We recently connected with Caroline Blanks and have shared our conversation below.

Caroline , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Dance has always been a huge part of my life. I started dancing when I was two years old, and now I have the honor and privilege to teach the next generation of dancers. Outside of the classroom, I always tell people that I hope to be a dance teacher that the kids look up to, not because of my dance ability but because I am kind and accepting of everyone. Outside of being a dance teacher, I compete in the Miss Georgia/Miss America organization. I currently hold the title of “Miss Columbus 2025.” Last year at Miss Georgia, I had three of my dancers on the stage with me as “belles.” The Belles and Beaus program teaches young boys and girls the importance of community service and personal growth while being mentored by a titleholder. Having my dancers on the stage with me and a support system of even more little dancers back at home truly is one of the most meaningful memories thus far in my life. In every pageant I have competed in since Miss Georgia, I have had various dancers come and support me. It reiterates that I am truly making a difference on and off the dance floor.

Caroline , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started dancing at two years old in LaGrange, Georgia. Training and competing in various styles, dance quickly became the cornerstone of my life. I taught my first class at just 14 years old and never stopped. Fast-forward ten years, and I now serve as the assistant studio manager at The Studio Athens in Athens, Georgia. I teach many styles, including recreational, company, and competitive classes.

Though the art of dance is near and dear to my heart, what pushes me to continue to teach is knowing that so many young boys and girls are looking up to me as a role model. At 16 years old, a dance teacher looked at me and said, “Caroline. You are 5’2; you will never make it in this dance industry.” To say I was devastated hearing that from someone I trusted and valued is an understatement. I work not only in my dance and pageant work but in my everyday life to ensure that no child ever feels like they are not enough. When children feel loved and supported, their passion and personalities can thrive. That is why I chose to be a dance teacher.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to continue my love for dance is extremely rewarding. I remember competing at my last dance competition in my senior year of high school and coming off the stage in tears. My dance career was over. I was going to the University of Georgia to major in biology. Dance was not in the cards for me anymore. The one thing that had been consistent in my life since I was two years old was no longer a factor.

I continued with life in Athens, Georgia, but I knew that part of me that loved to dance was still missing. I got the urge to take an adult dance class at The Studio Athens one early morning with some of my college roommates, and after leaving, I knew that I needed this art back in my life. I sent a spur-of-the-moment email to one of the owners and the “Director of Dance,” Lindsay Giedl, and it just so happened that there was a job opening. That one dance class truly did change my life for the better. I now have the chance to teach numerous young dancers and watch them fall in love with an art form that means so much to me. I also get to continue dancing, which makes my heart so full.

Being able to serve as a role model in the dance studio is really what pushed me to join the Miss Georgia/Miss America organization. I felt that if I could serve a community of young dancers, what would keep me from serving children all over the state and country? I also get to show off my dance skills in the talent portion of the competition, which is the icing on top. I can proudly say that at Miss Georgia 2024, I won two awards for my dance routine.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The Miss America opportunity has changed my story in numerous ways. As a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Georgia, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in The Study of Law at the University of Georgia’s School of Law, I can say the Miss America opportunity was a driving force in my success. Being the largest provider of scholarships for women in the country is just one of the ways that this organization is changing lives. Teaching women the importance of “service, success, scholarship and style” in a year-long titleholder position makes a difference in communities. I am the dance teacher and young woman I am today because of the Miss America/Miss Georgia organization. Being from a small rural town in Georgia, I never would have thought I could accomplish all that I have been able to in my 24 years of life. I have found my voice and passion because of the opportunities given to me by the Miss America organization, and I will continue to encourage other dancers and young people to accomplish their dreams because of the confidence I have gained.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thestudioath.com
• Instagram: caroline_blanks AND misscolumbusga AND thestudioath
• Facebook: Caroline Blanks

Image Credits

Sheldon Smith Photography
Cali Brutz