Meet the Instructors
KARA MINNIS
Creative Arts Dance Studio Director
Kara Minnis was born and raised in Eureka MT and since the young age of three, has always had a passion and love for dancing. She lived and learned the art of dance through the programs and exposure that the Creative Arts Dance Studio and her mom, Cheryl Geibel-Bressi brought to the Eureka community. She trained under her direction until she ventured off to the University of Montana to expand her knowledge and continue her dance training. Kara is now the Director of the Dance Studio. She teaches Creative Movement for the very young, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Belly dance. Kara holds a certification in Power Sculpt and Barre as well. A love for the stage and a deep respect for the power of movement keeps her driven to share and teach with great passion. She looks forward to working with Montana’s dance community and to what the future will bring with her ever-continuing dance education.
DESIREE LIBBY
Instructor
Desiree Libby is 3rd generation Eureka Montana native. She joined the Creative Arts Dance Studio program when she was 12 years old and has been dancing ever since. She danced at the University of Montana and continued her dance education in Portland Oregon. In 2008-2009 she apprenticed under the founder of the Creative Arts Dance Studio, Cheryl Bressi, in preparation to step into the role as Creative Arts Dance Studio Director in 2010. Desiree was the director of the program for the next 6 years teaching, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, creative movement and musical theatre to students of all ages. Sadly, she left that position to move with her family to North Dakota, although short lived, she taught adult tap at a wonderful studio in Dickinson North Dakota. Luckily, the Creative Arts Dance Studio family welcomed her back with open arms and she continues to teach the art of dance. Desiree has a strong dedication to this program and the students that give it their all each and every week. Dance is a part of her soul and every day she is so grateful for the chance to dance!
KATIE COOK
Instructor
Katie has danced in the CADS program since she was a little girl. She danced under the the direction of Cheryl Bressi for 13 years before graduating in 2008. Katie is native to Eureka and has been part of the community her entire life. She has four daughters whom are also dancers in the program. At age 20, Katie started assistant teaching under Desiree Libby. She later started teaching for Kara Minnis and became an instructor for Kara in September 2019. She has gone on to get physical fitness certifications such as Power Sculpt and Barre. Katie continues to take classes to help further her knowledge to help her students. She has a tremendous love for dance and teaching!