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Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

4.8 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Ballet school in Cranston, Rhode Island

Adult classes Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 7–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Phone (401) 461-5487
  • Website & schedule carolyndutradancestudio.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 8 mentions

“It’s been 6 years and now both my daughters (almost 8 and 4) belong there and it’s been wonderful ever since!”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 30 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Very welcoming and generous in providing the best dance education and experience!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 5 mentions

“We love being part of the Carolyn Durta Dance family!”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 4 mentions

“The studios are run very professional and are extremely well organized.”

From the reviews

The BEST dance studio in Rhode Island! When my oldest was 2 we left another local studio we didn’t like for multiple reasons, and joined CDDS with a friend and her daughters. It’s been 6 years and now both my daughters (almost 8 and 4) belong there and it’s been wonderful ever since!

★★★★★ — Amanda, Feb 2025

My daughter has been attending carolyn dutra for about 5 months now, and she absolutely loves it! The teachers are very nice and great with kids.

★★★★★ — Amanda, Feb 2026

Our Daughter has been dancing at the Carolyn Durta Dance Studio for eight years, since age 2. We love being part of the Carolyn Durta Dance family! As an only child her dance friends are her sisters! The studios are run very professional and are extremely well organized. The teachers and staff are amazing!

★★★★★ — Michele, Jan 2020

Incredible studio! Very welcoming and generous in providing the best dance education and experience! My girls have been dancing here since they were babies and still look forward to every dance class with the excitement of it feeling like their first!

★★★★★ — Samantha, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

Adult ballet at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Carolyn Dutra Dance Studio

95 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI02910

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.