Upper School Dance Team
Team Information
Performance Schedule
Practice Schedule
Practice Calendar
February 2026
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Coach Bio
About Coach Fuchs
Originally from Nebraska, Coach Mattie Fuchs brings years of experience and passion for dance to the ISI community. She began dancing in high school, serving as a multi-year captain of her school’s dance team and color guard. Her background also includes show choir and musical theatre, where she developed skills in various dance techniques and performance styles.
Before joining ISI, Coach Fuchs led a dance and drill team for five years, coaching routines in pom, step, flag, and more. She began working with the ISI Drill Team alongside Mr. Jensen in 2021, and their shared enthusiasm led to the creation of the Gryphon Dancers in the 2022–2023 school year. She has been co-coaching the team ever since.
Coach Fuchs believes that all students can be dancers when they approach movement with intention and give their best effort. She emphasizes consistency, resilience, and embracing mistakes as essential parts of the learning process. Her favorite part of coaching is watching dancers grow in skill and confidence—and witnessing the joy that shines through in a powerful performance.
Fun fact: Coach Fuchs and Mr. Jensen first coached together in 2014 during her very first coaching role. Now, they’re reunited as a coaching duo at ISI!
About Coach Jensen
Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Coach RJ Jensen brings over a decade of coaching experience to the ISI dance program. He began coaching dance teams in 2013 and has been committed ever since to helping students grow not only as performers but as confident, expressive individuals. While his background is in the arts rather than traditional athletics, Mr. Jensen sees dance as the perfect intersection of creativity, discipline, and teamwork.
As a coach, Mr. Jensen is passionate about guiding students to fully engage in routines, bringing their energy, personality, and passion to each performance. He believes that dance offers far more than physical movement; it cultivates leadership, communication, and a strong sense of self. Watching students light up with confidence and pride after a performance is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
In addition to coaching, Mr. Jensen serves as the Director of Performing Arts at ISI. He is a strong advocate for students participating in both the arts and athletics, believing that each experience enriches their education and helps shape well-rounded individuals. Whether on stage or on the sidelines, Mr. Jensen is proud to support ISI students as they explore their talents and discover the joy of creative expression.
Team Schedule iCal Feed
Performance Calendar: webcal://api.eventlink.com/?m=Calendar&a=iCalFeedByCalendarID&id=41790a63-8afe-42c5-a4ed-42bfa028ed4d&token=7577dcf8-7047-4ceb-ab57-10f0cacb81f2
Practice Calendar: webcal://api.eventlink.com/?m=Calendar&a=iCalFeedByCalendarID&id=98bc5dcb-f173-4f62-9316-8cd1044ed1dd&token=7577dcf8-7047-4ceb-ab57-10f0cacb81f2
Pre-Season Info
Head Coach: Mattie Fuchs
Assistant Coach: RJ Jensen
Date of first practice: March 24, 2026
Parent & Coaches Meeting Date: TBD
Practice Schedule
Blackwell Gym every Tuesday, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM.
Blackbox at Taurel every Thursday, 3:45 - 5:30 PM.
Required by first practice:
These forms only need to be completed once a year, so Fall Athletics participants do not need to complete them.
All student athletes are required by the IHSAA to have a completed physical. If your child has not turned in the completed form to the Athletic Office, please schedule a physical immediately. You will need to take the IHSAA physical form to the appointment so that the physician may complete and sign it.
Equipment Checklist
These items are needed to participate and are not provided by the school
- Tennis shoes
- Water bottle
- Athletic apparel for practice (students are able to wear whatever athletic gear they feel comfortable in)
Facilities:
Blackwell Gymnasium and Blackbox at Taurel Building
Travel
For practice: No travel necessary.
For away games: Dance Team performs at home athletic events, no travel required.
THANK YOU TO OUR ATHLETICS PROGRAM SPONSORS
