Debbie started teaching line dancing in the Park for the Rapid City Recreation Division in 1995. The kids who took these classes performed at the Central States Fair with the Heartland Dancers. Because she had many requests to have the kids dance for their group, she decided to form a youth dance team. Her goal was to have a "Teen" performance team. She soon found out that she needed to start with the younger kids and help them grow up dancing.

Debbie organized the Hot Shots performance team in 1997. This is a group of 24 students ages 9 – 17 from various schools in Rapid City. The group consists of two teams the “Divas” and the “Angels”. Auditions are required for each team. They perform half-time for High School and College Basketball games and the Red Dogs Football team. They have performed at the State Capitol in Pierre, Health Fairs, Kids Fairs, Bike Shows, Conferences, Nursing Homes, Heritage Festival, Central States Fair and dance events in Rapid City, Casper, WY and Colorado Springs, CO.

The Hot Shots have had seven youth dance camps as fund raisers for the team. The camps are for ages 4 and up. Those who take the camp have the opportunity to perform at either the Heritage Festival or the Central States. The Dance Camp in August of 2004 had 97 participants. When they performed at the Central States Fair, the audience was standing room only.

To have the Hot Shots perform for your social or conference, please contact Debbie. There is no charge, but the team does accept donations.

Interested in becoming a Hot Shot? Potential Hot Shots come from those taking Beginner Hot Shot Classes and evening classes through the Rapid City Recreation Division. They need to gain some knowledge of basic line dance steps. When there is an opening on the team, a special workshop is held called “I Want to Be A Hot Shot Workshop”. At this workshop students learn the audition routine. Judges for the Auditions are Advanced Hot Shots, Heartland Dancers and other dance instructors.

Debbie curently has one assistant instructor for the team, Heidi Hollan. She has been Hot Shots team member since 1998. Heidi is a very talented and dedicated dancer and a tremendous asset to the team. She is currently taking classes at Prima and is a member of the Stevens Blues.