About
How We Got Started
Our studio got its start in the basement of our founder and namesake Ann Carroll’s home in 1970. With 18 years of teaching experience under her belt, she built a studio off of Hillsboro Road in the Grassland community where the school remained for 30 years.
After enlarging the building twice to accommodate the growing classes and companies, Ann moved the studio to the Franklin area, where it has expanded again across a variety of spaces before landing in its current home in Cool Springs.
The current studio hosts more than 110 classes per week across a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, musical theater and more.
The school is educating daughters of some of Ann’s original students and, in some cases, the grandchildren of former students!
The Ann Carroll School of Dance has grown each year since its inception and accommodates its students in an inclusive environment at the center of which are our 3 core values:
Education. Creativity. Connection.
A Note From the Owner
After a successful career as a professional dancer, I wanted to pass on my love of dance to others. The thing I love the most about teaching dance is the collective joy that comes from moving with others. I love watching the dancers grow and achieve their artistic goals.
From the day I entered the studio to teach in 2001, while my then mother-in-law Ann Carroll ran the show, I knew I wanted to be a studio owner one day. That opportunity arose in 2012 when Ann looked to retire and couldn't wait to continue what Miss Ann started.
My goal is to create a space where young artists feel comfortable and free to express themselves.
I want to inspire young people by being honest and real and giving them the tools to help them become not just better dancers, but better people.
- Laura Carroll, Owner
110
Average Classes per week
12
Experienced Instructors
52
# of years in business
100
% of happy students
Meet Our Leadership
These women bring a variety of performance, teaching, and child experience to the table bringing our mission to “Educate, Inspire & Create” to life.
Laura Carroll
Owner
Katey Windholz
Company Director & Instructor
Jeanne McCollum
Musical Theater Co-Director
Cailin Manning
Instructor