where children learn to tell stories through dance, much like the Nutcracker but with various dance styles.
One of the theater’s standout features is its in-house performances. “Our building has a stage area where we can do all of our performances. This eliminates the stress of unfamiliar venues and makes the experience more comfortable for the kids,” Jessie noted. Upcoming productions include “Annie Kids,” a 30-minute version of the classic musical, and original dance storytelling productions like “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
Embracing the Iowa Arts Scene
Jessie expressed her excitement about the growing arts scene in Iowa. “Parents are really starting to invest in the arts, seeing the value in building confidence, teamwork, and social skills. Our theaters and show choirs are winning at national levels because of this investment,” she said. The Dancer’s Theater aims to be a foundational part of this vibrant arts community, providing a place for children to begin their artistic journeys.
For more information about the Dancer’s Theater, including class schedules and upcoming performances, visit their website at TheDancersTheatre.org.
Empowering Youth Through the Arts
Jessie Schnack’s dedication to the Dancer’s Theater is a testament to the transformative power of the arts. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, she is helping the next generation of performers find their voices and develop their talents. As Jessie eloquently put it, “We’re here to enrich the lives of kids and help them become better at what they do. We’re not here to take; we’re here to play well with others.”
For those interested in supporting or getting involved with the Dancer’s Theater, Jessie encourages reaching out via their website. “We welcome anyone willing to give advice or support. Together, we can make a difference in these kids’ lives,” she concluded.