Carol Ann's Dance Studio Introduce
Welcome to Carol Ann's Dance Studio, a cherished institution that has been a vibrant part of the West Branch, Michigan community for over 50 years. For local families and aspiring dancers throughout the Michigan region, Carol Ann's offers far more than just dance instruction; it provides a nurturing environment where students not only master dance techniques but also cultivate essential life skills. We understand that parents in Michigan seek extracurricular activities that contribute positively to their children's development, fostering confidence, discipline, and a love for the arts. Carol Ann's Dance Studio, established by founder Carol Ann Marlinga in 1972, has consistently delivered on this promise, building a legacy of excellence and community engagement. Our philosophy is rooted in creating a supportive, non-competitive space where every dancer, from the youngest beginner to the more experienced, can flourish and develop a lifelong passion for dance.
The profound impact of Carol Ann's Dance Studio is consistently celebrated by its loyal community members. One parent enthusiastically declared, "I absolutely love this dance studio. Staff is amazing and very knowledgeable in all dances that are taught. Highly recommend!" Another heartfelt testimonial beautifully illustrates the studio's long-term influence: "At 3 yrs old my daughter asked to dance. I signed her up for a 6 week summer session. I had no idea 8 years later she would still be dancing there! The staff is amazing!!! She has learned so much and has grown to love dancing so much!" This highlights the studio's ability to ignite and sustain a deep passion for dance. The studio's commitment to holistic development is further underscored by a parent whose son "doesn't always follow directions well," but the "staff has taught him how to stay focused and be on time." This demonstrates Carol Ann's dedication to fostering crucial life skills. Concluding with "It takes a village and I am so incredibly happy to have Carol Ann's as part of mine!!" perfectly encapsulates the studio's role as a supportive pillar in the local Michigan community.
Carol Ann's Dance Studio is conveniently located at 107 S 2nd St, West Branch, MI 48661, USA. This central address places the studio in the heart of downtown West Branch, making it easily accessible for families residing within the city and from surrounding communities across Ogemaw County and beyond in Michigan. Our location on South 2nd Street ensures that the studio is a prominent and easy-to-find destination within the local landscape. We understand that for busy parents in Michigan, convenience is key when choosing after-school activities, and our central West Branch location minimizes travel time, allowing more focus on the enriching dance experience itself.
The accessibility of the studio is further enhanced by its presence in a well-established downtown area, typically offering straightforward navigation and community amenities nearby. While specific parking details may vary, a downtown location often provides readily available public parking options. Carol Ann's Dance Studio is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment where students can focus on their learning and artistic growth without logistical hurdles. This dedication to ease of access reinforces our mission to make quality dance education available to as many local residents as possible, strengthening the cultural fabric of the West Branch community.
Carol Ann's Dance Studio offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance services, catering to students of various ages and skill levels, all within a nurturing and non-competitive environment. Our curriculum is designed to provide thorough technical training across multiple dance disciplines.
- Ballet: Foundational classical ballet training emphasizing technique, posture, grace, and strength. Includes Pre-pointe and Pointe for advanced students.
- Jazz: Dynamic and expressive classes focusing on jazz technique, isolations, turns, and leaps. Includes Adult Jazz options.
- Tap: Rhythmic and engaging classes that develop intricate footwork and musicality. Includes Tap Only options and Adult Tap.
- Lyrical: Blending elements of ballet and jazz, lyrical dance emphasizes emotional expression through fluid movement.
- Hip Hop: High-energy, contemporary street dance styles focusing on rhythm, freestyle, and dynamic choreography. Includes Adult Hip Hop options.
- Musical Theater: Classes that combine acting, singing, and dance to prepare students for stage performances in musical productions.
- Combination Classes: Often for younger dancers, these classes combine fundamental skills from two or more styles, such as Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, providing a well-rounded introduction.
- Acrobatics/Tumbling/Gymnastics: Classes focused on developing flexibility, strength, and acrobatic skills, often complementing dance training.
- Ballroom Dance: Instruction in various social ballroom styles, suitable for older students and adults.
- Recreational Classes: Designed for dancers of all ages (from 3 years old to adults) who want to learn and enjoy dance in a fun, uplifting atmosphere without competitive pressure.
- Year-End Recital: All recreational dancers perform at an annual Spring recital, providing a valuable performance experience.
- Summer Sessions/Camps: Shorter, engaging programs offered during the summer months, perfect for trying out dance or continuing training.
- Classes for All Experience Levels: We welcome students with no prior experience and offer classes tailored to their learning pace.
Our commitment to a broad range of styles ensures that every dancer finds their passion at Carol Ann's Dance Studio.
Carol Ann's Dance Studio is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a cornerstone of dance education in West Branch, Michigan.
