Meet Your New Dance Teacher: Carolyn

Originally from Pennsylvania, Carolyn Ansinn is professional ballet dancer and certified Mat Pilates instructor who is passionate about the ways movement can support health and well-being. We are excited to have her here in Fort Collins, where she's performing as a company dancer with Canyon Concert Ballet.

At TMA, she is currently teaching Ballet Form class on Monday's at 10:15am. This is a strength-building blend of ballet and Pilates, set to music in an energizing and supportive environment. No prior experience is needed!

Carolyn is a lifelong dancer who has performed internationally and across the U.S. in theaters, schools, and community spaces. She loves bringing ballet into environments where it feels approachable, non-judgmental, and welcoming to everyone. We caught up with her to learn more about her story:

What first inspired you to pursue ballet, and how did your dance journey begin?

Dance runs in my family! My great-grandmother was a Broadway dancer; she was actually in the original production of “Oklahoma!”. My mom was a professional ballet dancer too, and now my sister and I both dance professionally. When I was a baby, my mom started running a ballet studio out of our basement, so I pretty much grew up in a studio. She would take me to see companies like New York City Ballet, and I was mesmerized. I don’t really remember a time when dance wasn’t part of my life. 

How did your experiences training and performing around the world shape your approach to movement?

What’s really amazing about ballet is that it’s the same language everywhere. I’ve taken ballet class with people from all over the world of different cultures and who didn’t speak the same language as me, but we could still connect through the movement. In a corps de ballet, there’s such a connection between all the dancers. Everyone moving in perfect unison together without saying a word. It’s shown me how special and powerful movement can be.

What do you love most about teaching, and what can students expect from your classes at The Movement Apothecary?

I love ballet, but I’ve also seen how critical and sometimes toxic that world can be. A lot of dancers struggle with self-criticism and body image. I really want to create the opposite kind of space; one that’s supportive, mindful, and fun. My Ballet Form classes mix ballet and Pilates in a way that builds strength and alignment, but also helps people move with ease and confidence. My goal is for students to feel strong and uplifted.

 

How do you bring mindfulness or body awareness into your teaching style? How does Pilates fit into your dance philosophy?

I’m a very technical and musical dancer, so I love focusing on detail and musicality. Ballet and Pilates actually share the same foundation. In both, everything comes from the core. In ballet, every movement starts there, and Pilates can strengthen that awareness. In class, I hope to encourage students to notice “how” they move, not just what the movement looks like. This can make movement feel more connected and intentional.

What excites you most about joining the Fort Collins dance community and Canyon Concert Ballet this season?

I love the artistic director’s choreography. It’s so freeing and creative. It

pushes me to move in new ways. The partnering work especially is so much fun. It feels very alive. I’m also dancing Sugar Plum Fairy this season, which has been such a dream. It’s all about precision and delicacy. And the dancers here have been very kind. Fort Collins has such a vibrant arts community, and it’s amazing to be part of that.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone curious about trying ballet or dance for the first time?

Let the music guide you. Don’t worry about doing everything perfectly or “looking like a dancer.”

Want to share some of your hobbies or interests outside of Pilates and dance? Or anything personal you might want to share… 

I love hiking and spotting prairie dogs. They’re adorable! I’m also really into thrift shopping and little artsy things like making bracelets, drawing, or painting with watercolors. And I love tarot! I do readings for myself and friends. 

Wake up with Carolyn's class on Monday's at 10:15am. Register here!