Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

- 19 Lark Industrial Dr unit d, Greenville, RI 02828

For over four decades, Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of the dance community in Rhode Island, building a reputation for excellence, integrity, and a family-friendly atmosphere. This is not just a place to learn dance steps; it’s an environment where students blossom, gaining confidence and technical prowess under the guidance of a professional and dedicated staff. Led by Carolyn Dutra herself, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, the studio offers a high-caliber dance education with a unique philosophy that prioritizes performance and community involvement over the high-pressure world of competition. As one parent noted, their daughter has developed incredible confidence and skills over seven years, an experience that began with a memorable "mommy and me" class. The studio is a "good for kids" environment, as evidenced by a delighted parent who stated their three-year-old has fallen in love with dancing just four months into their enrollment. The instructors, with impressive dance backgrounds and strong character, serve as positive role models, inspiring young dancers to reach their full potential. Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio is more than an academy; it’s a nurturing home for the arts, shaping not only talented dancers but also well-rounded individuals who carry a love for dance and a strong sense of character with them for a lifetime. Their community-focused approach and commitment to positive experiences are what have made them a staple in Southern New England dance education for so many years.

The studio’s commitment to providing a balanced and enriching experience is a significant part of its appeal. While they offer advanced classes and have a company team for highly dedicated students, the core of their program is built on recreational classes that are accessible to everyone. This means that a student can start at any age and skill level and find a class that fits their needs and goals. The studio's focus on performance gives students incredible opportunities to showcase their talents, from the annual recitals and holiday shows to community events and even the option to perform at world-renowned venues like Disney World. This focus provides a sense of purpose and achievement that is different from the pressure of competition, encouraging a love for performing and sharing their art with others. The studio also offers online classes, which proved to be a lifesaver during the pandemic and continue to provide flexibility for families. This forward-thinking approach, combined with their traditional values of discipline and respect, creates a truly dynamic and modern dance school. The positive feedback and long-standing loyalty of families are a testament to the fact that Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio is not just teaching dance, it is building a community of kind, confident, and talented young people.

Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio is conveniently located at 19 Lark Industrial Dr, Unit D, Greenville, RI 02828, USA. Situated in a suburban area of Greenville, the studio is easily reachable for families in and around the Providence metropolitan area, including nearby communities like Smithfield, Cranston, and Johnston. The studio’s location in an industrial park provides a straightforward drive and ample parking, which is a major convenience for parents during busy drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access is further enhanced by a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that the facility is accommodating to all visitors and families with varying needs. This feature reflects the studio’s overall philosophy of inclusivity and community care. The straightforward location on Lark Industrial Drive means less time spent navigating and more time enjoying the dance classes and studio environment. For families who live in the area, the studio's proximity makes it an ideal choice for an after-school or weekend activity, simplifying the logistics of a busy family schedule. This practical accessibility, coupled with a warm and welcoming environment, contributes significantly to the overall positive experience at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio.

Services Offered

• Classes for All Ages: The studio offers a wide range of classes for all ages, from preschoolers to adults, with specialized programs for different age groups and skill levels.

• Diverse Dance Styles: The curriculum includes a variety of dance disciplines, such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, acro, and lyrical. There are also specific classes like "Hippity Hop" for younger children and "Jazz Dance Class" for those focusing on that style.

• Performance-Focused Programs: The studio places a strong emphasis on performance opportunities over competition. This includes annual recitals and a special Nutcracker Ballet production, providing students with valuable stage experience.

• Company Classes: For dedicated and advanced dancers, the studio offers specialized company classes. These programs require more commitment and provide intensive training for students who wish to pursue dance at a higher level.

• Special Needs Programs: The studio is proud to offer "Rhythm Works Integrative Dance," a unique program designed to be inclusive and supportive for dancers with special needs, demonstrating their commitment to making dance accessible to everyone.

• Private Lessons: Individualized instruction is available for students who want to refine their skills or receive one-on-one coaching to meet specific goals. These sessions can be tailored to the dancer's needs, whether for audition preparation or skill enhancement.

• Summer Programs: The studio provides engaging and educational summer programs, including classes and an intensive program, allowing students to continue their dance training and stay active during the summer months. As one reviewer mentioned, these are a popular and beloved option.

• Birthday Parties and Studio Rentals: The facility is available for hosting dance-themed birthday parties and can be rented for other events, providing a fun and unique venue for special occasions.

Features / Highlights

• Focus on Performance, Not Competition: The studio’s core philosophy is centered on giving students performance opportunities and building their confidence in a positive, collaborative environment, rather than the intense pressure of competition. This unique approach is highly valued by many parents and is a key differentiator.

• Community and Family-Oriented Atmosphere: The studio is known for its welcoming and nurturing environment, which fosters a strong sense of community among students and parents alike. As one reviewer noted, the studio is a place where their family feels welcomed and supported.

• Highly Qualified Instructors: The faculty is composed of experienced and professional dancers, many with impressive dance backgrounds, including the studio director who was a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette. They are not only talented dancers but also excellent role models for young students.

• Inclusive Programs: The studio is committed to inclusivity, as seen in its wheelchair-accessible car park and its special Rhythm Works Integrative Dance program for students with varying needs. This dedication ensures that all children, and adults, can experience the joy of dance.

• Opportunities Beyond the Studio: Dancers at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio have a wealth of performance opportunities. In addition to their popular annual recitals, they perform at various community venues and have the option to participate in unique trips, such as performing at Disney World, as one parent enthusiastically mentioned.

• Comprehensive Dance Education: The studio's curriculum goes beyond just technique. It includes lessons on discipline, respect, and professionalism, which are critical life skills that students carry with them long after they leave the dance floor. This holistic approach to dance education sets the studio apart from others.

Contact Information

• Address: 19 Lark Industrial Dr unit d, Greenville, RI 02828, USA

• Phone: (401) 737-6565

What is worth choosing

For families in Rhode Island, selecting a dance studio that aligns with their values is paramount. Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio is an exceptional choice, distinguished by its unique and highly effective approach to dance education. What makes this studio truly worth choosing is its focus on a performance-based model rather than a competition-driven one. This is a critical distinction for many parents who want their children to experience the joy of dance and performing without the intense pressure and expense often associated with competitive dance. The studio provides abundant opportunities for students to showcase their talents, from the cherished annual recitals to performing at local community events and even on a larger stage at places like Disney World. This builds confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment that is both healthy and rewarding.

Moreover, the quality of instruction is second to none. The instructors at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio are not just teachers; they are mentors and role models with impressive professional backgrounds. They are committed to fostering not only technical skills but also a strong character, teaching young dancers about discipline, respect, and hard work. This comprehensive approach to dance training helps students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. The studio's welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is also a significant factor. With programs like Rhythm Works Integrative Dance and wheelchair-accessible facilities, they have made a clear commitment to ensuring that dance is accessible to everyone. This inclusivity fosters a sense of community where all students feel valued and supported.

Finally, the sense of community and family that the studio cultivates is a powerful reason for its long-standing success. The glowing reviews from parents who have been part of the studio for many years are a testament to the strong bonds that are formed there. As one parent happily reported, their family "loves" the studio and their daughter has been going for seven years. This loyalty is a result of the studio's consistent delivery of a positive, enriching, and joyful experience. For a dance education that is professional, nurturing, and genuinely cares about the well-being of its students, Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio stands as a premier and trusted institution in the Rhode Island community.

Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

19 Lark Industrial Dr unit d, Greenville, RI 02828, USA