Carol Renae

Owner & Artistic Director

Carol, owner of Carol Renae Dance & Tumbling Studio, recently celebrated 50 years with her students and staff. She holds a Masters Degree in Ballet & Performing Arts from Dance Educators of America and is a certified member of Dance Masters of America #47, and served as Vice-President and President with Chapter #34. A lifelong resident of Boone, Carol has been married to Denny for 49 years and has four grandchildren: Zoey and Blakely, who dance at the studio, Zachary, and Brecken. Her son Justin manages lighting for the annual production, daughter-in-law Toni fills any needed role, and son-in-law Cory coordinates dance props. Her motto: "When in doubt... Dance!"

Kelsey Thilges

Artistic Director & Head Instructor

Kelsey has been a CRD instructor for 22 years, grew up in the studio, dancing since the age of two, and competing since she was eight years old. She now shares the CR dance business with her mom!  She has trained extensively at her home studio and in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Kelsey continuously updates her dance education to stay current with trends, strengthen technical training, and ensure high-quality instruction for her students. Kelsey has also coached the DMACC Dance Team and earned numerous choreography awards at regional and national levels. In the little spare time she has, she shares her life with her husband, Cory, and her two children, Brecken and Blakely. 

Megan Jenkins

Competition Choreographer & Marketing Director

Megan started dancing at age 3, competing for 7 years and attending numerous conventions across Iowa. After high school, she joined the Iowa Central dance team, earning six State Championships, three 3rd place finishes at NDA Nationals, and a 1st place title in hip hop in 2021. In 2020, Megan began teaching and choreographing for studios, high schools, and colleges throughout Iowa. She taught for five years before moving to Kansas City, where she now serves as the studio’s Competition Choreographer and works as an Executive Assistant with AFE Private Wealth. Although in the corporate world now, Megan continues to travel back to Iowa to choreograph for her favorite students!

Riley Nagl

Instructor

Riley Nagl is from Carroll, IA, and has been dancing since the age of 4 at her hometown studio, Fusion Dance Carroll. She is a student at Iowa State University studying Kinesiology on a Pre-Physical Therapy track. Riley was a part of her studio's competition team for 10 years and was awarded numerous regional championships, 2 Bravo Best in the Midwest National Titles, and dance scholarships. She also competed on the Carroll Paws High School Dance Team, where her team placed every year in both hip-hop and jazz. Riley placed all four years with her state solo, receiving 1st in her senior year!

Olivia Jozaitis

Ballet Technique & Pointe Instructor

Olivia Jozaitis grew up dancing in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. She has been teaching at various studios in both Iowa and Illinois in hopes to expand all over the US! Olivia is proficient in choreography, modern dance, and ballet technique, but always hopes to improve in all styles of dance. She is currently a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Dance. Her experiences throughout college has advanced her creativity and challenged her to think outside of her comfort zone. Her passion for dance has made her want to continue professionally in this field to make a positive and lasting impact.

Maddy Johnson

Assistant

Maddy danced at Carol's since she was 4 years old and graduated in 2018 from Boone High School. She studied at Central College with a double major in Biology & Exercise Science. Maddy was also a part of the dance team and cheer team at Central. Her full time job is a nurse at MercyOne in Des Moines but teaches ballet, tap, and hip hop to kindergarten & 1st grade. 

Izzy Jensen

Preschool Instructor

Izzy Jensen danced for 15 years and competed for 9 at Carol Renae's. She is currently studying elementary education at Western Governors University. She has been teaching for 2 years and loves to see all of her students grow and improve over the year!

Kate Crook

Assistant

Kate Crook is from Boone, IA, and grew up dancing at Carol Renae's. She currently studies fashion merchandising at DMACC and assists with ballet and pointe classes. Kate enjoys working with the students and being part of a studio that values dance. She is excited to share her knowledge and help others develop their skills.

Lindsay Lynch

Tumbling Instructor

Lindsay is thrilled to be joining the studio that has become special to her as a parent. Her passion for dance and tumbling started young, competing with the Power Company through Melinda's School of Dance. She continued to compete and teach at Central Dance Academy and was a member of both the dance and competitive cheer teams at Morningside University. Lindsay's experience also includes coaching the Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School Dance Team and teaching at 5,6,7,8 Dance Studio in Dakota Dunes. After college, she continued choreographing for local school and studio competition teams and is excited to get back at it!

Reese Pedersen

Instructor

Reese Pederson is from Fort Dodge Iowa. She recently graduated from Iowa Central Community College and is now a student at Iowa State University. She is studying Secondary Education: Biology. She has performed all throughout her life through studio dance, high school dance team, musical theatre, and with the Iowa Central Dance Team. She is very excited for this dance season and can’t wait for classes to begin!