About Us

Innovate

transforming your dance experience

Our Inspiration

Innovate has one central goal-To develop an intensive dance experience that inspires and make a difference in the lives of young dancers. We believe a strong foundation is where competitive & artistic development begins and is the focal point of one's expression. Through training in proper technique in a creative and positive atmosphere, students can achieve their utmost potential- helping them develop a strong work ethic and self- confidence that will have a positive impact on the rest of their lives.

Our Experience

Beginning in 2005, owner/director Karl Mundt and co-director Rachel Brenk-Doran combined forces on various projects, creating competition pieces that have pushed the envelope. They continually strive to evolve as artists, coaches and teachers. This collaboration has proven to be highly successful- with their clients taking home championship titles at numerous events (Click on their Bios for more specific details).

Our Mission

Innovate is deeply committed to furthering quality dance education, and this aim is reflected in each aspect of the program. We have assembled an elite faculty, planned a curriculum that is challenging both technically & artistically, and have created original, cutting-edge choreography.  The most important goal of Innovate is to spark your passion, change your perspective and push your limits.  

We are looking forward to bringing you a sensational debut season!

 

Staff

Karl Mundt

Karl Mundt’s Dynamic Style And Enthusiasm Have Made Him One Of The Most Sought After Choreographers And Teachers In The US. Karl Has Traveled Throughout North America Conducting Workshops And Master Classes. His Work Has Won Numerous State And National Awards With Such Prestigious Organizations As UDA, NDA, USA And UPA. Most recently his choreography helped Team USA win the gold medal (Jazz Div.) at the 2009 ICU World Championships.  With over 40 Countries represented, the championship was the first of its kind & part of a larger campaign to include competitive dance in the Olympic Games. 

 

Karl Has Choreographed Several National Championship Winning Routines For High School, Collegiate, Studio And All-Star Teams Throughout The Country.

INCLUDING:

University Of St. Thomas *
University Of Minnesota
Eden Prairie Pom Squad *
University Of Louisville
Hawaii Pacific University
University Of Illinois-Urbana
Eastern Washington Elite All-Stars *
The Dance Studio Of Fresno
Los Alamitos High School.
* Co-Choreographed With Rachel Brenk-Duran

His Choreography Has Been Nationally Televised On ESPN, CBS And Fox Sports & Has Been Performed Throughout The US, London And Rome. He Has Also Set Choreography On Models For Print Work And For National Dancewear Companies. In 2007, He Was A Choreographer And Judge For The International Dance Congress In Mexico, And Currently Serves On The Faculty Of ProDance, A Convention For Professional Sports Dance Teams. Additionally, Karl Is A Consultant And Freelance Writer For Dance Spirit Magazine.

As A Performer, Karl Has Danced In Commercials & Industrials For Adidas, Nike, Sun Micro Systems And For National Tours With The Broadway Exchange In New York City. He Has Performed In A Variety Of Stage Productions In Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas And Atlantic City. Many Of Karl’s Students Have Gone On To Dance In Film, Music Videos, And For Professional Dance Companies Throughout The Country. His Choreography Can Be Seen Performed By Several Sports Dance Teams Throughout The US And Canada, Including The Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings And Portland Trailblazers. One Of His Greatest Strengths Is The Ability To Inspire Dancers To Go Outside Of Their Comfort Zone, Push Their Limits, And Ultimately Become Better Performers.

Rachel Brenk–Doran

Rachel's creative, unique choreography  have helped propel teams to winning both State and National titles. Her collaborative efforts with Karl Mundt have produced six National Champions in the last three years alone- most recently with Eden Prairie Pom Squad (2009 UDA Champions-Large Varsity Jazz) and for the Eastern Washington Elite All-Stars (2009 UDA All-Star Champions- Senior Jazz Div). In 2008, Rachel’s work with Heritage High School helped them win the Washington State Dance Team Championship.

With over 18 year of dance experience, Rachel’s eclectic style stems from her background of well-versed dance training, including jazz, ballet, modern, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop and precision dance. She trained for 14 years at the acclaimed Stage Door of Performing Arts (now Northern Force) and was a 4 year member of the Totino-Grace E'gals dance team, winning 5 State championships. Additionally, Rachel was 4 year member (serving as Captain for 3 years) of the University of St. Thomas dance team, winning a national championship in 2006.

Rachel has an extensive background as a coach and master teacher, working with competitive dance teams throughout Minnesota  She is currently in her 6th year with the Totino-Grace E'gals as an assistant Varsity coach and was voted the 2006 AA assistant coach of the year (MADT). From 2006-08 she worked as an instructor and creative director for Advantage Dance and most recently was a choreographer for the 2008-09 Kelle Company Dance Team Catalog, a national leader in the dance costume industry. In addition, Rachel is a member of the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams (MADT) Board of Directors.

