Today we’d like to introduce you to April Dahl.
Hi April, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I co-founded Dahl Dance in 2005, and I’ve been coaching for over 30 years. I’m trained in multiple dance disciplines including ballet, contemporary, ballroom, West Coast swing, and Argentine tango. I hold a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota and am a postural alignment specialist as well as a certified Dance for Parkinson’s provider.
Through AprilDahl.com, I blend my dance expertise with coaching and leadership mentoring—not only as a dance professional, but also as an AC certified life coach and Insights Practitioner. I create experiences for individuals and teams who want to strengthen communication, discover their creative potential, and build sustainable partnerships. I have served as a guest speaker and creative educator for organizations including the Prouty Project, the Alice Mayo Society, Mayo Clinic’s staff development DRIVE Leadership Program, the Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, and Beyond Ballroom Dance Company, among others.
I co-created the charity event Dancing for the Arts, which has impacted more than 100 local business leaders and community contributors through partnership development, artistic education, and a unique opportunity to give back. Together, we have raised over $600,000 for arts education and experiences in the Rochester area.
I currently serve as the Artistic Director of the Steele County Dancing with the Stars Charity Event, where I lead the creative vision and artistic development of this community-centered fundraising production—mentoring local celebrity dancers, shaping choreography, and producing an inspiring experience that unites business, arts, and philanthropy.
By day, I serve as the Director of Sales and Events for J. Powers at the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area. In this role, I curate and oversee more than 150 events each year—designing elevated guest experiences, cultivating strong client partnerships, and leading teams to execute seamless corporate, nonprofit, and social gatherings. This work allows me to merge strategic leadership with creative vision, ensuring every event feels both purposeful and unforgettable.
Outside of my professional work, I enjoy dancing, reading, baking, hiking, snowboarding, and traveling with my two adult children. I am also currently pursuing my MBA in Organizational Leadership.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road—and in many ways, I’m grateful for that. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped both my leadership and my artistry.
As the eldest of seven children, I was already stepping into a parenting role long before I officially became a mother. Responsibility, caregiving, and leadership were woven into my early life. So when I became a young mother myself, I embraced the challenge with determination. Balancing motherhood while building a career in dance required grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in long-term vision. I homeschooled my children while continuing to teach, choreograph, and grow my business. Many seasons meant late nights studying, planning lessons, preparing choreography, and pursuing continuing education—all while nurturing my family. That chapter strengthened my discipline, resilience, and deep empathy for others managing full and complex lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought an entirely different kind of struggle. Social dance—the heartbeat of connection, partnership, and human touch—suddenly vanished. Studios closed. Performances were canceled. The very essence of ballroom and partner work was disrupted. I had to reinvent how I led, how I connected, and how I sustained community during isolation. It stretched my creativity and challenged me to find new ways to build connection without physical proximity.
Just as the dance industry was finally beginning its comeback—studios reopening, events returning, community rebuilding—I was seriously injured in a car accident. After fighting so hard to help restore momentum and hope, being forced into physical recovery felt like another unexpected reset. As someone whose identity and livelihood are rooted in movement, slowing down was humbling and disorienting. Yet rehabilitation deepened my understanding of alignment, healing, and the body’s remarkable capacity to rebuild. It expanded not only my technical expertise, but also my compassion as a coach and leader.
Following that season of physical recovery, I also walked through the emotional challenge of divorce. As someone who coaches partnership—trust, communication, connection, and shared leadership—I wrestled with impostor syndrome. I questioned my credibility and wondered whether I had the right to guide others in partnership dynamics while navigating my own heartbreak and transition. That internal tension forced me to confront my insecurities and refine my understanding of what partnership truly means. I came to realize that coaching partnership is not about perfection; it is about awareness, growth, repair, and the willingness to evolve. That season ultimately deepened my authenticity and strengthened my ability to support others with compassion and honesty.
The road has included unexpected detours, setbacks, and seasons of rebuilding—but each experience expanded my perspective and strengthened my purpose. The struggles refined my resilience and deepened my commitment to creating spaces where others can grow, connect, and thrive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a dance professional, leadership coach, and creative director whose work lives at the intersection of artistry, human connection, and strategic partnership. I specialize in social and partner dance—particularly Argentine tango, ballroom, and contemporary movement—while also designing leadership and communication experiences that help individuals and teams move with greater clarity and confidence.
International travel has played a significant role in shaping my expertise. I have trained and coached in Argentine tango both nationally and internationally, immersing myself in the cultural and technical foundations of the dance. I was honored to be a finalist in the USA Tango Championship, an experience that refined not only my technical precision but also my musicality and emotional presence on the floor. Tango, in particular, has deepened my understanding of nonverbal communication, trust, and partnership—skills that extend far beyond dance.
I am known for my ability to connect people through social dance. Whether I am coaching competitive dancers, mentoring local leaders for community productions, or guiding executives through leadership development, my strength lies in helping people feel seen, capable, and connected. I understand partnership dynamics intimately—how to build trust, navigate tension, and create flow—and I translate those principles into both artistic and professional spaces.
I am especially proud of the partnerships I have built across the arts, business, and nonprofit sectors. Through large-scale fundraising productions, community collaborations, and curated events, I have helped bring people together in meaningful ways that generate both impact and lasting relationships. My work consistently bridges worlds: art and business, structure and creativity, performance and purpose.
What sets me apart is the breadth of my experience combined with the depth of my relational skill set. I bring the discipline of an athlete, the sensitivity of an artist, and the strategic mindset of a business leader. Having navigated entrepreneurship, international training, competitive performance, leadership coaching, and event production, I offer a perspective that is both global and deeply personal.
At the heart of everything I do is this belief: movement builds connection, and connection builds possibility.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m deeply influenced by voices that challenge me to think intentionally about focus, creativity, and leadership. The work of Cal Newport—particularly his books like Deep Work and Digital Minimalism—has shaped how I structure my time and protect my energy. His perspective on cultivating depth in a distracted world resonates with both my artistic practice and my leadership roles.
I’m also inspired by the expansive storytelling and disciplined creative output of Brandon Sanderson. His ability to build intricate worlds while maintaining consistency and productivity reminds me that creativity thrives within structure. As someone who choreographs, directs, and builds experiences, I appreciate how masterful storytelling parallels movement—both require vision, commitment, and emotional truth.
Beyond published authors, one of my greatest sources of insight is my daughter, Danika. She is a coach and leader in her own right, and our conversations continually challenge and refine my thinking. Her perspective on growth, identity, and leadership sharpens my awareness and keeps me evolving. The wisdom we exchange—both as colleagues and as mother and daughter—has become one of the most meaningful resources in my life.
Ultimately, the tools that help me do my best are those that encourage focus, imagination, and honest reflection. Whether through leadership philosophy, epic storytelling, or thoughtful dialogue at the kitchen table, I seek resources that deepen both my craft and my character.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dahldance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprildahldance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DahlDanceInc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-dahl-30b10415a
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb_y51igHGQMoF6xsEPCwQ
