THE MSOD EXPERIENCE
For more than 20 years, Michelle’s School of Dance has been committed to providing high-quality dance classes to enhance the overall development of the child.
We believe that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image as they increase awareness of their physical being. Along with improving coordination skills and developing muscular awareness, dance classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.
The highest educational standards are expected from anyone that instructs at Michelle’s School of Dance. They are lifelong learners who educate themselves through certification programs, teacher training schools, conferences, and other learning opportunities. We look forward to sharing our passion with your dancer.
Whether you are looking for a competitive dance environment or a more laid-back, recreational experience, MSOD offers something for every dancer and every dance level.
MEET THE MSOD OWNER
MICHELLE ALLARD
Michelle is the owner and director of Michelle’s School of Dance in Polk City, IA. With a lifelong passion for dance and three decades of experience inspiring dancers of all ages, Michelle is a proud member of Dance Masters of America. Under her leadership, MSOD has been recognized three years in a row as Northern Polk County’s Best Dance Studio.
She began dancing at the age of three at Moore School of Dance, and continued on to achieve her dance minor from Iowa State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
She has had the opportunity to work with numerous dance professionals and guest choreographers and has traveled across the country leading dance camps and choreographing for high school dance teams.
Michelle has continued her education taking classes from dance professionals from the School of American Ballet, The Joe Tremaine Dance Center, Juilliard, and many other accredited dance companies. She recently joined the Iowa Dance Theatre as a director/producers in “The Nutcracker.”
Michelle is dedicated to creating a supportive, family-centered environment where dancers build confidence, teamwork, and lasting friendships. Beyond the studio, she champions community events, mentors young choreographers, and celebrates each dancer’s unique journey both on and off the stage.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS & CHOREOGRAPHERS
kristin@michellesschoolofdance.com
With more than 30 years of dance experience, including more than 20 years of teaching, Kristin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class she leads. Her professional training includes prestigious programs at River North, Steps on Broadway, Gus Giordano Dance Studio, the University of Arizona, and more.
Throughout her career, Kristin has worked in nearly every facet of the dance world – dancing professionally, judging, teaching, choreographing, and even studio ownership. Her choreography and technical instruction have earned countless awards, with particular recognition for her emphasis on strong technique and innovative movement.
Kristin’s teaching philosophy centers on the artistry of dance. She is deeply committed to equipping students with safe, effective techniques that support long and healthy dance careers. Beyond the studio, she strives to foster teamwork, resilience, and friendships that enrich her dancers’ lives well past their time on stage.
sam@michellesschoolofdance.com
Miss Sam brings more than a decade of teaching experience and a lifelong commitment to the art of dance. She began her training at the age of two at Robert Thomas Dance Center and Melinda’s School of Dance, where she built a strong foundation in multiple styles of movement. While attending Humboldt High School, Sam was an active member of the dance team, further developing her performance skills and leadership abilities.
During her time at Central College, Sam shared her passion for dance by teaching cardio hip hop classes to both students and faculty , blending her love of movement with fitness instruction. She went on to earn a degree in Exercise Science, equipping her with a strong knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and wellness practices.
At MSOD, Sam combines her academic background with her professional dance training to provide dancers with a well-rounded education that emphasizes both artistry and physical well-being. Her goal is to inspire students to grow as dancers while fostering lifelong habits of health and fitness.
carly@michellesschoolofdance.com
Miss Carly specializes in acro and kindergarten dance, bringing a passion for movement and growth to every class. With 15 years of training in tap, ballet, jazz, and tumbling, she has developed a strong foundation in multiple styles. She has furthered her expertise by attending Acro Dance Teacher Association classes and continuing education programs, and has choreographed two winning solos.
Beyond dance, Carly has taught CrossFit Kids, blending athletic training with fun, engaging instruction. She holds a degree in Radiation Sciences, and has worked in the Ankeny School District as a special education associate, where she gained valuable experience supporting children’s unique needs.
She has a commitment to striving for improvement, encouraging dancers to grow not only in skill, but in confidence and determination. One of her favorite things is teaching alongside her daughter, making the studio a place where family, learning, and creativity come together.
Her teaching philosophy focuses on making dance fun while fostering individual growth. She encourages every student to keep learning, pushing themselves, and trying new things both in the studio and beyond.
Miss Taylor is one of our competition directors as well as our lead tap teacher. Miss Taylor graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Child Adult and Family Services and a minor in dance. Miss Taylor has been teaching at the studio for more than 10 years and helped coach for the North Polk Dance Team. Miss Taylor danced with Michelle’s School of Dance from age 3 through high school, was a member of the North Polk Dance team for 4 years, and went on to join a modern dance company, Orchesis 1, while attending Iowa State. Her favorite styles of dance include Tap and contemporary.
Miss Taylor says that teaching dance keeps her own passion for the art alive. She loves watching her students find true joy in movement! Miss Taylor feels as though dancing provided her with a creative outlet to express her emotions as well as instilled lifelong skills she has continued to carry with her. She loves having the privilege of watching students find their own ways to use dance as an outlet or utilize the skills they have learned in other aspects of their life.
Originally from Iowa, Sydney fell in love with dance at just two years old, and trained under Nancy Moore Overturff and Ami Yaro before earning her BFA – Summa Cum Laude) in Dance from the University of Arizona. She went on to perform professionally in Chicago for seven years with companies including Inaside Dance Chicago and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre. Her performance career also includes commercial and festival productions, where she collaborated with renowned choreographers and showcased a wide range of styles.
Alongside her performing career, Sydney discovered her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. She has served as Company Director for a pre-professional program, created award-winning choreography, and guided students into top post-secondary dance programs nationwide.
Sydney is certified in Nan Giordano Technique, Progressing Ballet Technique, and 200-hour RYT Yoga. She brings both technical expertise and creative passion into the studio, with a teaching philosophy centered on helping dancers grow in confidence, artistry, and joy.
Sophie has been dancing since the age of three – starting recreationally until she transitioned into competitive dance at age seven. Sophie spent eight years training and competing with Dancin’ With Roxie’s Prestige Team in Ankeny where she earned multiple NDA jackets and was a member of the Worlds Senior Team, which won a bronze medal. She was also a member of the Ankeny Varsity Dance Team, serving as captain for three of her four years. During that time, they won their first State Championship in over a decade and made history in nationals with 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
Sophie is currently a student at Iowa State University on the pre-PA track.