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15 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Lake Charles | Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop & More
Established in 2011, Lake Charles Dance Academy (LCDA) is a premier institution dedicated to classical ballet education and comprehensive dance training. Our curriculum spans ballet, acro, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and tap, designed to cultivate creativity, discipline, and artistic expression. Under the leadership of Colleen Cannon Benoit, a seasoned educator and former professional dancer with decades of experience, we emphasize technical mastery and artistic integrity. Our structured programs cater to students aged 4 and up, with progressive levels ensuring individualized attention and growth.

LCDA fosters a supportive environment where students develop physical strength, musicality, and confidence while building lifelong skills in teamwork and perseverance. We prioritize health, safety, and emotional well-being, ensuring a positive experience for all. Through partnerships like the Lake Area Ballet Theatre, we provide performance opportunities that enrich the local arts community and nurture the next generation of dancers.
Services
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Hip Hop Contemporary Pilates Acrobatics Adult Classes
Details
  • Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
  • We offer 13+ years of expertise in classical ballet training and performance preparation
  • Our curriculum combines technical rigor with artistic development for well-rounded dancers
  • Director studied under renowned instructors at prestigious institutions nationwide
  • We provide performance opportunities through Lake Area Ballet Theatre partnerships
  • Classes emphasize safe progression with individualized attention to skill levels
Update Listing
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through progressive levels. Students master French terminology, musicality, and proper body alignment while building strength and flexibility. Classes emphasize both traditional and contemporary repertoire, preparing dancers for advanced pointe work and performance opportunities. The curriculum fosters discipline and creativity through structured training in classical techniques.
Pointe
Pointe instruction begins at age 11 with minimum two years of ballet training. Classes focus on proper alignment, ankle strength, and graceful transitions. Students learn to execute pointe-specific variations while maintaining classical technique. Placement requires director approval based on physical readiness and technical proficiency. This program prepares dancers for professional-level performance demands.
Acrobatics
Acro classes teach safe progression in tumbling skills from basic rolls to advanced flips. Each session includes strength training, flexibility exercises, and skill-specific drills. Students advance through levels based on mastery of safety protocols and technical execution. The program complements ballet training by improving spatial awareness and physical coordination through structured acrobatic sequences.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance combines elements of modern, jazz, and ballet in a technically demanding format. Classes emphasize floor work, dynamic contrasts, and emotional expression through movement. Students develop core strength and spatial awareness while learning choreography that challenges traditional dance boundaries. This program requires strong ballet foundation for proper technique execution.
Adult Classes
Designed for beginners and returning dancers, adult ballet classes focus on foundational technique and physical conditioning. Sessions cover basic positions, barre exercises, and center combinations in a non-competitive environment. Participants develop flexibility, posture, and musicality through six-week session formats. This program provides accessible dance education for community members seeking artistic enrichment.
People
Colleen Cannon Benoit
Director
Colleen Benoit established LCDA in 2011 after decades of professional dance training and education. A former performer with regional ballet companies, she studied at prestigious institutions including the School of American Ballet and North Carolina School of the Arts. Holding degrees in Early Childhood Education and Educational Technology, she brings extensive teaching experience and artistic expertise to LCDA's programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, acrobatics, and adult ballet classes with progressive skill development.
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Classes start at age 4 (must be potty-trained) with Pre-Kinderdance, progressing through adult-level instruction for all experience levels.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, through Lake Area Ballet Theatre productions including The Nutcracker and spring galas, with roles for all skill levels.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Director Colleen Benoit trained at top institutions nationwide and has performed professionally, combining decades of teaching experience with artistic expertise.
What are your class size policies?
Pre-Kinderdance limits 12 students, Kinderdance 12-14, and advanced levels 14-18 to ensure individualized attention and safe progression.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer study includes workshops with guest artists and intensive training programs for advanced students preparing for performances.