Tiarks School of Dance: Where Harlan Youth Have Stepped in Rhythm Since 1976

A Family Legacy of Dance Spanning Generations

In the heart of downtown Harlan, Iowa, a three-story building on Market Street has been the home of graceful movements, tumbling techniques, and rhythmic steps for over three decades. Tiarks School of Dance, led by mother-daughter team Janice Tiarks and Jill Daeges, has been shaping the physical abilities and confidence of Harlan's youth since 1976.

From Basement Classes to Downtown Destination

The story of Tiarks School of Dance begins with Janice Tiarks, who had established herself in the Council Bluffs dance community from an early age. Alongside her sister, Janice even performed on the Johnny Carson show during his early career in Omaha. When her husband's job relocated the family to Harlan, Janice initially planned to retire from dance and focus on family life.

"Mom was going to retire and not do dance anymore. She was just going to be a stay-at-home mom," Jill explains. "But somebody knew that she did dance and talked her into opening just in her basement to have some lessons." What started as casual basement classes quickly outgrew the space, leading to a move to the now-demolished Laurel School, where they occupied two classrooms.

When that building was condemned, they purchased their current location approximately 31 years ago – a spacious three-story building on Harlan's square that perfectly accommodates their diverse class offerings with dedicated spaces for different styles of dance.

A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Dance Education

Today, Tiarks School of Dance offers a comprehensive program that caters to children aged 2-18, with each floor of their building dedicated to different disciplines.

"Our basement has tap and jazz down there and hip hop. Our main floor is our tumbling room. And then upstairs, we have ballet and character room," says Jill, who serves as the primary instructor while her mother Janice remains involved as a partner and occasional instructor.

The studio's approach is thoughtfully structured for different age groups. They begin with "Mommy and Me" classes for the youngest dancers aged 2-4 years. As children grow, they advance to combo classes that introduce the three fundamental elements of dance: tap, ballet, and tumbling. Older students can then specialize in their preferred styles, choosing from tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, character (similar to musical theater), or tumbling.

Building Skills Beyond the Dance Floor

While some might see dance as purely artistic, Tiarks School of Dance embraces its role in developing well-rounded individuals in the rural Iowa community. Jill describes their studio as "more of a recreational kind of dance studio," acknowledging that many of their students participate in various sports and activities.

This multi-activity approach hasn't diminished the studio's impact – quite the opposite. Current Harlan football coach Todd Bladt is among the studio's notable alumni, having credited his dance training with improving his performance in football and wrestling.

"We've had a lot of coaches' kids that have gone through our studio. And we have a lot of kids that have gotten scholarships in college like for cheerleading or dance team," Jill notes proudly.

The studio celebrates achievements through their creative "Wall of Fame" – when students master specific skills or techniques, their names are added to the wall, creating a visual testament to their growth and dedication. "They're really proud of what they've accomplished," says Jill. "It's fun watching them get that accomplishment."

Creating Opportunities to Shine

Jill finds particular fulfillment in providing an avenue for children to excel outside academic settings. "Sometimes they're not as good in academics, but when it comes to dance and that kind of stuff, they can excel in that," she explains. "Everybody is gifted in their own way."

The studio's annual recital, held at Harlan High School in late April or early May (this year scheduled for May 4th), gives students the opportunity to perform before a community audience. Additionally, classes perform at local nursing homes, allowing residents, including many students' grandparents, to enjoy the performances.

To enhance safety and skill development, the studio has invested in specialized equipment, including an "air track" – an inflatable tumbling surface that stands about three feet tall when fully inflated. This equipment allows students to practice more challenging stunts with reduced risk of injury, especially when practicing moves repeatedly.

A Hands-On, Personalized Approach

What sets Tiarks School of Dance apart, according to feedback from students who have trained elsewhere, is their hands-on teaching style. "We're more hands-on on some of the tumbling stunts and things like that," Jill notes. "We take the time to make sure the student knows what they're doing and where to place things."

This personalized approach has helped maintain a strong enrollment across all their dance styles. With Jill as the primary instructor, assisted by high school student Sienna and occasionally supported by Janice Tiarks, the school maintains its family-centered atmosphere while providing quality dance education.

Building Community Through Movement

As Tiarks School of Dance approaches its 50th anniversary, its impact on Harlan continues to resonate through generations of dancers. What began in a family basement has evolved into a cornerstone of youth development in the community. Through recitals, nursing home performances, and their presence at local events like Kid Fest, the school extends its reach beyond dance technique to build confidence, discipline, and joy.

For Jill Daeges, the reward comes in those moments when a student masters a challenging move or performs with newfound confidence. In a small town where sports often take center stage, Tiarks School of Dance has carved out a special place where artistic expression and physical accomplishment meet, providing Harlan's youth with skills that serve them well beyond the dance floor.

Visit Tiarks School of Dance at 610 Market Street in downtown Harlan (entrance and parking available from the back via Hill Street). For class information, schedules, and registration details, check out their Facebook page or email tiarksdance@gmail.com. Look for their booth at the upcoming Kid Fest on April 26th at the Vets Auditorium in Harlan, where children can try out dance equipment hands-on and see video performances from current students.