West Hartford, CT · Established 1960

Where MovementBecomes Art

For over six decades, Alyce Carella Dance Centre has shaped dancers of every age in the heart of West Hartford — with discipline, artistry, and a whole lot of heart.

63+Years of legacy

10Class disciplines

3Generations of families

Scroll

BalletPointeTapBroadway JazzContemporaryHip-HopPre-K/K Dance

Welcome

A West Hartford tradition, dancing strong since 1960.

At Alyce Carella Dance Centre, every dancer is family. From a toddler’s very first twirl to a graduate’s collegiate audition, we nurture technique, confidence, and artistry inside a community that feels like home.

Our faculty blends classical rigor with genuine warmth — the rare balance that has kept generations of families returning year after year.

Why Dance →Meet the Faculty

60+

Years inspiring dancers

Parent Portal

Everything for your dancer, in one place.

Our new GoStudioPro Parent Portal lets families register, view schedules, and pay tuition — anytime, from any device.

Enroll & manage classes

Schedule

Track your dancer’s week

Tuition

Pay securely online

Open Parent Portal →

Featured Voice

Alyce Carella Dance Centre gave me the foundation, discipline, and confidence that carried me all the way to a collegiate dance program. It will always be home.

Cecilia Davi

Manhattan Dance Department ’26 · ACDC Graduate ’22

Read all testimonials →

Leadership & Legacy

Owner Priya Aryal, with founders Alyce & Laura.

The studio’s next chapter is led with the same warmth, artistry, and devotion that built its foundation.

Studio Leadership

Priya Aryal

Owner

For nearly seven years, Priya Aryal has grown within the walls of Alyce Carella Dance Centre as a dedicated ballet student, a versatile performer in hip hop, contemporary, and jazz, and a mentor to younger dancers through her work assisting in ballet and tap classes. Her journey at the studio shaped not only her technical foundation, but also her leadership, confidence, and love for creating a positive learning environment.

When Alyce and Laura announced their retirement, Priya felt both joy for their well-earned next chapter and a deep desire to preserve the studio that had become her second home. With the support of her family, she stepped forward to continue the legacy they built over nearly 70 years.

Rooted in her genuine passion for dance, Priya is committed to honoring the studio’s traditions while bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and expanded opportunities for dancers of all ages. Her vision is simple: to provide quality dance education in a welcoming, encouraging space where every dancer can grow, thrive, and discover the joy of movement.

Meet the faculty →

Founder’s Legacy

Alyce Carella

Founder

For over six decades, Alyce Carella has shaped generations of dancers in West Hartford. What began in 1960 has grown into a beloved institution built on discipline, artistry, and warmth. Alyce’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel the joy of movement — and that technical excellence and kindness are never at odds. Her studio is a second home to families who return year after year, and her former students dance on stages and in studios across the country.

The Next Generation

Laura Rugar

Founder

Raised in the studio her mother built, Laura Rugar carries the Carella tradition forward with fresh energy and a deep respect for its roots. As Associate Director, Laura blends classical foundation with contemporary vision, mentoring students through their most formative years. Her hands-on leadership keeps the studio modern, organized, and personal — ensuring that every dancer is seen, challenged, and celebrated.

Our Classes

A discipline for every dancer.

View all classes

ACDC dancers in gold costumes performing on stage

Terrific Twos

Ages 2–3 · Creative Movement

A gentle, joyful first dance experience for our youngest movers. Through music, props, and play, toddlers build coordination, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance — with a caregiver close by.

TuTu Cute

Ages 3–4 · Pre-Ballet

Imagination meets first technique. Little dancers learn to point their toes, find their spots on the floor, and twirl through story-based classes that make ballet feel like magic.

Pre-K/K Dance

Ages 4–6 · Pre-K / Kindergarten Dance

Our signature preschool and kindergarten program builds grace, musicality, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate dance, music, and imagination.

Get in Touch

Come dance with us.

Questions about classes, schedules, or enrollment? We would love to welcome you and your dancer to the studio.

Contact the Studio →860-232-7225

Visit

1153 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110

Call

860-232-7225

alycecarella@gmail.com

@alyce_carelladancecentre / Facebook