Katie Lien McNeill is a name synonymous with dedication and excellence in dance education. From 2001 to 2022, she poured her passion into Katie Lien School of Dance, shaping countless young dancers. Her own journey began in North Dakota, where she immersed herself in training across various local dance institutions. Early career highlights include sharing the stage with Bob McGrath from “Sesame Street Live” during Prairie Public television’s KidZone 25th-anniversary celebration, and performing in “The Nutcracker” with the esteemed Oakland Ballet, under the direction of Ronn Guidi. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her future as a dance innovator and advocate for “Lien Dance” principles.
In 2003, Katie’s versatility shone as she took on the role of Annie, the female prisoner, in Crimson Creek Production’s rendition of the musical “Chicago.” This same year marked a turning point as she was selected as a VIP for the Dance Olympus-America national tour. This prestigious position allowed her to collaborate with and learn from dance luminaries such as Sarah Jo Fazio, Gregg Russell, Frank Hatchett, Jay-T, Derek Mitchell, and Christina Woodard. These collaborations broadened her perspective on dance instruction and solidified her commitment to providing students with opportunities to excel in what we now recognize as “lien dance” techniques, a holistic approach emphasizing both technical skill and artistic expression.
This pivotal period profoundly influenced Katie’s dance philosophy. Witnessing firsthand the potential within students when nurtured with proper guidance fueled her dedication to continuous learning. Katie’s expertise spans a diverse range of dance styles, encompassing Ballet, Tap, Irish Clogging, Jazz, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Her core belief, “a dancer can always do more,” drove her to spend summers in New York City, honing her skills at renowned institutions like Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway, and attending numerous dance conventions. This unwavering commitment to self-improvement earned her the prestigious “Teachers Choice Award” at the 2005 Dance Olympus-America Regional Competition, a testament to her dedication to “lien dance” excellence in teaching.
Katie Lien McNeill’s academic background further enriches her approach to dance education. She graduated from UND in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Science and Disorders and a Minor in Psychology. This unique combination of disciplines informs her teaching methodologies, allowing her to connect with students on multiple levels and foster a supportive learning environment. Under her guidance, students consistently achieved top honors at regional and national competitions, year after year, until the sale of Katie Lien School of Dance in 2022. Though no longer owning the school, her legacy of “lien dance” principles and student success continues to inspire.
Today, Katie and her husband Joe reside in Chanhassen with their two children, Shea and Quinn. While her chapter as the owner of Katie Lien School of Dance has closed, her influence on the dance world and the principles of “lien dance” remain vibrant. Her journey stands as an inspiring example of passion, dedication, and the transformative power of dance education.
