The DanZe Zone

The DanZe Zone is a dance studio in Garner, NC with six studio rooms, serving dancers from 18 months through adults. The studio's mission is to develop well-rounded, versatile dancers who are confident across multiple styles—from ballet to hip hop, lyrical to contemporary, and everything in between. Classes range from Intro to Dance for 18–23-month-olds through advanced pointe work and competitive training.

The studio offers a wide range of styles. For the youngest learners (18–23 months), Intro to Dance uses props like scarves, beanie babies, and hula hoops. Pre-Ballet classes for ages 2–2½ focus on rhythm, balance, and basic steps. For ages 3–7, the studio runs Tap/Ballet combo classes and Hip-Hop/Jazz. Intermediate and advanced classes include Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Cheer Funk/Tumbling, Clogging, Pointe 1 and 2, Musical Theatre, and Tumbling. The studio also runs a Gymnastics Program for ages 2–6, with training on trampolines, balance beans, bars, floor mats, vaults, and other apparatuses. A Hip-Hop/Jazz/Cheer Funk/Tumble class blends multiple styles for high-energy learners. For competitive training, the studio offers competitive teams; contact the studio for details.

The instructional team brings extensive professional experience. Mrs. Dawn Ziglar Carlson, owner and director, has been dancing since age eight in High Point, NC, and teaching for over 25 years. She holds a degree in Education from NC State University and made the NC State Dance Team as a freshman. She is a multiple award-winning state and national cheerleading and dance champion, has competed since age 14, performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, danced on the Dance Caravan tour, and performed twice at FOX News' Holiday Spectacular. She has also danced and cheered in television commercials, including a Ford commercial with the Carolina Panthers, and has choreographed full musicals including Hairspray and West Side Story. She serves as both a regional and national competitive dance and cheerleading judge.

Ms. Heather Curran, assistant director and instructor, has danced since age four in High Point, NC and attended North Carolina State University with a double major and minor. She has choreographed National and State Champion routines, co-managed a local Cheerleading/Dance Team, taught summer camps, and judged tryouts across NC. She is a multiple National and State Cheerleading and Dance Champion with four consecutive State Champion titles and numerous regional and national titles. She was named "Dancer of the Year" in her hometown and has studied under top choreographers including Geo Hubelo, Darrin Henson, Barry Youngblood, and Mallory Graham.

Other instructors include Mrs. Kristin Crudup, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, was captain of the BGSU dance team, and is Dance Masters of America certified in ballet, tap, and jazz. Mr. Bryant Brogden specializes in clogging and has trained in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop. He competed with the award-winning team TNC Elite for five years and appeared on America's Got Talent in 2011. He opened Carolina Dance Complex in 2010, where his students won 3 National Clogging Titles, 2 Team of the Year Clogging titles, 5 National Clogging Solo Titles, 1 National Clogging Duo Title, and 5 Clogging Pageant Titles, among other awards. Ms. Brianne Barton is a former Washington Redskins Cheerleader of 4 years and team captain for 2 years; she performed with MC Hammer and toured Africa for Military Appreciation. Ms. Morgan Leslie is a TDZ alumna and has been part of the studio since it opened in 2008, is a member of the 2014 National Champion Team, and is currently a full company member of the Meredith Dance Theater and Meredith Jazz and Tap Company while majoring in dance at Meredith College. Mrs. Emily Wells is a singer, actress, and dancer who began at age 2 and won Miss Dance of NC in 2008.

Classes are structured by age and style. Very young children (18–23 months) experience short, playful 30-minute classes with props and music. Older children and adults choose from a menu of styles taught at different levels. The studio emphasizes a supportive, encouraging environment where dancers of all ages can explore their full potential across the spectrum of dance.

The studio is led by owner and director Mrs. Dawn Ziglar Carlson, a 25+ year teaching veteran, multiple award-winning state and national champion, and experienced judge. The team includes Ms. Heather Curran (assistant director), Ms. Kristin Crudup (Dance Masters of America certified), Mr. Bryant Brogden (clogging specialist and competition judge), Ms. Brianne Barton (former Redskins Cheerleader), Ms. Morgan Leslie (alumna and current Meredith College dance company member), and Mrs. Emily Wells.

Classes are designed for all ages from 18 months up, with beginner options across every style; the studio emphasizes a supportive and encouraging environment.