Business Details
Las Cruces School of Dance & Music | Excellence in Performing Arts Education
Las Cruces School of Dance & Music has been a cornerstone of dance and music education in southern New Mexico for over two decades. Founded with a commitment to excellence, our institution has earned a reputation for nurturing talent that gains acceptance to top performing-arts schools and universities nationwide. Our faculty includes industry professionals with extensive credentials, including Monique Foster, the only instructor in the region certified through Level V of the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum. We prioritize alignment-centered instruction, healthy body image, and teamwork, ensuring students develop both artistically and personally. Our state-of-the-art facilities feature floating floors, marley surfaces, and a dedicated outdoor performance venue, providing optimal environments for training and performance.With a curriculum rooted in the ABT National Training Curriculum, we blend the most effective techniques to foster safe, progressive skill development. Our productions integrate all students, emphasizing the value of every role while encouraging healthy competition for lead positions. Over 20 years of experience informs our approach to dance education, balancing rigorous technical training with creative expression. We offer comprehensive programs in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and music, serving students from early childhood through adulthood. This holistic approach has established us as a trusted leader in regional performing arts education.
Services
Ballet Training
Jazz Classes
Tap Instruction
Hip-Hop Dance
Piano Lessons
Guitar Instruction
Voice Training
Highlights and features
- We offer ABT-certified ballet instruction with faculty trained by industry legends
- Our curriculum combines proven techniques from the U.S. National Curriculum
- We maintain professional-grade facilities with specialized dance flooring systems
- Our instructors have over 20 years of combined teaching and performance experience
- We provide performance opportunities for students at all skill levels
Services
Ballet Training
Our ballet program follows the ABT National Training Curriculum, offering levels from Pre-Primary through VI. Students develop proper technique through progressive training emphasizing alignment and injury prevention. Classes meet twice weekly for advanced levels, with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Jazz Classes
Jazz instruction combines technical precision with creative expression, available at three skill levels. Classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and stylistic versatility while preparing students for performance roles in our seasonal productions.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes teach rhythm, timing, and sound production using specialized hardwood floors. Students progress through technical levels while developing musicality and performance skills for stage productions.
Piano Lessons
Group piano classes introduce fundamental music theory and technique to students aged seven and up. Curriculum includes repertoire development and performance preparation in a supportive classroom environment.
Voice Training
Voice instruction focuses on vocal technique, breath control, and performance skills. Students participate in recitals and gain experience in musical theater repertoire and solo performance.
People
Monique Foster
Owner
Monique Foster trained with dance legends including Franco De Vita and David Howard. Certified through ABT Level V, she brings 20+ years of studio ownership experience and professional performance background to our school.
Janelle Hernandez
Instructor
Janelle Hernandez teaches ballet and jazz with over 17 years of dance experience. A former student of Monique Foster, she holds a BA in Sociology and has performed in numerous regional productions.
John Pohl
Men's Ballet Instructor
John Pohl studied at prestigious institutions including the School of American Ballet. He brings professional performance experience to his men's ballet classes at Las Cruces High and our studio.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop classes for students ages 3 through adults.
Do you provide music instruction?
Yes, we offer piano, guitar, and voice lessons in addition to our dance programs.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker and seasonal recitals with multiple castings.
What are your class sizes?
Class sizes vary by level but typically range from 8-15 students to ensure individual attention.
Do you have recital requirements?
Performance participation is encouraged but optional, with fees applying for costume and production costs.
What are your facilities like?
Our 4,000 sq ft facility includes three studios with professional flooring, a marley stage, and outdoor performance venue.
Reviews (1)
Ryleigh Wellborn
Jun 27, 2018
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When I first started going to this school everyone was so welcoming! The teachers are so nice and are willing to make you the best dancer you can be. This is the best studio ever!!!!!!!
