Self-expression is encouraged.
The Studio of Dance is made up of teachers who love dance as much as we love our students. With our teachers’ guidance, every student learns strong dance technique while having fun, building confidence and blossoming into their own natural positive self-expression.
“Just because you don’t want to be a pro doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the best training you can.” —Karen Conner, Owner
Karen Conner: Owner/Artistic Director
Karen Conner took her first dance class at the age of six. Having fallen in love with dance immediately, she has been dancing ever since. She started attending conventions and workshops as a teenager and was a member of the Montgomery College Dance Company. Karen has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and pre-school children's work. She has been teaching ages three to adults in Montgomery County, at various studios in the area since 1990. She is a graduate of the DMA Teachers Training School and also holds a certificates in Zumba. Having passed national examinations in ballet, tap and jazz, Karen is proud to be an active member of Dance Masters of America. Karen has served as Chairperson of the Scholarship Auditions and is a past president of Mid-Atlantic Dance Masters Chapter 17, Mid-Atlantic Area. Keeping on top of her own education of dance and teaching, she continues to go to various workshops, conventions and Dance Masters Teachers Training School. Karen has a passion for everything dance and loves to share this enthusiasm with all of her students.
Courtney Conner
Courtney Conner has been dancing since the age of 3. Knowing ballet was the key to all forms of dance she began to take it more seriously and attended numerous summer ballet intensives. These include American Dance Institute and Strathmore Center for Performing Arts. She has also competed in ballet, tap, contemporary and musical theater between the ages of 9 and 17. She has completed her 3rd year at Dance Masters of America, Teachers Training School and will be taking her certification exams next summer. In high school she added poms to her dance background, performing on the Seneca Valley Poms squad for two years. While her college did not offer a dance program, they did have a dance team. Courtney was on the Flagler College Dance Team for all four years reaching the rank of Captain her senior year. Her time on dance team and performing at all the basketball games are some of her favorite college memories. Courtney looks forward to teaching students how to dance, find their groove, and feel confident in themselves as dancers.
Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor has been dancing since he was 5 years old. His primary discipline has been in ballroom dancing, but he has also trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. His mother was a professional dancer and instructor and introduced Sam and his siblings to ballroom at an early age. Sam competed in Dancesport competitions all around the U.S. from the ages of 5 to 17, in both International Latin and International Standard divisions. He has a passion for teaching and for working with both children and adults. Sam believes dancing is for everyone and has a profoundly positive impact on those who partake in it. He is excited to cultivate a passion for dance in his students!