Staff Directory
- Title:
- Head Coach
Karen Heimke was named the Michigan Dance Team’s head coach in June of 2023 after serving in an interim role in the Fall of 2022. Heimke has proudly been part of the University of Michigan Dance Team for twenty-three as a nationals consultant, technical advisor, and recruiting assistant, leading the team to two national championship wins and several top-10 finishes at the UDA College Dance Team Championships. She is excited to continue this tradition of excellence and growth as the program’s head coach.
Karen currently serves as a corner coach and judge for the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders, where she collaborates with the DLC coaching staff to transform the game day experience for Lions fans. She also worked as an associate choreographer for numerous NFL halftime shows, collaborating with artists such as Boyz II Men, Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias, and Mary J. Blige.
Heimke is a highly sought-after consultant and technical advisor to multiple nationally-ranked collegiate and high school dance teams. Her prior mentorship to the Eisenhower High School Varsity Dance Team was instrumental in winning their twelve National Championships. Additionally, she supported the Walled Lake Northern Varsity and Junior Varsity Dance Teams on their way to their first National Championships as well. Additionally, Karen was a part of the coaching staff for the Team USA Dance Team in 2018, winning silver and bronze medals at the World Championships.
She now works closely with Northville Varsity Dance Team as a nationals consultant, where she elevates the program’s presence as a top competitor at Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championship. In addition, she is a former top head instructor, territory manager, and judge for the Universal Dance Association.
Heimke is a graduate of Dearborn High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Dance minor from Eastern Michigan University. She was a captain and later coach of the EMU dance team. She lives in Highland with her husband and two children.
