Kari Novikoff

Studio owner Kari Novikoff wasn’t just looking for lesson plan ideas. She was looking for a way to confidently build a program from the ground up. Kari needed tools that would give her structure, credibility, and a clear starting point. She found that in the Little Dancer Program: “I honestly wouldn’t have known where to begin without it,” she shares. “The warm-ups, center work, traveling steps—everything is laid out and explained. It gave me the confidence to start offering dance classes right away.”

That confidence translated into action. Kari announced her offerings and began enrolling students into her new children’s dance program. Families responded quickly, and what began as an experiment soon became a growing program.

For Kari, one of the biggest benefits of the program was how it supported both teaching quality and parent perception. The storytelling elements captured children’s imaginations, while the built-in technique development helped students improve posture, coordination, and focus—all things parents could see and appreciate.

“I love how sparking their imaginations helps in getting them to dance with correct technique, but in a fun way! They pretend they are princesses and pretend they are wearing a beautiful necklace or tiara. It improves their posture immediately, and I don't have to just tell them, they do it automatically. They are learning and it is fun.”

Located in Leavenworth, Washington, Kari’s studio has become a welcoming space for young dancers and their families. As she continues to grow her program and explore future expansion opportunities, she credits the program with helping her establish herself not just as a teacher, but as a studio owner with a clear, professional offering.

“I would not have a clue where to start without the details that this program provides,” Kari told us. “Everything is very well laid out and explained.”

Today, Kari continues refining her studio vision and exploring new possibilities, including expanding into a dedicated studio space and developing additional youth programs. With a structured preschool dance program in place, she now has a strong foundation to build on.

“The most impactful experience has been seeing how the kids gain confidence. At first, many were scared or shy. Then, at the end of a year, they are so confident! I feel that learning dance will help them with any future endeavors they may have, and that gives me joy.”