Carla Olson – Owner/Instructor
Carla’s journey in dance began at the age of six, when she immersed herself in the exciting world of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. By the age of 15, she had taken her first steps into teaching, sharing her passion with younger students. After completing high school, Carla pursued her dance education at the prestigious Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. This formative experience fueled her desire to further hone her craft, leading her to Hollywood, California, where she studied at Dupree Dance Academy. In addition to her dance training, Carla earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of Portland in Oregon, balancing her artistic pursuits with a solid academic foundation. Yet her love of dance did not wane; after college, she continued her studies at Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle, further enriching her expertise. Throughout her career, Carla has had the privilege of learning from esteemed dance masters including Michael Rooney, Carol Connors, Jackie Sleight, Van “The Man” Porter, Dianne Walker, Jason Samuel-Smith, and others. Their wisdom and experience have deeply influenced her teaching philosophy. In 1997, Carla realized her dream by opening the Academy of Dance. Her profound love for dance is matched only by her commitment to her students and their personal growth, both as dancers and individuals. Carla firmly believes that dance transcends the boundaries of technique and choreography; it is a transformative journey toward becoming the best version of oneself. Her passion lies in nurturing her students' full potential, not just as dancers, but as well-rounded human beings. Carla is deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people, guiding them toward self-discovery and confidence through the art of dance