- Non-Competitive Focus: A significant highlight is its identity as a "noncompetitive studio." This approach prioritizes technique and training, allowing students to learn and grow without the intense pressure often associated with competitive dance, creating a truly supportive environment.
- Highly Knowledgeable and Amazing Staff: Reviews consistently praise the instructors for being "amazing and very knowledgeable in all dances that are taught." They are dedicated professionals who "love dance" and are committed to high-quality instruction.
- Holistic Life Skill Development: Beyond dance steps, the studio actively "foster so many other life skills," such as focus, punctuality, and confidence. Parents have noted significant improvements in their children's discipline and overall behavior, making it more than just a dance class.
- Long-Standing Community Presence: With "over 50 years" in business, Carol Ann's Dance Studio has a rich history and deep roots in the West Branch community, carrying on the inspiration of its founder, Carol Ann Marlinga. This longevity speaks to its trusted reputation and sustained quality.
- Nurturing and Welcoming Atmosphere: The studio is described as a place where children "can't wait for 'dance' day," and families feel "so incredibly happy to have Carol Ann's as part of mine!!" This highlights the warm, supportive, and engaging environment that makes students feel at home.
- Continuous Instructor Training: Instructors at Carol Ann's "train annually at Dance Masters of America's Teachers Training Studio," ensuring they stay current with best practices and innovative teaching methods.
- Diverse Dance Offerings for All Ages: From combination classes for preschoolers to adult hip hop and ballroom, the studio offers a wide variety of styles and levels, making quality dance accessible to the entire family.
These features collectively create a unique and highly beneficial experience for dancers in the West Branch area.
For inquiries about classes, registration, schedules, or any other information, please contact Carol Ann's Dance Studio directly.
Address: 107 S 2nd St, West Branch, MI 48661, USA
Phone: (989) 345-7055
Mobile Phone: +1 989-345-7055
Our dedicated and friendly staff are ready to assist you and provide all the details you need to become part of our dance family. We invite prospective students and parents to reach out and discover the warm, professional, and transformative environment that has made Carol Ann's Dance Studio a cherished part of the West Branch community for over five decades.
For locals in West Branch and throughout the Michigan region, Carol Ann's Dance Studio is an exemplary choice for dance education. Its longstanding presence of "over 50 years" in the heart of downtown West Branch firmly establishes it as a trusted and accessible community pillar. What truly makes Carol Ann's suitable for local families, however, is its unwavering commitment to a non-competitive, nurturing environment where "amazing and very knowledgeable" staff foster not only exceptional dance technique across various styles but also vital "life skills" like focus and punctuality. Parents frequently share how their children "have learned so much and has grown to love dancing so much," with some even staying for eight years and counting! This studio is celebrated for its ability to teach discipline and confidence in a positive way, making it a "blessing" for families. Carol Ann's Dance Studio is more than just a place for lessons; it's a supportive "village" that helps children and adults alike thrive through the joy of dance, right here in West Branch, MI.
Carol Ann's Dance Studio Photos

Carol Ann's Dance Studio Location
Carol Ann's Dance Studio
107 S 2nd St, West Branch, MI 48661, USA
Carol Ann's Dance Studio Reviews
I absolutely love this dance studio. Staff is amazing and very knowledgeable in all dances that are taught. Highly recommend!
Apr 30, 2025 · Amy JenkinsWe love Carol Ann's Dance studio!!! At 3 yrs old my daughter asked to dance. I signed her up for a 6 week summer session. I had no idea 8 years later she would still be dancing there! The staff is amazing!!! She has learned so much and has grown to love dancing so much! My son started dancing 2 years ago and I was skeptical as he doesn't always follow directions well. The staff has taught him how to stay focused and be on time. Both my kids can't wait for "dance" day! It takes a village and I am so incredibly happy to have Carol Ann's as part of mine!!
Mar 10, 2023 · Christina BeechyAs a parent of two current students of Carol Ann’s, we love attending here for classes. Everyone is very knowledgeable and treats you like family. The teachers and other students and parents are like a whole extended family. Our dance family. Wouldn’t want my kids going anywhere else
Mar 12, 2023 · Ann JohnsonTook my daughter to learn gymnastics, she was taught nothing. I was told she couldn't learn to cart wheel so I had to teach her. They charge you the full month price even if they only have 1 or 2 Classes that month. Don't waste your money.
Jul 22, 2022 · AshleeFor a hometown studio, it couldn't get any better than this. The teachers and staff are hands down wonderful, everyone is kind and very organized. This studio will NOT disappoint you. These 3 years I've danced here have been amazing. I highly recommend you going to carol Annes.
Jul 08, 2017 · Sara Fogarasi
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