What Makes Us Unique

The Kinderdance programs are all original worldwide dance, motor development, gymnastics, and fitness programs that combines academic readiness skills which are specifically designed for children ages 15 months to 12 years old. What makes us unique is that all of our programs incorporate educational concepts in a developmentally designed curriculum that teaches to the total child. We place special emphasis on building “Self Confidence” and “Self-Esteem” in young children.

A Happy Child

is a Joy to Behold! Anyone who has ever watched a child jump for joy when a parent comes home knows intuitively that small children express their feelings with MOVEMENT as well as words. Movement, music and DANCE can be natural tools for learning. Influential child psychologists and educators like Piaget and Montessori agree that a planned developmental program in MOVEMENT should be part of every child’s education. Since early childhood education is the foundation for higher education, how a child “learns to learn” will have a lasting influence throughout his or her school years. Kinderdance, where children “learn how to learn” when they learn how to DANCE and MOVE!

Kinderdance®…A Brief History

In 1979, Carol Kay Harsell was busy running the American Academy of Dance, a successful dance school she founded in Scottsdale, Arizona. With lots of families who wanted their children to participate in valuable enrichment programs, but didn’t have the time or money to enroll in an expensive evening/weekend program, she decided to talk to child care centers and bring the program to the children! It was at that moment that the concept for Kinderdance International was born.

In 2024, Austin residents Brian and Ana Borchardt, also owners of British Swim School – Austin, were excited to join the multiple other Central Texas Kinderdance franchises to offer the excellent Kinderdance curriculum to a five-county area in Central Texas!

Our Founder

Carol Kay Harsell
Founder

Kinderdance was originally conceived and developed by Ms. Harsell, who started dancing at the age of 3 and had been involved with dance and early childhood education since. She always had three major loves: education, dance and business, which motivated her to attend and graduate from Dance Educators of America, New York City Teacher Training School. She had a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Dance, and a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Adapted Physical Education and Dance. Ms. Harsell is a published author and conducted research in early childhood education and communication through dance. She had an extensive background in dance instruction, having taught people of all ages, levels and physical abilities in ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz and creative movement. She also conducted dance and movement therapy workshops at local, state, national, and international conferences and has worked as a consultant to many Universities, YMCAs, Private and Public School Systems, Hospitals, and for the National Committee on Arts for the Handicapped. As a performer she appeared with the New York City and New Jersey State Ballet Companies, and performed and choreographed numerous solo and group concerts. She not only was a talented dancer/choreographer, but also won a scholarship for voice to the Master Works Chorus in New Jersey

Carol passed away on February 29, 2020

Director of Movement

Brittany Shane, a lifelong dancer hailing from Baraboo, Wisconsin, embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 2, exploring various genres such as ballet, jazz, and tap. Throughout her high school years, Brittany not only maintained her passion for dance but also took on the role of choreographer for the pom squad.
Following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brittany made a pivotal move to San Francisco, California, in the year 2000. There, she dedicated herself to imparting the art of dance to children aged 3-13, specializing in ballet, tap, and acrobatics at Star Dance Studio.
In 2010, Brittany relocated to Austin, TX, where she continued to share her love for dance with children, collaborating with Kinderdance.
Beyond her contributions to the world of dance, Brittany has also forged a successful music career. With noteworthy performances as the opening act for renowned artists such as Heart, Foreigner, and Peter Frampton, her versatility shines.
Her commitment to nurturing young talents extends beyond dance, as she has spent the last 5 years teaching music to children aged 3-13.
To explore more about Brittany Shane’s multifaceted artistic journey, visit her website at www.brittanyshane.com.