About Dance FX

The mother/daughter duo Donna and Tanya Ogden, opened the doors of Dance FX on Des Moines’ Southside in August of 1999. The mission at the time was to simply share the love and passion for dance with all who were interested in learning. Within just a few short years however, it became very important that Dance FX be not only a place for children to learn how to dance, but also a place where strong family values, quality character and developmentally appropriate instruction would stand out amongst the rest. In the 20 years of business, Dance FX has become not just a place where your children learn to dance. They learn about life and life’s experiences, and the importance of developing quality characteristics to carry into their adult lives. Responsibility, determination, loyalty, pride, intelligene, confidence and style. This and so much more is what you will find being taught behind the doors of Dance FX. All while allowing kids to be kids and most importantly, to dance and have fun!

Tanya Ogden, Artistic Director and Instructor

Tanya was born and raised in Des Moines and began dancing at the age of 4 and competing at 13. While attending Lincoln High School, Tanya was selected as an All-Iowa Cheerleader and very active in show choir and theater. She learned to balance school activities, maintain good grades, keep a part time job and continue her competitive dancing with Barbara Long’s School of Dance.

It was not until her senior year, just after graduation though that Tanya won her first national title as a soloist at the DanceAmerica National Finals. At the same event she and was also awarded Most Congenial out of the 110 Dancer of the Year candidates from across the country. In 1995 she became a dancer and cheerleader for the Arena Football team, the Iowa Barnstormers.  Shortly after, she became employed as the team’s choreographer and coach as well until the departure of the team in 2002. While attending college at Drake University, Tanya continued to learn and develop her leadership and personal technical skills as a dancer and teacher through an independent study program, while also working towards her Bachlelor of Science in Elementary Education. Tanya has over 30 years of experience coaching and teaching dance, fitness and cheerleading, as well as 10+ years of performing professionally and in and around the community at various sporting and theatrical events.

Ms. Tanya brings her education and belief in developmentally appropriate curriculum to the forefront of her program at DFX. Built around the National Standards of Dance Education, Tanya and the DFX staff strive to implement lessons and strategies to develop the whole child, engage students in developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and makes dance fun and exciting for every student.

Former Dance FX students have went on to dance professionally in the AFL and the NBA. Others completing college dance programs, and a few now owning their own dance studios! Many of her students have earned scholarships, cash awards and titles as members of the DFX Competition Team. Tanya is always volunteering her students to perform around the community and teaching them to embrace their given talent and share it with as many people possible. “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.” 

Ms. Tanya believes one’s education never ends and if used to it’s capacity, can keep you consistently ahead of your game. She continues to attend teaching workshops and seminars around the country and is always adding to and revising curriculum to stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry.

At Dance FX you will find Tanya striving to provide that inspiration to dancers to develop the PRIDE and CONFIDENCE in oneself to always do their best, the INTELLIGENCE to consistently learn from experience, and the STYLE needed to set oneself apart from the rest. Dancing is not just about steps, it’s about one’s journey to developing the quality character needed to reach their fullest potential in whatever field it is they choose going into their adult life. Setting goals and dreaming big. These are characteristics of one’s education while at Dance FX.