About Us
​Our studio is committed to educating our students in the field of dance while at the same time building self-confidence and nurturing their personal growth. We place great value on every student as an individual and as a member of our dance family. We do our very best to bring to our dancers a high quality of technical training, performance opportunities, and other learning skills while at the same time instilling a sense of discipline, a drive for perfection and the ability to work in and be part of a group.

Laurie's School of Dance opened it's doors in 1968 with one instructor and owner. We now have five talented and gifted teachers on staff and are celebrating season 55! In the beginning, there were always two studios, one located in Forest Lake and the other in White Bear Lake, until we consolidated in 1999. Now located in Centerville, it is a great spot for students to the north and south of us while providing easy access to the growing communities of Hugo and Centerville.

Meet the Staff

Laurie Sanftner
LSOD Director
​Laurie started her studios in the Forest Lake and White Bear areas in 1968, teaching 31 years before settling in Centerville in 1999.  She has also taught for other studios, judged pageants and choreographed many high school and community theater productions, along with raising her three daughters with husband Dennis.  Laurie attends annual conventions locally and nationally to keep current on the study of dance.
Mandy Mattson
Competition Instructor & Choreographer
​Mandy, the oldest daughter of Laurie, has been dancing since the age of 3, choreographing and helping with classes through high school and has been in charge of the Competition Lines at the studio for the past 18 years.  Her groups have won numerous awards and her challenging, original choreography is always unique and entertaining!
Blair Insley
Competition Instructor & Choreographer
Blair started dancing at the age of 3 and began competing at the age of 8. She came to Laurie's in 2003 where she danced competitively for 4 years. Blair was a teaching assistant for both recreational and technique classes for 8 years and is now the Jazz and Lyrical choreographer for our competitive lines. Her teaching style and choreography is fast paced and disciplined, but fun!
Dee Angellis
Recreational Instructor & Choreographer
Dee started taking lessons at Laurie's' School of Dance in 1970 and started assisting after high school.  She has been a teacher here for the past 31 years.  Dee lends an artistic touch to the studio as well as fun and exciting choreography!
Allie Case
Recreational Instructor & Choreographer
Allie starting dancing when she was 3 years old and joined LSOD in 2005 then began competing when she was 8 years old. She has assisted both recreational and competitive lines for 8 years and is now a weekly recreational teacher. Allie is studying mathematics and statistics at the University of Saint Thomas, planning on pursuing a masters degree in mathematics. Teaching is her passion, and she loves to see all of the progress the dancers make throughout the year!
Morgan Schultz
Ballet & Strength/Conditioning Instructor
Morgan Schultz started dancing at Laurie’s School of Dance at the age of 6 and continued until she graduated high school. In college she continued with dance from being on the Winona State Hip Hop team and also involved in Attitudes Dance Association. She is finishing up her Bachlor’s Degree in Exercise Science. She is excited to share her knowledge of technique and exercise physiology to incorporate into dance training. She is so excited to join the LSOD family!