About Us

What We Do

The Holly Springs School of Dance is dedicated to providing a dance experience that includes a variety of dance forms in an atmosphere of respect and encouragement. We look forward to collaborating with students of all ages during the creative process.

As Holly Springs' first dance studio, we are excited about offering quality instruction, as well as building a strong community of dancers. We've added Springs Dance Company, a non-profit company, for dancers who are passionate about dance and are looking for additional performance and residency opportunities. Our dancers' talents speak for themselves as they are regularly cast in professional productions including Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker, Raleigh Little Theatre, and Ballethric's (Professional Ballet Co. out of Atlanta) Leopard Tale. As a non-competitive dance studio (we don't believe that the Arts are meant to compete against one another) we are always seeking out wonderful opportunities for our dancers to share their gifts in a positive and professional manner.

We offer classes for ages three to adult in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Modern, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Yoga, and Pilates. Additionally, we offer classes aimed at introducing children to acting and creative play. Please call (919) 557-3270 for specific class times or more information.

Marilyn Chappell, Director

Ms. Chappell has been teaching, choreographing, and performing in the Triangle for the past fourteen years. She was awarded a scholarship to East Carolina University, where she received a BFA in Theater Arts and a Teacher Certification in Dance. She taught dance in the Wake County Public School System for five years.

Ms. Chappell founded a county-wide dance festival, called Day of Dance, while teaching for the WCPSS. She has danced with The Lost Colony, Esprit du Danse, and with David Dorfman while in residency at Stewart Theatre and at the N.C. Museum of Art. She was named Outstanding Young Educator by the Raleigh Jaycees in 1996. In 2001, Ms. Chappell, along with her husband Chris, were named Holly Springs' Citizens of the Year for their efforts in creating the Holly Springs Center For the Arts. Ms. Chappell was the 2000 recipient of the prestigeous Artist In Community Service Award by the Triangle Community Foundation. She is the only teacher certified in N.C. to teach the Lebed Method -- an exercise program for breast cancer survivors. In addition, Ms. Chappell is a board member for the North Carolina Dance Alliance.

What sets us apart from other schools? Our commitment to excellent instruction as well as our commitment to the community. We believe that dancers should use their gifts and talents to the betterment of the community. How do our dancers do this? With performances at senior citizens centers, participating in our Holiday Cabaret (which has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life), dancing with kids whose parents are terminally ill, performing at the Masonic Home for Children, and being artists-in-residence at local elementary schools, just to name a few.

Springs Dance Company, our school's resident company, is driven by the mission of bringing dance to people who may not otherwise experience it. Our dancers are learning lessons that will stay with them as they grow and develop into adult members of our communities.

In addition to Ms. Chappell, we are home to a talented staff of excellent educators who truly are the best the Triangle has to offer!

As a resident of Holly Springs, Ms. Chappell looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the people of this community.

Marilyn Chappell, Director

Community Involvement