As a performer Rachel has danced throughout the US at numerous conventions and competitions and has won several titles and high-point awards. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Zenon dance school Block-E scholarship and is a company member of Crash Dance Productions contemporary dance company, currently in its' 3rd season. Rachel brings to her work a spirited passion, and an exceptional capacity for seeing the potential in all dancers.

Choreography credits include:University of Oregon, Eastern Washington Elite Junior All-Stars, Heritage High School (Washington State Champions), University of Minnesota-Duluth & the Totino-Grace E'gals

Co-choreography credits (with Karl Mundt) include:Eden Prairie Pom Squad (2009 & 2006 UDA National Champions- Large Varsity Jazz Div) University of St. Thomas (Two –Time National Champions) Eastern Washington Elite Senior All-Stars (eight-Time National Champions & 2008 World All-Star Champions)

Shannon Garrity

Shannon discovered her love of dance at the tender age of three and has not looked back since! Dancing competitively in all styles, she quickly found her favorites to be lyrical and jazz. During her competitive career, Shannon has received national scholarships at conventions such as: Tremaine, Adrenaline, and Starpower. Additionally, she was a four-year member of the University of Minnesota dance team, winning three national titles from 2004-2006.

Shannon has worked with several local high school teams including: Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Armstrong, & Benilde. She has also choreographed National routines for teams in Illinois and Wisconsin. After graduating college she continued her dance education, traveling to Los Angeles and studying extensively at the Edge and Millennium studios. While in LA she trained with some of the nation’s top instructors including, Shane Sparks, Mark Meismer, Keri LaGrand, and Doug Caldwell.  Shannon has continued her professional dance career having just finished her first season as a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader.

Stacey Weyandt

Stacey Weyandt started dancing at the age of three, and today is still pursuing her dreams with the talent god blessed her with.  Growing up she trained at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, Minnesota.  She graduated high school in 2005 and shortly after moved to New York City to pursue a professional career in dance.   While in NYC, she worked with amazing choreographers such as Marguerite Derricks, Ray Leeper, and John Carrafa.   Stacey also danced in projects for VH1 Fashion Rocks, Duran Duran, Sandals Resort, Wal-Mart, The Editors, and Broadway Diva Night. She also was an assistant choreographer for the 2008 Truth Campaign commercials. Stacey also worked for the company Break The Floor, where she was an assistant on the 2006-2007 JUMP national convention tour.   Upon her return to Minneapolis, Stacey performed in the show I was. I am. I will be. Produced by Minnesota based company Crash Dance Productions.   Stacey is now a proud member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team and is enjoying her dance career more than ever.  The dance team has opened up many doors for her.  She has had the opportunity to contribute choreography to the team’s camp dance and has also started co-choreographing with her teammate and close friend, Toni Gabrielli. They have had the pleasure to work with Hillcrest High School in Utah and Exisdance in Minnesota.  She hopes to continue having more opportunities to share her love and passion for dance with young dancers around the country.

Toni Gabrielli

Toni Gabrielli began her dance career at Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, Minnesota. She won numerous regional and national championships during her time with Larkin, and assisted in leading younger dancers to experience the same success. After training 15 years in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, tap and pilates, she graduated and moved on to become a member of the nationally ranked University of Minnesota Dance Team. She became Captain during her junior year and continues to serve in this role during her senior year. Toni began instructing fellow dancers at a very young age, and has continued to do so as a Camp Instructor with the Universal Dance Association (UDA). She has also worked with numerous high schools dance teams in the Twin-Cities area, and has taught at many high school technique and performance clinics. Toni has been a part of Minneapolis-based contemporary dance company, Crash Dance Productions, and has modeled for both Kelle Company and Just for Kix catalogs. Her choreography credits include UDA high school summer camp routines, pom dances for the University of Minnesota dance team, and four 1st place Home Routines for the team as well. Toni has also choreographed for Crash Dance Productions, Hillcrest High School dance team in Utah, Exisdance in Minnesota, and in 2009, the collegiate nationals’ jazz routine for the University of Minnesota Dance Team, leading them to an appearance on ESPN and 3^rd place in the nation.

Lisa Orth

Lisa trained at Saint Cloud School of Dance and Gymnastics for fifteen years in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical and pointe. Additionally, she was a four year member of the Saint Cloud Cathedral Crusaderette Varsity dance team performing in both high-kick precision and jazz. In 2005, Lisa was a senior captain when the team won a MSHSL State Championship in high-kick, took second place in jazz, and she was voted all conference dancer.  Currently, Lisa is  a four year member of the Nationally ranked University of Saint Thomas dance team and a second year captain. The team won the 2006 & 2008 UDA College Dance Team National Championship in the open jazz division and placed second in hip-hop from 2006-09.

