​Rhythm And Moves Dance Academy
Performance Dance Classes for all ages
Our misson
We are the studio of the future paving the way for a whole new approach to giving dancers more than just dance classes. Thinking out of the traditional dance box we are not your ordinary dance studio. Our goal is to give our students life enhancing experiences by combining strong technique dance classes with the poise and confidence in themselves that can only come from using their talents outside of the classroom. There is no annula recital at R & M. Rather, ALL students in all of or dance classes are given many opportunities yearly to get out in the community and share and use their talents performing for others. Performances are optional but that wears off soon and next thing they know they might have done as many as 35-40 show by year end. As far as our dance moms go, that is a lot of time their kids get to wear their costumes and that they , thier family and friends get to see the dancers skills progress. A little different yes, but a LOT of bang for your dance buck not to mention the positive self esteem that will take them far in life.
About The Director
Carolyn Arwood started dancing at the age of 4 and since starting
her carreer early at the age of 16, both as a professional performer and teacher, has dedicated her life to dance and sharing her passion thereof. Her versatilty is a broad as her love of dance. She trained extensively in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, musical theater, Flamenco, Afro-Haitian, Ballroom both American style and Counrry Western and Polynesian. She had the opportunity to study with many great legends including the late Gregory Hine, Henry Le Tang and The Nicholas brothers. Her performing carrer has spanned the musical theater stage, Cruise Ships and screen appearing in an episode of the Nanny entitled "The Ship Of Frans. As a teacher she has taught across the US as a master instructor. Her students swept the early years of the convention circuit and even earned her a choreographers award at Starpower. As a competitor in the Ballroom, Country and Swing venues she has many first place, gold and overall awards. She and her partner were the 1999 Calif Swings dance Champions sweeping gold in all categories. Then along came her wonderful husband and with his job they landed here in Corpus.
Carolyn has hit the ground running since planting her roots here in Corpus Christi. Creating a whole new perspective to the traditional dance studio keeps her hopping. 35-40 public performances are much more work tha just 1 annual recital but she wouldn't have it any other way. The accomplishments, joys and confidence that her students gain gives them positive energy now and shapes their life for a rewarding future in what ever path they choose. She has also submerresed herself in the musical theater community choreographing 30 + main stage musicals - 19 for Harbor Playhouse, 8 for Aurora Arts Theatre, 4 for F B High School and 2 for TAMUK. Her Halau Leilani's Aloha of Polynesia continues to grow and expand and the authenticity of Polynesia is appearant in her Luau shows which are quickl;y becoming in high demand. throughout the year.
Carolyn's service to the community by providing entertainment (the majority at no charge) for gala charity events, community functions and festivals, to the Senior Centers and such caught the attention of former State Legislature Curtis Ford. He petioned Govenor Rick Perry and for her exemplary servise to Texas and the community, in 2006 she was named a "Yellow Rose Of Texas" by Gov Perry and the state of Texas and was presented the award by Curtis Ford at the end of a performance surrounded by her students. To earn the highest award a women can achieve in Texas was an honor that Carolyn didnt even know existed until then but the tears roled as she accepted it with her students by her side as she felt like the award was as much for them as for her.
Carolyn dances on and loves continuing to learn and grow. As a dancer true in heart you'll often catch her up on stage getting in on the action- dancing and sharing that love both with students and audiences.