Leslie Nolte
Leslie Nolte is the founder and Artistic
Director of the Nolte Academy of
Dance and STOTT Pilates. Leslie
earned her dance and theatre degree from
the University of Iowa and is certified
in Stott Mat and Reformer Pilates. She
has been dancing and teaching professionally
for over 10 years. Ms. Nolte founded
the Nolte Academy of Dance in 2000 to
bring her love of both children and dance
together in a fun and enriching environment
unlike any other in Eastern Iowa.
Since that time the studio has developed
a reputation for innovative dance instruction
that continues to produce sought after
talent.
As Artistic Director of Releve Dance Company,
Leslie has received numerous regional
and national awards for her inspiring
choreography, including a choreographer
of the year award in 2004. She believes
that her students should gain exposure
in a variety of fields and therefore continually
hosts guest instructors and artists from
around the county at the studio.
Even as the studio has experienced tremendous
growth from its humble beginning, Leslie
treats each and every dancer with the
love and respect they deserve to grow
as individuals and dancers.
In addition to the studio and Releve,
Leslie is the proud mother of three children
and an active supporter of the local
art community. She sits on the Board of
Directors of Duarte Dance Works, and
is currently the Children's Chorus Director
for ODC's upcoming production of The Velveteen
Rabbit at Hancher Auditorium.
Prior to opening the studio, Leslie trained
with Alan Sener, the late David Berkey,
Armando Duarte, Joel Hall, Sherry Moray,
Alicia Brown, Alonzo King, the late Linda
Crist, Fletcher Nickerson, and Denise
Sabala. She danced in her first
professional company at the age of 13
in Chicago and traveled the US entertaining
her audiences. Leslie danced with
TOUCH Productions, for industrial shows,
and performed with Jon Secada and Richard
Marx before moving to Iowa City.
Ms. Nolte was a member of 'Dancers In
Company', the premiere touring ensemble
of the UI and was chosen for The Gala
at the Kennedy Center for Spirituals.
