Carolyn Kentrell McClinton is a powerhouse creative director. Her artistic nature was nurtured early on in her life when she was enrolled in dance class at the age of three years old. Her talent developed gracefully under the instruction of her aunt, Seleta McClinton and through Grambling State University, guided by Diane Maroney-Grigsby and Terry Lilly. She matriculated through college as a member of the Orchesis Dance Company and GSU Cheerleaders.
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In the pursuit of her passion, she became the founder and operator of Carolyn’s Dance Land in 2011. Upon its opening, her studio quickly became the premier dance school in her native town of Monroe, Louisiana and surrounding areas. Carolyn has worked tirelessly to accomplish her goal to create a thriving organization that cultivates an environment that represents the power of arts education. Carolyn's Dance Land has since put on 40 sold out productions and trained hundreds of students. This award-winning crew boasts several championship titles spanning the USA from Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas all the way to California. Students have been afforded multiple opportunities to gain nationwide exposure including coaching from the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in New York.
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With over 20 plus years of experience under her belt, Carolyn has traveled all over the United States as a creative director for dance competitions and performances. Most notably, she produced an unforgettable piece that was featured on Lifetime television network for the hit show “Bring It”, earning first place to defeat the Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi and other great teams. She brought her best dancers to carry out her choreography at a 2019 Super Bowl gala in Atlanta, Georgia as atribute to music mogul Jermaine Dupri. Her artistry was on display at Essence festival events and during halftime performances for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, on three different occasions.
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She is a wonderful mother to her fabulous five children, Carter, Connor, Case, Cold and Crown. Her long-term goal is to be a renowned creative director for entertainment industry titans globally. While she seeks this elevation, she will continue to give of her talents locally and nationally. Her own visions will be carried on in greatness through every dancer she meets and holds in the hearts of each person who comes to be a witness.
Awards
Lifetime TV Show Bring It (1st Place) (2019)
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Artistic Director of Tribute to Jermaine Dupri (Power of Influence Award) (2019)
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Best Studio of the Ark-La-Miss (2018, 2019, 2020)
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Best Entrepreneur (2nd Place) in the Ark-La-Miss (2020)