Lisa has taught summer workshops as a guest instructor at Dyan's World of Dance Studio for three years working with dancers ages 10 to18. She has also worked with high school teams throughout the state of Minnesota with Advantage Dance Company, teaching ballet, jazz, high-kick precision, and conditioning. Lisa has also has taught conditioning classes at Saint Cloud School of Dance. Her choreography credits include:  Heritage High School in Washington (2008 State Champions), the University of Duluth dance team, Advantage Dance, the University of Saint Thomas dance team, and numerous Miss Dance Team Minnesota competitors.

Kristin Luth

Kristin started dancing at the tender age of two, where she developed a passion that has motivated her throughout her life.  During her 19 years career, she has expanded her knowledge and love for all styles including her favorites:  Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet and Modern.   She began her training at Metropolitan Dance Alliance in Shakopee, Minnesota; later to finish her studio career at Dancers Edge (Now NRG) in Osseo, Minnesota.  Kristin also has trained at the Universal Ballet Academy in Washington, DC, Kansas City Ballet and Ballet Arts of Minnesota.  Additionally, she has won numerous national scholarships and titles. Now a third year member and team captain of the acclaimed University of Minnesota Dance Team (UMDT), Kristin is also a Dance and Communication Studies Major.  During her time on the team, UMDT has placed in the top three at the UDA College National Championship. As a dance major, Kristin has been able to explore the art of dance and performance more intensely, making her a more well-rounded dancer.  She will be graduating in May of 2010 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both the areas of dance and communications.   In the spring of 2009, Kristin had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Peoples Republic of China, where she and her Minnesota teammates performed on a popular Chinese television show.  A highlight of her trip was the opportunity to teach young dancers in the area.  This experience was one of the most unique and rewarding of her dance career.  As an instructor, Kristin has already had a wide-ranging career, most recently as a staff member with Universal Dance Association (UDA), where she has worked with dancers from across the nation.  At UDA, she has worked at both high school and college level dance camps, teaching technique and choreography to dancers of all levels.  She has also taught and judged local dance teams in Minnesota.  Her professional credits include being a member of Crash Dance Productions, a contemporary company based in Minneapolis.  She has also performed with Metropolitan Ballet Company of Minnesota in their productions of “Dracula” and “Romeo and Juliet.”  Kristin is excited to continue her dance career beyond college and to be part of Innovate.  Her expertise and enthusiasm about dance will be apparent from the moment you meet her!   

Workshops

The Innovate Dance Experience

The Innovate experience is geared for success for beginner dancers as well as experienced dancers. Many levels of dance are taught in a way that inspires accomplishment and satisfaction at every skill level. Our workshops are moderately priced, well structured and time efficient. Stylized choreography and superior instruction are what we are all about! Additionally, workshops are conducted on-site at your school or the location of your choosing. We come to you!

Warm-up

Our intensive warm-up is designed to develop maximum flexibility, strength, and balance. Applying pilates and the latest exercise science will help sculpt and instill the technical skills needed to achieve peak performance.

Technique

Offering all levels, Innovate takes pride in our expertise and ability to teach impeccable dance technique. We focus on proper body alignment, precise placements, and specific exercises designed to reach higher levels. We also introduce a variety of creative skills and tricks that can be used to spice up any routine.  You’ll be amazed how much progress your team will make in just a short time.

Choreography

Cutting-edge material composed by leading choreographers in the dance team community will have your team pumped and ready to learn. Innovate offers all levels and styles from, jazz, precision, lyrical and contemporary. Select the levels and styles of routines that best suit your team’s interest. We promise to deliver the hottest choreography!

Performance

Innovate believes that performance and truly connecting to your audience is essential. Our teaching style encourages dancers to push their limits and we offer strategies to help build “mental toughness” to make your team more consistent competitors. We want you to have the judges and crowd on the edge of their seats when your team takes the floor, to never look away- not even once! 

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Rates

3-Day Intensive: Includes 10.5 hours of instruction (3.5 hours per day).  The cost is $90 per dancer.

2-Day Intensive: Includes 7 hours of instruction (3.5 hours per day). The cost is $65 per dancer.

1-Day Intensive: Includes 4 hours of instruction. The cost is $40 per dancer

Other services can be provided such as "cleaning" sessions and competition choreography. Contact INNOVATE for more information and rates.

