Photo by Emilie Lutostanski

After teaching dance for more than 20 years, Michelle Denny opened Avery Ranch Dance Discovery in January 2013.

Formerly named Avery Ranch Dance & Yoga, the studio specializes in jazz, ballet and modern dance as well as yoga and musical theater classes. Denny said she introduces her youngest students to curriculum that combines body movement and storytelling, which helps them remember the dance.

"In dance, we are always telling a story with our body on the stage, but we don't always transfer that creative aspect to children," Denny said. "Teaching young children using classical stories gets them to learn a lot faster."

In addition to a variety of classes for adults and teens, Denny said the studio is planning a children's production of "The Little Mermaid" at the Round Rock Performing Arts Center in March.

Avery Ranch Dance Discovery, 10526 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 505, Austin, 512-658-2996, www.averyranchdance.com