The Dance Bunker

For individuals and families across Cokato, Minnesota, and the wider Central Minnesota region, The Dance Bunker stands as a dynamic hub for both exceptional dance education and invigorating fitness. Established in 2021 by owner and director Laura Bunker, this studio is far more than just a place to move; it's a thriving community committed to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities through the joy and discipline of dance and movement. Building on a rich history that started as SupaChick Fitness, The Dance Bunker has evolved to become a comprehensive center where passion, technique, and well-being converge.

The dedication and impact of The Dance Bunker are deeply rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Laura Bunker. With 42 years of dance experience, starting as a tiny-tot at three, and over 10 years in the fitness genre, Laura brings a unique blend of expertise and passion. She, along with a team of highly experienced instructors like Melissa Lolley (trained with Royal Ballet, School of American Ballet, Joffrey) and Lindsey Walla (performer with Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Joffrey Ballet School), ensures a professional yet nurturing environment. As one testimonial about Laura's fitness classes, the precursor to The Dance Bunker, enthusiastically stated, "If you want energy, knowledge, and technicality, come to a class with the SupaChick!" This reflects the high caliber of instruction and the inspiring atmosphere that permeates the studio.

The studio's evolution from a fitness-focused venture into a full-fledged dance center showcases its responsiveness to community needs and its commitment to providing diverse movement opportunities. The Dance Bunker prides itself on creating a welcoming space where both seasoned dancers and absolute beginners can find their rhythm. Their mission is to foster not just physical prowess but also confidence, self-expression, and a strong sense of belonging, making it an invaluable asset to the Cokato community and surrounding areas. For anyone in Central Minnesota looking to explore dance, enhance their fitness, or simply find a positive and energetic community, The Dance Bunker offers a truly exceptional and enriching experience.

The Dance Bunker is conveniently located at 335 Broadway Ave S, Cokato, MN 55321, USA. This central address places the studio right on Broadway Avenue South, a key thoroughfare in Cokato, making it highly accessible for residents within the city and from surrounding communities in Wright and McLeod Counties. Cokato is a charming community in Central Minnesota, offering a welcoming atmosphere that integrates local businesses seamlessly into daily life.

For those traveling by car, the studio's location on a main avenue ensures straightforward navigation, with likely ample parking available on-site or nearby, which is a practical convenience for parents and adult participants during class times. The ease of access helps reduce stress associated with commutes, allowing individuals to focus on their dance and fitness goals. While specific public transportation options might be limited in a smaller town setting, the car-friendly nature of Cokato ensures that the majority of local users will find the studio easily reachable.

The studio's physical space on Broadway Avenue South indicates a dedicated facility designed to accommodate various dance and fitness activities. This provides a purpose-built environment conducive to effective learning and enjoyable workouts. Being centrally located also means The Dance Bunker is integrated into the local commercial and community fabric, fostering a sense of familiarity and support among its patrons. This strategic positioning underscores The Dance Bunker's commitment to being a convenient and integral resource for movement and well-being in the Cokato area of Minnesota.

The Dance Bunker offers a diverse and comprehensive range of services, encompassing both dance instruction for all ages and a variety of dynamic fitness classes, ensuring there's something for every interest and fitness level. Their programs are designed to be engaging, professional, and supportive.

• Dance Classes (for children and youth): The studio boasts a wide array of dance styles taught by highly experienced instructors, many with professional performance backgrounds.
  • Ballet: Comprehensive training in classical ballet, often seen as the foundation for many dance forms.
  • Tap: Classes focusing on rhythm, intricate footwork, and musicality through percussive sounds.
  • Pointe: Advanced ballet technique for eligible students.
  • Hip-Hop: Energetic and dynamic classes exploring various street dance styles.
  • Jazz: Focuses on technique, flexibility, and expressive movement, often set to contemporary music.
  • Modern: Explores non-traditional dance movements and emotional expression.
  • Contemporary: Blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, emphasizing fluid movement and storytelling.
  • Composition: Classes dedicated to the art of creating and structuring dance pieces.
  • Lyrical: Combines ballet and jazz to convey emotion and narrative through movement.
  • Musical Theatre: Focuses on performance, acting, and dance skills essential for Broadway-style productions.
• Fitness Classes (SupaChick Fitness): A variety of high-energy and empowering group fitness programs, many of which incorporate dance elements.
  • REFIT®: A group fitness program using positive music, movement, and messaging to build community and impact lives. Designed for all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, focusing on body, mind, soul, and spirit connection.
  • Barre (American Barre Technique®): Ballet-inspired, low-impact class fusing balletic movements with small, targeted actions to tone and sculpt, suitable for all ages and strength levels.
  • 30/30 Mix: A combination workout including elements of REFIT®, Pumped Up Strength, and floor work for a well-rounded regimen.
  • Pumped Up Strength: A resistance training class utilizing combination movement patterns set to music, designed to improve lean muscle mass and rev metabolism.
  • REV+FLOW: Dynamic, low-impact workout that strengthens bodies and sculpts muscles through targeted, music-based movements and resistance training, easy on joints without compromising intensity.
  • EVER FLEXED: A class likely focused on flexibility and mobility, complementing other fitness and dance disciplines.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to showcase their skills in annual recitals and potentially other community events (e.g., Corn Carnival Parade).
• Workshops: The studio hosts workshops, including those with visiting choreographers, to provide unique learning experiences.
• Online Classes: Many fitness classes are offered virtually via Zoom, providing flexibility and accessibility for participants who prefer to work out from home.