*Note* Rates do not include travel related expenses (flight, hotel, etc) and a drive of more than 25 miles.

Testimonials

“I LOVED having Karl and the Innovate staff come in and work with my team.  "Innovate" definitely describes the experience.  From innovative stretches and conditioning exercises specifically designed for dancers, I felt that I walked away with a tremendous amount of tools to help better prepare my team.  The combinations and skills were extremely impressive, but the most rewarding part was how Innovate inspired the dancers to push beyond what they think is possible.  My team left the clinic feeling challenged, driven and as though they could accomplish anything.  

With Innovate, the movement is unbelievable; however, it is the mental "innovation" and teaching that sets Karl and his staff above the competition.”

Amber Struzyk
University of Minnesota Dance Team Coach
(4-Time National Champions)

"For our team, Innovate Dance Workshops is the highlight of our summer! The routines and combinations are extremely challenging and push my dancers to step out of their comfort zones. At the same time, the staff is incredibly inspiring and motivating."

Melissa Nicolas
Mounds View Viewettes Dance Team

 

"Karl has made a remarkable impact on my team. Through his intensity, attention to detail and passion in his delivery, he has inspired my dancers to grow well beyond their perceived potential He expects the best and delivers nothing but the best!"

Anna Itman-Coach
Eden Prairie Pom Squad (5-Time National Champions)                                                                                                                          

 

“Karl is one of the most talented instructors and choreographers I have ever worked with. He brings true passion to every aspect of the experience he offers- from working in class to sending dancers on the performance floor. He is committed in every way. In this world of competitive dance, he has proven his success time after time with dancers of all ages and levels. He is inspiring, innovative and extremely talented at pulling emotion out of dancers. ”

Tracy Standal- Owner
Dance Warehouse 

 

“Innovate Dance brought my team great technical work; challenging & interesting choreography!  The Staff was very informed, generous and worked well with the dancers!  The Team worked hard, learned a lot and had FUN working with Innovate!”

Molly Vasterling Director/Varsity Head Coach
Henry Sibley - Warrior Dance Team 

“Karl and Rachel’s expertise really helped my team with technique, style and overall self-confidence. Their workshops energized our team and pushed them to a whole new level. We are better for having worked with Innovative dance.”

Nicole Bergene
Irondale Dance Coach

“Karl Mundt and his Innovate staff are truly a joy to watch teach! Their charisma and passion is so contagious, you could  tell it impacted our dancers by looking at their smiling faces and the heightened intensity of attacking their routines – from the youngest petites all the way up to the graduating seniors.  The material they brought to us was unique and challenging, yet attainable for the dancers so they felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when the intensive was over!  We cannot wait to see what they come up with next!”        

Julie Malinosky
Competitive Dance Instructor 
Center Stage Dance Studio
Savage, MN

“Having Innovate conduct a workshop for our team was a terrific, inspiring way to kick off our season.  The material Karl and staff shared was original, challenging and perfectly suited to our team’s wants and needs.  They brought fresh ideas for everything from conditioning to skills and we appreciated the sharing of exclusive material, created specifically for us.”

Jill Leste
Co-Head Coach
Maple Grove Dance Team (3-time MN Jazz State Champions)
Maple Grove MN

 

“INNOVATE offers cutting-edge workshops and choreography that inspire dancers of all ages. Karl and Rachel's creativity, energy and supportive teaching style have helped motivate our dancers and program to an entirely new level.”

Teri Rowe
Head Coach
Eastern Washington Elite All-Stars (17-time National Champions)
Kennewick, WA 

 

“I love having my dancers work with INNOVATE! Karl truly is an amazing teacher and choreographer. He pushes them to realize their fullest potential and gives them the ideas and tools on how to reach that potential. He makes them think about dance in a different way.”

Tara Lindemeier-Coach
Chaska High School Dance Team 

 

“I think Karl and Rachel's choreography speaks for itself. It is unique and relivant- and they have the best understanding of how to use music and to utilize our team's strengths. What I appreciate most about working with them is their investment. They truly care about our program and put their heart and soul into each routine. I know we will not see our choreography on another team because they have the talent to make each piece unique. The growth of our program over the last 5 years is in large part due to their choreography and passion toward preparing our team for competition. we will work with them as long as possible!”        

Alysia Anderson-Ulfers- Coach
University of St. Thomas Dance Team
St. Paul, MN
(2- time national champions)

 

 

 

 

Multimedia

Click the link to view the video:

Registration

Contact: karl@innovatedance.com
phone: 617.378.2424

Note: Registration Form & Terms and Conditions Contract are Due Two weeks Prior to Scheduled Workshop

Click the link to download the file:

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