Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Guempel.
Hi Chelsea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Chelsea Guempel’s journey in the world of dance and performance is truly inspiring, marked by a combination of dedication, leadership, and a love for teaching. From a young age, she immersed herself in dance, competing across the St. Louis region and nationwide. Her early involvement in dance competitions laid the foundation for a career filled with passion and excellence.
During high school, Chelsea excelled as a member and later captain of the Edwardsville High School Dance Team, all while working as an Assistant Dance Teacher at Jam Dance Academy. This dual experience allowed her to grow both as a performer and a mentor to younger dancers.
Chelsea’s academic journey took her from Arizona State University, where she double majored in Dance and Interior Design, to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she became a key member and captain of the Saluki Shakers Dance Team. After graduation, she didn’t stop pursuing her dreams and even tried out for the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders, where she not only made the team but also took on the role of captain for several years. Her performances took her across the globe, dancing in international events like the Hong Kong New Year’s Parade and cities including Mexico City, Tokyo/Misawa, Toronto, and more!
Chelsea opened Prima Dance & Tumbling in 2013 and grew her business from roughly 50 athletes in her first year to currently serving around 650 athletes both recreationally and competitively. What started in a 6,000 sq ft building has not expanded to a complex holding 6,000 sq ft for dance and 10,000 sq ft for tumbling and cheer.
Chelsea not only is the Director of Prima’s award-winning competitive dance team, but also coaches the Edwardsville Varsity Dance Team. Chelsea also is a part owner of Positive Vibes Dance which is a regional and national dance competition. She is passionate about her community and is proud to provide a facility for all of the dancers and cheer/tumble athletes out there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think as any entrepreneur can attest to, you are never going to make everyone happy. As a people-pleaser, this was a hard reality that I really struggled with when starting out. I now understand that I can stay true to myself and my business model, treat everyone with kindness and respect, focus on the student’s growth and if someone doesn’t think my business is a good fit for them, it is simply easier to let them go find the ones that do.
We just finished building a new facility and that alone has been one of my biggest obstacles I have faced over the years. Dealing with local elected officials, contractors, weather delays (and the list goes on) isn’t for the faint of heart. It is all worth it in the end but I admit that I am very happy that time is over.
We’ve been impressed with Prima Dance and Tumbling, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At our studio, we are proud to offer one of the largest and most diverse dance and tumbling programs in the area. With specialized training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, lyrical, tumbling, and cheer, we provide families with an incredible variety of classes all under one roof—something that truly sets us apart.
Our thriving recreational program offers flexible options for busy families, while our highly established competitive dance team, made up of 67 talented dancers, competes successfully throughout the St. Louis region. We are also home to an All-Star competitive cheer team, bringing the same level of excellence and energy to local competitions.
In addition, we proudly partner with 17 local middle school and high school cheer teams, helping athletes elevate their tumbling skills and prepare for competition-level performance with confidence.
But what truly makes our studio feel like home is our staff, an incredible team of dedicated women and men who are passionate about teaching, encouraging, and guiding every student. We’ve built a supportive, family-centered environment where kids can grow not just technically, but emotionally, learning in a space that is caring, structured, uplifting, and fun.
We are honored to serve our community and grateful for every dancer, tumbler, and family who walks through our doors.
What makes you happy?
My family and my students (who truly feel like family). That is my happiness. I’ve always had a passion for dance, but it was during my teenage years that I discovered my passion for teaching. That combination has shaped my entire life.
So many of our dancers have been walking through our doors since they were just two or three years old. I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow through every stage of childhood and adolescence. First, it’s helping them tell their right foot from their left, tying shoes, and conquering their very first shuffle step. Then come the bigger moments—navigating friendships, overcoming disappointments, learning resilience, and celebrating the victories that mean the most to them.
As they reach their teenage years, I get to watch them truly come into themselves—maturing, blooming with confidence, and discovering who they want to be. I don’t have a favorite age; I genuinely love witnessing their entire journey unfold.
When they graduate and move on from our facility, it’s always bittersweet. It feels like a little piece of my heart walks out with them. But the connection doesn’t end there. We adore keeping up with our alumni, and they know that whenever they’re home, they have to stop by and say hi to their Prima fam.
This studio is more than a place to dance. It’s a place to grow, to belong, and to be loved through every stage of life.
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Class – $45.00 /mo ($11.25 per class)
- 45-Minute Class – $55.00 /mo ($13.75 per class)
- 1-Hour Class – $60.00 /mo ($15 per class)
- 1.5- Hour Class – $80 /mo ($20 per class)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://primadanceandtumbling.com
