director of preschool + acro program

Allison Osterhout

Dance has always been an important aspect of Allison’s life. Allison grew up in Northfield, and started dancing at an early age. In high school, she was a member of the Northfield Hiliners Dance Team, where (as a freshman) was part of the 1992 State Championship team. She also served her team as a choreographer and captain both her junior and senior years. After graduation, Allison attended St. Cloud State University, and stayed in the dance world by judging part-time.   

In 2004, Allison became the Director of the Northfield Just For Kix program, where she started and quickly grew the program to almost 200 dancers! She was also Head Coach of the Northfield Hiliners JV Dance Team during this time. After about 7 years of coaching and teaching dance in the Northfield area, Allison decided to attend an additional two years of business school at Normandale Community College, and then open her own dance studio in Lonsdale, MN. Studio52 Dance Company was born in August 2013 and made a positive impact on so many students in the Lonsdale community from 2013-2018. While at her studio, Allison became interested in learning all about the rising popularity of Acrobatic Arts. From 2014-2018, Allison offered an innovative and successful Acro program, employing gymnastics coaches in the area to help get the program safely off the ground. She became fascinated with the beauty and artistry that can be created when you combine dance with elements of gymnastics/acro. In 2019, Allison began serving as a Dance Team Judge/Official with JAM (Judges Association of MN) and the MSHSL. She loves watching Minnesota High School Dance team and looks forward to judging every Winter! 

In 2021, Allison began to further pursue her interests in Kinesiology and Fitness and earned her Certification as a Personal Trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). She enjoys being able to help her students with injury prevention and recovery as well as training to be the most healthy overall athlete they can be. 

In the summer of 2022, Allison began working at the Northfield Gymnastics Club. She was hired to introduce and implement a dance training program for the elite team gymnasts. Allison created her own “dance for gymnasts” curriculum and is now in her third year of running this program. As part of their dance training, team gymnasts focus on technique and artistry that directly affects their beam and floor routines. Allison also coaches all ages in Recreational Gymnastics, from Preschool through 12th grade. Other than teaching dance at NGC, you can also find her teaching Ninja classes, Acro Dance classes, Preschool tumbling classes and Private Lessons. 

Allison lives in Northfield with her husband, Matthew, and their 160 pound English Mastiff, Milo. She has two grown children, Jayden (25), and Ella (20), and a beautiful baby grandson. Allison enjoys hiking, watching old movies, spending time with family, and of course, dancing! 

Allison is thrilled to be part of the team at EDC! You will see her running our Preschool classes, Acro classes, and Private Lessons!