The Lake Charles Dance Academy is dedicated first and foremost to the quality teaching of classical ballet. Classical ballet provides the foundation for all other dance forms. It is the most demanding, most disciplined of all dance forms; but also the most rewarding. With a solid ballet foundation, classically trained dancers can transfer their skills into jazz, modern dance, or any other dance form they might decide to pursue. The Lake Charles Dance Academy provides students with that solid ballet foundation that helps to build a versatile dancer.
The LCDA also emphasizes the artistry of ballet – the beautiful lyrical qualities and musicality that are sometimes lost in the contemporary push for greater and greater technical feats. Most dictionaries define “art” by giving it a variety of meanings including: “Types of creative activity like drawing, music, literature and dance.” Classical ballet is anart form that is performed by one who enjoys expressing themselves in this format for the pleasure and enjoyment of others.
Every child benefits from quality dance training, even though he or she may ultimately choose another career path. In dance, children learn the cooperative teamwork necessary to produce a high quality work of art. They develop creative thinking skills and the ability to push themselves to higher achievements. They learn an immense amount about music and rhythm, and are introduced to the French language. They encounter spatial relationships and must think with both sides of their brain while learning to dance. All these skills will enhance your child’s academic performance, as well as their physical well-being. Self-confidence and self-esteem continue to develop as a young person conquers new movements and grows more certain of his or her ability to apply themselves, work hard, and master any task put before him or her. Growing through this artistic process helps a child find the pathway to personal integrity and self-assured adulthood. He or she enters society with the ability to do well at whatever life places before them; and with the ability to maintain the uncompromising high standards absorbed during their dance training.
Quality teaching pays close attention to your child’s artistic development. But of equal importance, quality teaching pays close attention to your child’s health and safety, as well as physical and emotional well-being. The LCDA endeavors to help each student enjoy and treasure the hours devoted to dance training, encouraging them to love dance for the sheer pleasure and sense of artistic fulfillment, rather than only for a sense of technical accomplishment.
The LCDA provides a positive environment where every student is expected to strive for excellence to the very best of his or her abilities. We, in turn, will always strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of our students and our community. We will achieve this by giving students the individualized guidance and attention to which they are entitled; while instilling the value of commitment, respect, hard work, discipline, and artistry.