ABOUT US
Meet Our Founder
Ashley Thibodeau began her dance training at age three at the Madeleine T. Walker School of Ballet in Savannah, GA, igniting a lifelong passion for ballet. She honed her craft with prestigious institutions including Ballet Chicago, Colorado Ballet, The Kirov Academy of Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Richmond Ballet, and earned a full scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance and Choreography.
Ashley’s performance credentials include engagements with Dance Alive!, Colorado Ballet, Richmond Ballet, and Starr Foster Dance Project, with a highlight being her performance of Jose Limon’s “A Choreographic Offering” at the Kennedy Center. Since 2002, she has expanded her passion to teaching ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz across the country, served as director and ballet mistress for student ensembles, and choreographed multiple full-length ballets.
In 2016, she founded The Ballet Studio of Carmel, where she now serves as Owner and Artistic Director, fostering a vibrant dance community in Carmel with her husband, Brian, and their five children.
FACULTY
Our faculty is a dedicated team of professional dancers, university-educated instructors, and studio-mentored educators, bringing a wealth of experience to every class. Committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment, we foster both technical excellence and creative expression. Through expert instruction and a passion for the performing arts, we cultivate a space where students not only develop their skills but also build confidence, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of an arts education.
Ms. Ashley
Founder / Artistic Director
Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Musical Theatre
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Ms. Tyler
Dance Instructor
Ballet, Pointe
Ms. Amelia
Dance Instructor
Ballet, Contemporary
Ms. Ella
Dance Instructor
Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre
Ms. Amelie
Jr. Dance Instructor
Ballet, Modern
Mr. Stephen
Tap Instructor
Tap
Ms. Brittany
Office Manager
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee supports the studio’s mission by providing strategic guidance, fostering community connections, and enhancing the student experience in both dance and theater. Comprising professionals, parents, and arts advocates, the committee ensures excellence in performing arts education, inclusivity, and artistic growth, creating a thriving space for dancers, actors, and their families.
Lindsay Ohmer
Advisor
Brittany Achard
Advisor
Karen Kohl
Advisor
Amber Hays
Advisor
Brian Thibodeau
Advisor
OUR Mission
The Ballet Studio of Carmel is dedicated to preserving the art of dance and theater while instilling a lifelong love for the performing arts in every student. We focus on the whole person, recognizing that an education in the arts fosters confidence, grace, discipline, and dedication—lessons that extend far beyond our studio walls.
We proudly do not participate in competition, choosing instead to cultivate artistry, creativity, and a deep appreciation for performance. This philosophy extends to our commitment to supporting the broader arts community and creating an inclusive, welcoming space where all students—whether dancers, actors, or performers—are treated with kindness, respect, and encouragement. Our goal is to inspire a passion for the arts that lasts a lifetime.