The Dance Bunker distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination for movement and well-being in Cokato, MN, and the surrounding Central Minnesota region.

• Dual Focus on Dance and Fitness: Unlike many studios, The Dance Bunker excels in offering both comprehensive youth dance programs (ballet, jazz, hip-hop, etc.) and a robust schedule of adult fitness classes (REFIT®, Barre, Pumped Up Strength). This versatility caters to a wide demographic within the community.
• Highly Experienced and Diverse Instructors: The studio boasts an impressive team of instructors with extensive backgrounds in dance, including training with prestigious companies like the Royal Ballet, School of American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, and professional performance experience with entities like The Walt Disney Company. This ensures top-tier instruction across all disciplines.
• Community-Centric Philosophy: Rooted in the idea of building community and impacting lives, especially through programs like REFIT®, the studio fosters a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment where all "bodies" are welcome and judgment is absent. This creates a strong sense of belonging for participants.
• Leadership with Deep Local Ties: Owner and Director Laura Bunker has 42 years of dance experience and a long history of serving the Cokato community, including starting her fitness journey by offering free classes. This deep connection to the local area resonates strongly with residents.
• Comprehensive Dance Styles for Youth: For dance students, the sheer breadth of styles offered—Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Composition, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre—provides a well-rounded and versatile dance education.
• Innovative Fitness Offerings: The studio's commitment to cutting-edge fitness is evident in its embrace of popular programs like REFIT®, Barre, and REV+FLOW, often with hybrid in-person and online options, showcasing adaptability and catering to modern lifestyles.
• Flexible Class Access: The use of platforms like Punchpass allows for easy online scheduling and management, including membership options that provide great value for frequent attendees, making participation convenient and tech-friendly.
• Commitment to Empowerment: Through both dance and fitness, The Dance Bunker focuses on changing individuals "from the inside out," promoting self-worth, positive body image, and a joyful approach to movement.

For those interested in connecting with The Dance Bunker, here is their contact information:

Address: 335 Broadway Ave S, Cokato, MN 55321, USA

Email: thedancebunker@gmail.com

While a direct phone number for the studio itself wasn't readily available in the provided information, the email is a reliable method for contact. For general inquiries about the Dance Bunker, you might also find contact information for SupaChick Fitness, as the businesses are interconnected.

The Dance Bunker is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Minnesota region, particularly those in Cokato and the surrounding Central Minnesota communities, for a multitude of compelling reasons. Its unique dual focus on high-quality youth dance education and diverse, empowering adult fitness classes means it serves a broad spectrum of community needs under one roof. For families, this offers a convenient solution where children can pursue their artistic passions while parents engage in their own well-being, fostering a shared appreciation for movement.

The studio's strong community-centric philosophy, emphasized by its highly experienced and caring instructors, creates a welcoming, inclusive, and judgment-free environment. This is paramount for fostering confidence and sustained engagement in any physical activity. The leadership's deep local ties and commitment to "changing lives" resonate deeply with the community values of Central Minnesota, ensuring that participants feel like part of a supportive family rather than just customers.

Furthermore, the comprehensive range of dance styles and innovative fitness programs, coupled with flexible access options including online classes, makes The Dance Bunker an incredibly adaptable and accessible resource for busy local lifestyles. Whether a child dreams of performing on stage or an adult seeks a joyful way to stay active, The Dance Bunker provides a professional yet friendly space to achieve those goals right in their hometown. For any individual or family in Minnesota looking for a vibrant, supportive, and truly enriching center for dance and fitness, The Dance Bunker stands as an exemplary and highly recommended local choice.

The Dance Bunker

335 Broadway Ave S, Cokato, MN 55321, USA