On a recent Tuesday night, rhythmic music played as students began to gather in the sensually lit GLOW Dance Studio off Talmadge Road in Toledo.

Some came with heels in hand, all were ready to follow directions from founder and owner Cari Olman. She showed them how to stretch and lean on the chairs set out for the evening’s burlesque chair dancing class.

“I like helping people come out of their shell and out of their comfort zone,” Olman said. “It’s about celebrating who they are.”

The group joked and giggled with each other as they worked to learn the choreography.

“I tell people sometimes we laugh more than we dance,” Olman said.

The adult-centered studio came online in October, 2024. Olman emphasized her business is about creating a sense of connection and confidence.

“This world is lonely,” Olman stated. “I want to create space where people feel like they belong.”

In addition to burlesque chair classes, GLOW has a variety of other programs ranging from hip hop to yoga.

Instructor Brittaney Blasingim teaches Turn Up Dance Fitness and R&B line dancing, which shows participants the steps to popular songs they might hear on a night out.

“Dance is a great way to work out and still have fun,” Blasingim said.

In total, GLOW hosts nine instructors. Olman sees the studio as an opportunity to help those starting their teaching journey and to build a support system for those already in the industry.

“My vision was always to create place for adults to come dance and for instructors to come and teach,” Olman expressed. “When I first started, it was difficult to find a place.”

Olman’s journey to becoming an instructor and studio owner is years in the making.

Olman began dancing at the age of five and studied the subject at Bowling Green State University.

The mom of three put dance on hold to focus on her family and other goals. After her youngest daughter was born, Olman wanted to take steps to rediscover herself.

“I thought, ‘What do I want to do?’” Olman said. “Well, I like to dance!”

Olman at the time couldn’t find any classes that were of interest to her or fit in her schedule.

She turned to the internet and found Dance2Fit. The high-intensity dance workout program, as described on Dance2Fit’s website, was what Olman was looking for.

She got certified to teach the program and started classes in the basement of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maumee.

“People really liked it and we had a lot of fun,” Olman reminisced.

Opportunities became available for Olman to teach at a number of fitness studios and businesses in the region. She expanded her knowledge in other dance programs and earned more certifications.

Last year, Olman found herself splitting her time teaching at several locations and renting space from Toledo Talent for burlesque chair classes.

“Something in my head said ‘Why are you driving to all these different places? What are you doing?’” Olman said.

Olman decided to make the leap to owner. Her husband Justin Olman helped convert the space she was renting for the burlesque chair classes into the studio.

Olman anticipates GLOW will out grow its current location soon and she has big dreams for the future.

“I would love to one day have a complex where we can teach multiple classes at a time,” Olman commented.

This year, Olman wants to add events like a dance-a-thon and a showcase to the studio’s line up.

“I want to be able to give back and create ways for people to feel connected to the community,” Olman said.

GLOW Dance Studio offers classes Monday through Wednesday, with special events occurring occasionally on Fridays and Saturdays.

More information about the studio and the full schedule of classes can be found on its website, glowstudio419.com .