Meet The Instructors

Janet

Janet Kruse

Janet always wanted to dance, and finally started in the late 1990’s. After years spent in country dance halls & classes, she joined Dance Encounter in 2006. She studied Ballroom & Latin dances, and was trained how to teach. After realizing a preference for Country & Swing music over Ballroom and Latin, she settled into teaching Country Couples & Line Dancing. Once class locations in Park Districts were added in 2008, Dance With Janet was officially born.

Betsy

Betsy Maaks

Betsy has been dancing long before she and Janet met in 2005 (ish). Due to her strong ballet base, she learns dances easily and follows any leader flawlessly. She made 2020 her year to begin instructing and now teaches Beginner 1 line dance classes in Darien.

Courtney

Courtney Blum

Courtney walked into Janet’s bar in May of 2010 and was instantly mesmerized by country dancing. She remembers every dance she ever learned, and now handles the DWJ website and everything Janet can’t (or won’t) do. We would be lost without her. Additionally, Courtney is a substitute instructor for Dance With Janet classes.

Karen Moutvic

Karen started dancing with Janet in 2013. Once she discovered how much fun dancing was,
she made sure to hit the floor 2 – 3 nights a week, without fail. She’ll dance whenever she
hears a song that moves her, no matter where she is! Karen teaches Beginner 2 line dance
classes at Butterfield Park District and in Wheaton.