According to Carla Olson, one of the owners of the Academy of Dance in Port Orchard, Washington, the Academy is committed to building a school of excellence and uncompromising dedication to the education of performance art. The philosophy of the two owners, Carla Olson and Jennifer Dean-Mckinistry, is reflected in the fact that all instructors are highly trained instructors who are devoted to the Academy and to the development of each individual student’s abilities.
The Academy provides children and adults with superior education and inspiration in performance art offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical dances. Currently, serving families in the Kitsap area including Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard ad Gig Harbor. their goal is to create a positive and healthy learning environment where individual talents and abilities will be recognized. They emphasize self-discipline and a strong work ethic so that each student will learn the art of dance to their fullest potential athletically and artistically. Most 
importantly, they believe dance will enhance the development of each individual’s self-image and self-esteem, giving him or her the inner strength necessary to respond appropriately when confronted with life’s many challenges.
In Carla’s opinion, there are three things that separates their dance studio from other dance studios. They are: (1) The studio’s adherence to the fundamentals of dance technique; (2) the emphasis on, and requirement to work at full capacity in each and every class; and (3) the important notion of performance value (connecting with the audience).
Carla, has been instructing for decades and has had so many “proud moments” as an instructor that it is very difficult for her to think of just one in particular. However, one thing that brings her joy is when she makes a correction and the student applies that correction and then the student sees the successful result of that correction which is reflected in the joy and happiness on the student’s face.
The biggest mistake that Carla sees a lot of dancers make is to not work to their fullest 
potential. They come to class and spend the class time working at less than 100 percent. This is a waste of their time and they are only cheating themselves. Additionally, it is discouraging for the dancer because they do not see the results they wish to achieve. Carla’s goal is to encourage dancers to realize their potential and also to get the student to understand their role and responsibility in their own development as a dancer and athlete. Becoming a great dancer, is hard work and nobody is going to do the work for you.
Carla was inspired to start a studio by her love for children, dance and business. Most dance studio owners love the dance aspect of having a studio but Carla also LOVES the business part of owning a studio. She says it has been a great career while raising her family and has continued to keep her very busy as an empty nester.
If you would like more information about the Academy of Dance, visit their website at www.myacademyofdance.com, call them at 360-769-7277 or email them at academyofdance@comcast.net. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and connect with them on Instagram.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Carla Olson of Academy of Dance.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
