Meet the Owners and Coaches!!
About Coach Ashley Mesker
Ashley was born and raised here in Tioga. She started dancing in grade school with Just for Kix. She continued dancing through high school while also Cheerleading for THS. She also was avid in Musical Theatre and speech performances and competitions. She was accepted into the Missoula Children’s theatre performing arts camp in 8th grade. She performed with them for the next 5 summers until she graduated. after high school she was accepted into the Los Angeles theatre academy in Hollywood, CA. She them moved back to Tioga and has lived here since with Her husband and two kids. She still loves to perform and dance any chance she gets. In 2023 she played Heir Drosselmeyer and Mother Ginger in the production of The Nutcracker. She started coaching Competition team in 2022 and also became a teacher at Black Gold Dance in 2023. Ashley is our tiny dancer and Musical Theater expert!
About Coach Amanda Hynek
Amanda was born and raised in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN. Amanda started dancing at the age of 5 in a studio where she danced for over 10 years. She also danced in her Middle School dance team. She competed and danced for 15 years in studio and on teams. After graduating from Andover High school in 2005, she moved to Fargo, ND. Where she attended college for a couple years. Amanda moved to Medora, ND. And worked at the riding stables, riding and training horses for 3 years.
She then moved to Stanley, ND in 2009 where she met her husband, Joe. Amanda and Joe got married in 2010. Has been living on their ranch since September 2010 where they are raising 3 Kids, cattle, horses and show cattle.
Her middle daughter Tessa joined the Black Gold studio in summer 2021. Tessa joined the competition team in 2023. Amanda was asked to join the Black Gold Dance crew as a technical coach for the competition team in 2024 and will be teaching classes in 2025.



Our Story.
Some of you may know how The Dance District came about. But for those that don’t! We used to be Black Gold Dance. The owners of that studio decided to follow their heart and took on a new adventure as they headed south to Texas. We knew the studio had to stay open and a part of the Tioga community. We were told many times how much this little place impacted their child’s life including our own. After lots of conversations with each other and our families we decided to keep going! So, we took over the studio! With new ownership comes a new image! We created the Dance District Studio. We are very excited to see what the future brings and we appreciate all the amazing support.
Studio Policies
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition:
30min class = $60.00
Mini Movers
Tiny Dancers
45 min class = $75
Cheer/Pom
Jazz/Lyrical
Jazz/Tap
Junior Jazz
Lyrical/Contemporary
Modern Movement
Musical Theater
Pre-Comp
Competition Team = $140
Registration fee: $25
Costume fee: $50-$150
Monthly tuition will be invoiced on the 27th of the month. Tuition payments need to be paid by the 1st of the month. For every week tuition is late you will ne charged a $50 late fee. After a month of non-payment, your dancer’s placement will be evaluated and possibly terminated.
Returned checks will be charged a $35 NSF/Bank Fee.
If you have a dancer is in multiple classes the second, third, ext. will only be $35 per class (after the first class).
Tuition structure:
Tuition is based on an average of 3 classes per month. Some months have 2 classes; most have 4 and some have 5.
We operate with the local school calendar. Most “No School” days we will also be closed. Closure dates will be posted as soon as we know.
Coaches may get sick or have a family emergency. The coaches are Mom’s with families! If for any reason we must cancel the class on the day of we will send out an e-mail, post on Facebook and send out a text message. So, it is very important you are connected to the studio in all 3 ways! If the “3 class per month average” is affected, we will notify you of a make-up day. Those will be on a Monday or a Friday.
Non-Refundable:
Missed classes for illness, snow days or personal commitments. If there is a medical emergency and the studio must be closed. Tuition will not be discounted or refunded unless the studio needs to be closed for longer than 2 weeks.
Dress code:
We ask each dancer to come dressed ready to dance. Each class has a dress code that helps each dancer for the type of dance. If dancers do not come dressed in proper attire, your dancer may be asked to sit out for the class. If you are unsure what your dancer needs for class, please ask or look at the class descriptions on the website. Class shoes and dance wear can be purchased/ordered through the studio or on your own. Recital shoes and tights are separate.
During class:
There is no food and drinks, other than water, is allowed on the dance floor. No snacking during class. If your dancer needs a snack before class, please allow for that time before class starts.
No cell phones during class. They will need to be left in bags, lockers or put in the phone bin. The sound needs to be off.
No profanity, unsportsmanlike conduct, bullying behavior, or gossip will be tolerated!
Each class with be a closed class. We will offer viewing of classes periodically. If parents or dancers would like a video to practice at home the teacher will send those videos.
Stay off mirrors, barres and tumble tracks.
The Dance District to see medical treatment at the nearest medical facility, and they may call paramedics and discharged me/my student to an ambulance if I am not able to authorize it in case of a medical emergency. I understand that The Dance District must follow guidelines put out by the CDC due to illnesses (i.e. covid 19). I understand that if a shutdown is needed or required, tuition will not be refunded or discounted.
Any special needs and medical diagnosis will be disclosed to the Studio and coaches. Any injuries in class or outside of class may be asked to get a doctor’s note to continue to dance.
Attendance:
Students must arrive 10-15 minutes before class. This is used for bathroom, dress, water, and getting prepared for class.
Students must be ready to dance at the start of class.
Makeup classes will be offered when possible.
We will have a self-check-in system to keep track of attendance. Please make sure you check your dancer in before class starts.
Fundraisers:
I understand that The Dance District puts on 1-2 fundraisers a season. I understand my Dancer is required to participate. If My dancer can't I understand That I need to request this from the owners.
Recital and Performance:
The studio will have one year-end recital. Held the beginning of May. Each class, unless it is stated, will perform 2 dances. Each dancer is expected to be at dress rehearsal and recital. Arrival and call times for those days will be announced closer to the event.
Costumes for each dance are carefully picked out with each dancer in mind. Please expect that costumes range $50-$150 each. We try to keep the price down as much as possible. Costumes are non-refundable, if a costume does not fit we will exchange it for the right size. If a costume is damaged or lost outside of the studio it is the dancer’s responsibility to pay for a replacement.
Payment of the costumes will need to be on time. A late fee of $50 will be added after a week and risk not having the costume. No costume will be ordered without payment. The price of the costume will include new tights and new shoes.
I understand that The dance District’s top Priorities are too our Dancers and keeping the studio up and running. I Understand that tuition, costume payments, and Recital tickets are nonrefundable. I agree to respect the owners, dancers, other parents/guardians, and studio. I understand That if something is broken or damaged in the studio by myself or my children it is my responsibility to replace or repair it. I understand That if The Dance District must close due to Medical, Government, and or Safety reasons tuition will not be discounted or refunded. I understand that all the teachers and office admin are volunteers and need to be treated with respect.
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