Business Details
15 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Lake Charles, LA
Established in 2011, Lake Charles Dance Academy provides comprehensive dance education through a dynamic curriculum designed to inspire creativity and build confidence. Our programs include ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, and acrobatics, catering to students aged 4 and above. Under the direction of Colleen Cannon Benoit, a seasoned educator and former professional dancer, we emphasize technical excellence, artistic expression, and personal growth. Our structured levels ensure students progress at their own pace while mastering foundational skills. We offer performance opportunities through the Lake Area Ballet Theatre, fostering community engagement and artistic development.With small class sizes and individualized attention, we nurture both recreational and pre-professional dancers. Our faculty combines national training with local expertise to deliver high-quality instruction. The academy's philosophy integrates dance education with character development, promoting discipline and teamwork. We maintain partnerships with regional and national dance institutions to enhance learning opportunities. Our commitment to accessibility ensures students of all ability levels can experience the joy of dance.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Contemporary
Tap
Acrobatics
Adult Classes
Pre-Kinderdance
Kinderdance
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Director trained at School of American Ballet and North Carolina School of the Arts
- Performance opportunities with Lake Area Ballet Theatre
- Structured curriculum with 10+ skill levels and small class sizes
- Specialized classes for ages 4 through adults
- Faculty with professional performance and teaching credentials
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical mastery through progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Students learn proper body alignment, French terminology, and performance techniques. Pointe work is introduced at appropriate levels with director approval.
Jazz Classes
Jazz instruction combines lyrical and Broadway styles with traditional jazz elements. Classes focus on proper warm-up, coordination, and age-appropriate choreography emphasizing musicality and expression.
Hip-Hop Classes
Hip-hop sessions teach rhythm-based movement with emphasis on body control and creative expression. Classes improve flexibility and coordination while maintaining age-appropriate content.
Contemporary Classes
Contemporary dance blends modern, jazz, and ballet techniques. Requires strong ballet foundation to develop fluid movement sequences and expressive performance skills.
Acrobatics Classes
Acro classes build strength and flexibility through progressive tumbling skills. Safety-focused instruction ensures proper technique development at each skill level.
People
Colleen Cannon Benoit
Director
Founder with 20+ years teaching experience. Trained at School of American Ballet and North Carolina School of the Arts. Former performer with Dallas Ballet and Texas Ballet. Holds Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Masters in Educational Technology.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, and adult ballet classes with 10+ skill levels.
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Classes start at age 4 (must be potty trained) with specific age ranges for each program level.
Are performance opportunities available?
Yes, students can participate in Lake Area Ballet Theatre productions including The Nutcracker and spring galas.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our faculty includes nationally trained instructors with professional performance experience and education degrees.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide beginner and returning dancer classes for adults focusing on ballet fundamentals.