About FFSD

For more than four decades, Fergus Falls School of Dance has provided thoughtful dance training rooted in technique, creativity, and respect for the art of movement.

Our Values

Positivity

We are dedicated to providing a positive and uplifting environment for all students.

Community Focus

We believe in doing what we can to support and strengthen the community we are a part of.

Growth

We want our students to see what they are capable of and help them grow as individuals and within our art form.

FFSD’s Rich History

Founded in 1982 | ownership change in 1985

Fergus Falls School of Dance was founded in 1982 by Sue Gunnes. Shortly after opening, leadership of the studio passed to Ramona Jacobs, whose decades of direction helped establish a strong foundation for dance education in the Fergus Falls community.

Ramona and modern dancers at Lincoln Studio
Ramona Jacobs
Ramona and Mary taking class from Bill Evans
Ramona Jacobs

The Foundational Pillars

Mary pettit joined in 1994 | Kirsten danielson joined in 2000

Through extensive training and continued professional development, Ramona shaped the studio’s emphasis on technical excellence, artistic growth, and thoughtful instruction for generations of dancers. Mary Pettit (1994) & Kirsten Danielson (2000) joined the FFSD team and helped develop FFSD to what it is today.

Dancers on a field trip with Ramona
Ramona Teaching Class
Ramona, Mary, and Kirsten with jazz legend Bill Evans at a workshop
Dancers in the wings

Additions Throughout the Years

OLDS Studio addition 2001 | The Bakken building (C2) Studio addition 2014

The Lincoln Ave Studio has been a haven for thousands of dancers through the years, but could not possibly hold everyone and not collapse into the Viking Cafe. In 2001 the Old Library Dance Studio, known as OLDS, was added as a space, in the basement of the building that was once a Carnegie Library. Then in 2014 the Bakken Building Studio was added above the Senior Center. There have been other studio spaces trialed through the years, but none feel quite as much like “home” as these three! (Feel free to edit in the correct voice if desired.)

ramona and chuck putting in the floors
Olds Studio
OLDS mid-construction

FFSD Today

OLDS Studio addition 2001 | The Bakken building (C2) Studio addition 2014

Today, Fergus Falls School of Dance is owned and directed by Suzanne Svare, who began dancing at the studio at age seven and trained there for twelve years. Leading the studio she grew up in, Suzanne is supported by a dedicated team of instructors and student teachers who bring diverse experience and passion to the classroom, continuing FFSD’s welcoming and growth-focused approach to dance education.

suzanne & classmates at ac4ta
Suzanne at curtain call
suzanne & class as FFSD Students

Meet the Instructors

Suzanne Svare

Director & Owner | Dance instructor

Ramona Jacobs

Dance Instructor

Justine Ricks

Dance Instructor

Katie Lillis

Dance Instructor

Danelle Hubert

Dance Instructor

Madalyn Dent

Dance Instructor

Molly Johnston

Dance Instructor

Mary Pettit

Dance Instructor

FFSD Archive Coming Soon

Generations of dancers since 1982 have trained at the studio, performed in annual concerts, and continued their connection to dance in many different ways.

The FFSD Archive highlights past performances, photos, and memories from the studio’s history.