Thanks to Block Portrait Studios and Inver Grove Ford for their support.
This fall, a new dance studio opened in West St. Paul in the former Dance Center space. Co-owners Elyse Lundberg and Jennifer Pieczka, both from Inver Grove Heights, talk about APC Dance.
The name: The APC in their name stands for art, passion, and community.
Q&A With the APC Dance Co-Owners
We talked with Lundberg and Pieczka about opening APC Dance:
What sets APC Dance apart?
APC Dance is a non-competitive studio where everyone is welcome—any age, any level, any background. Our mission is to create an uplifting environment where dancers can learn, grow, and express themselves freely. We offer classes from preschool through adult, and our space is truly a dance family: supportive, inclusive, and designed to be a safe place for every dancer to be their authentic self.
How did you come to open a dance studio?
Between the two of us, dance has been woven into nearly every chapter of our lives.
Jen has two daughters—Addy, a college freshman, and Camryn, who is 16—both of whom grew up dancing. With years of experience as a dancer, instructor, and dance mom, she’s lived the studio world from every angle.
Elyse has a 10-year-old daughter, Peyton, who started dancing at just 18 months old and instantly fell in love with it. Watching that spark grow inspired Elyse to be more involved in a studio. Elyse also brings experience as an instructor, manager, and fellow dance mom.
For years we joked about opening a studio together… until the right moment finally arrived. After many conversations with our kids, husbands, and logistics, we chose to say “yes” to this new adventure. In September 2025, that longtime “joke” officially became APC Dance.
What brought you to West St. Paul?
We toured many possible locations, but the moment we walked into this space, it immediately felt like home. We could see the potential—the warmth, the energy, the community it could hold. And being a former dance studio meant we could build on an already functional foundation. It was the perfect place for APC to grow.
What’s your favorite part (so far) of running a community dance company?
The people. We adore the dancers who fill our studios each day, the families who support them, and the incredible instructors and admin team who help bring APC to life. What we’re building together doesn’t feel like work—it feels like continuing a shared passion. This community is truly the heart of APC Dance.
Thanks to Jennifer Pieczka and Elyse Lundberg for sharing their story.
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