By Rachel Shuster

The Dancer’s Sole, LLC, ~ formerly the Canty Dance Centre ~ has a new owner, new look and new goals. However, the Webster studio will maintain the same values, sense of community and prestigious dance technique that it has possessed for the past 13 years.

Erin Canty, founder and owner of Canty, decided to sell her business to spend time with her family and explore a new career path. In July, veteran instructor and past student of Canty’s, Kristen St. Laurent, and her husband, Stephen, purchased the business.

St. Laurent began teaching at Canty Dance Centre in the summer of 2006 while she pursued her bachelor’s in English at Worcester State College. She graduated in May 2008 and transitioned into a full-time teaching position. She has more than 25 years of dance experience and 10 years of teaching experience. She also gained her technical training from Sally McDermott Dance Centers and LMT Dance Academy. She continues her studies at conventions and workshops around New England.

As far as new goals and changes, St. Laurent said that students and families can expect much of the same with some new and exciting things to look forward to.

“Our No. 1 goal with The Dancer’s Sole is to bring new and positive energy to our students while continuing the traditions that Miss Erin created. I want our students to feel that our studio is a place where they can feel safe and at home, a place where they can better themselves, both physically and mentally, while making new friends,” St. Laurent said.

As for the biggest challenge she foresees as the new studio owner, St. Laurent said she is up for whatever comes her way. “My biggest challenge will be juggling all aspects of the business at once. However, I will be able to push myself, not only as owner but also as a choreographer and a person. My drive for creativity and inspiration within dance concepts will parallel my passion to make my business succeed, not only for myself but for my students, who inspire me every day.”

The Dancer’s Sole offers classes in all levels/ages and genres, from the classics and beyond ~ ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, acro/tumbling, dance technique, musical theater and Mommy & Me.

The Dancer’s Sole also offers adult classes ~ perfect for anyone of any level! “Our adult classes include yoga and cardio fitness and toning. Yoga classes are held Saturday mornings from 8-9 a.m.; drop-in for $10 per class or purchase a punch card ~ 8 classes for $70. Adult cardio fitness and toning classes are held Monday evenings 7:30-8:30 p.m.; drop-in for $5 per class or purchase a punch card ~ 10 classes for $45,” St. Laurent said.

Canty Dance Centre offered classes for students with special needs and/or developmental delay, which St. Laurent plans to continue. “We will also continue participating in local fundraising events, including cancer benefits and parades,” she said. St. Laurent plans to begin a fundraiser/charity performance event for local nonprofit animal shelters.

The renovated studio officially opened its doors Aug. 1 for its competitive and performance group auditions and summer camps. The first official day of classes for the 2013-14 season is Sept. 9.

For more information, visit the studio’s Facebook page, email dancers_sole@yahoo.com or call (508) 949-1508.