Marianne Hakanson has been dancing since she was three years old, with an interest in modern and contemporary styles. She has danced for most of her life, with the goal of telling stories through movement. Hakanson moved to Austin in the late 90’s and taught in Westlake before deciding to open her own brick and mortar studio. More than 20 years later, M.A. Dance Project is bringing storytelling and the art of dance to Cedar Park residents.

“After 22 years, I've seen so much growth in this community,” Hakanson said. “But we are still bringing the love of dance. I couldn't ask for anything more.”

The framework

M.A. Dance Project officially opened its doors in 2004 in Cedar Park at the Railyard and offers classes to students ages two and up. The studio offers creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, hip-hop and musical theater classes.

Zooming in


Along with the physical studio, Hakanson also launched Impact Dance Company in 2004 with five inaugural members to focus on artistic growth, genre exploration, building technical skills and dancing beyond the studio, according to the company’s website. The company has several performances throughout the year, including Performance in the Park at Lakeline Park on Oct. 16.

“I don't want to consider ourselves a competitive company at all,” Hakanson said. “I like to cultivate the art of dance and the community of it. Although we do compete from time to time, that is not our sole objective.”

In 2019 Hakanson formed Artists Ensemble at M.A. Dance Project to provide additional support for students who want to pursue dance professionally. The audition-based program is separate from Impact Dance Company with its own performances.

Why it matters


Hakanson said one of her proudest accomplishments is building a large alumni network.

“I still talk to my alumni to this day,” Hakanson said. “The relationships that you build after two decades [are] amazing and it's profound. And that's what I love so much about doing it. Some of my kids are my teachers. Some of them are on Broadway.”

The takeaway

As a business owner, Hakanson said she learns something new each day and is continually improving her teaching techniques.


“It’s [taught] me to keep striving and pushing for excellence in your own way,” Hakanson said. “Owning a studio or any business, you think numbers [are] what makes you successful. For me, I have definitely learned that [it’s the] small accomplishments in class.”

Hakanson said she hopes to create a space for students to feel safe, loved and receive one-on-one instruction for technique.

One more thing

Students can enroll in classes online. The studio offers evening and morning classes, which are available for drop-in or on a monthly payment schedule.