Business Details
34 Years
experience
Experience Excellence in Dance Training
Established in 1992, Ballet Arts has dedicated three decades to delivering exceptional dance education across all skill levels. Founded by Artistic Director Alecia Lakernick, our studio combines classical ballet foundations with diverse dance genres including tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. Our faculty comprises award-winning instructors with extensive performance and teaching credentials, including national award winners and Broadway-trained professionals. We provide structured training for preschoolers through adults, offering recreational, competitive, and preprofessional pathways. Performance opportunities include annual recitals, community events, and the prestigious Ballet Arts All Stars company that competes regionally and nationally.Accredited by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, we received the 2009 Vance County Small Business of the Year award. Our curriculum integrates progressive dance techniques, safety-focused acrobatics training, and specialized baton twirling instruction. With personalized class placements based on age, skill level, and physical maturity, we cultivate a supportive environment where students develop technical proficiency, creativity, and lifelong appreciation for dance artistry.
Services
Ballet
Pointe
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Clogging
Hip Hop
Musical Theater
Acrobatics
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of established dance expertise and award-winning instruction
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized dance educators and competition judges
- We provide structured pathways for recreational, competitive, and preprofessional dancers
- Our curriculum integrates safe acrobatics training with progressive dance techniques
- We offer performance opportunities at both local community events and national competitions
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical excellence through classical technique instruction. Students learn proper body alignment, graceful movement, and foundational dance principles that enhance overall versatility. Classes focus on discipline, flexibility, and strength development while maintaining a nurturing environment for all skill levels.
Tap
This percussive dance form teaches coordination, timing, and musicality through rhythmic footwork. Students develop syncopation skills and learn choreography that combines intricate rhythms with dynamic movement patterns, building both physical dexterity and cognitive processing abilities.
Jazz
Our jazz program blends technical training with energetic performance elements. Students master isolations, proper alignment, and signature jazz styles while developing versatility in contemporary, commercial, and Broadway-influenced techniques through structured combinations and choreography.
Hip Hop
This high-energy program teaches urban dance styles with a focus on technique and personal expression. Students learn current trends and foundational moves while developing musicality, coordination, and creative improvisation skills in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Acrobatics
Safety-focused acrobatics classes develop flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Students progress through skill levels to master proper technique for cartwheels, back handsprings, and advanced tricks while maintaining correct alignment and injury prevention practices.
People
Alecia Lakernick
Studio Director
Magna Cum Laude graduate of Meredith College and Campbell University, with 30+ years teaching experience. Former Miss Henderson 1992, Broadway performer, and certified early childhood educator. Trained at NC School of the Arts and Broadway Dance Center.
Dash Michaels
Competition Director
Award-winning choreographer and former 'So You Think You Can Dance' performer. With three Mr. Dance of North Carolina titles, Dash brings professional expertise from Broadway productions and television work to our competition program.
Cayla Reed
Contemporary Instructor
UNC Greensboro BFA graduate with professional experience at The Joyce Theatre in NYC. Former freelance dancer in Los Angeles and resident contemporary instructor for our All Stars competition team.
Linda Slonski
Clogging Instructor
American Clogging Hall of Fame inductee with competitive experience at national championships. Certified instructor bringing elite-level clogging expertise to our recreational and competition programs.
Jeanie Chrome
Recreational Instructor
University of the Arts graduate with a decade of teaching experience. Certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and former competition team director, specializing in classical ballet training for all levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for beginners?
We provide foundational classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop for ages 2.5+, with specialized programs for preschoolers and recreational students.
Can students transition from recreational to competitive dance?
Yes, our structured program allows qualified students to join the All Stars competition team through auditions, offering progressive training for competitive environments.
What are the performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual recitals, community events, and parades, with advanced dancers performing regionally and nationally through our competition team.
Are there programs for experienced dancers?
We offer advanced training in classical ballet, contemporary, and competition preparation for preprofessional development and college scholarship opportunities.
Do you provide faculty credentials?
Our instructors hold degrees from prestigious dance institutions and have professional experience in Broadway, national competitions, and university programs.
Is dance experience required for enrollment?
No prior experience needed - we offer beginner classes for all ages and provide placement evaluations to ensure appropriate skill level progression.
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