MEET THE OWNER
Meet the Owner of Pulse Dance Fitness Studio
Hi! I’m Mikaela, founder of Pulse Dance Fitness Studio.
A lifelong dancer. A multi-certified fitness instructor. A West Des Moines local.
I grew up right here in the Des Moines area, where dance and tumbling were everything to me. For 18 years I trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, and Tumbling, competing around the country with some of the best instructors both locally and nationally. I was Co-Captain of the Valley Dance Team the year we won State. Safe to say, I got the dance bug early and never really shook it.
While at Iowa State University getting my Bachelor of Architecture degree, I stopped dancing entirely. Between the demands of school and work, exercise fell away, and I felt it. There was a real, palpable shift in my happiness. After graduating, I took my first cardio dance fitness class and something just clicked. I felt my soul come alive again. I became a certified Zumba instructor soon after and never looked back.
Over the next 10+ years I moved for work to Chicago, Boston, and back to Des Moines - teaching at some of the best studios around the country, collecting more fitness certifications along the way, and developing my own style and approach to dance fitness. I always knew I wanted my own studio someday. In 2023 I made that dream a reality right here in my hometown of West Des Moines, IA.
Pulse Dance Fitness Studio is built on one simple belief: exercise should be something you look forward to. Since opening in 2023 we’ve grown to a team of over 20 passionate instructors and staff offering over 36 classes every week. Cheering women on as they discover what their bodies are capable of, is my passion in this life. No competition, no judgement - just support and joy in watching our community discover their awesomeness.
Outside the studio I’m a proud wife and mom of two little girls. My husband Alex and I are thrilled to be raising our family right here in the West Des Moines community we love. I’m so proud to show my daughters what’s possible when women work hard, dream big and lead with love. Pulse is my happy place and I can’t wait to make it yours too. ♡
Come experience Pulse for yourself.
Mikaela and the entire Pulse team can’t wait to meet you. New clients get 2 weeks of unlimited dance fitness classes for just $39 - no experience required, no long-term commitment. Des Moines’ most fun workout is waiting for you.