From the Triple Threat program (acting, singing and dancing), to the many dancing styles taught, L.A. Dance has well earned the designation as one of the top 50 studios in the United States.
L.A. Dance, located in Lake Orion and owned by director Laura Berger, was named a top 50 studio in the Third Annual Competition and Convention Yearbook 2005, by the publishers of Dance Spirit Magazine and Dance Teacher Magazine in 2005.
The studio was featured again in Dance Teacher in February of 2006 for their All-Boys Hip-Hop class, in an article titled “Men of Influence.”
“Our all-boy classes have a male instructor, which the boys really enjoy, because it makes them more comfortable and gives them someone to relate to,” says Berger.
L.A. Dance started offering their unique Triple Threat program last summer, offering students the chance to hone their skills in acting, singing and dancing.
The program is excellent for students wishing to break into any form of entertainment, as they will receive an all-around education with musical theater, show choir and dance classes available under one roof.
“Our musical theater and show choir instructor, Miss Jocelyn Sweetapple, recently received her N.A.T.S. certification, adding to her many impressive credits” says Berger.
All of L.A. Dance’s instructors’ biographies are available at www.ladance.us.
L.A. Dance has been in Lake Orion for eight years. Berger teaches classes there, and has been a dancer herself since the age of three.
Her staff of experienced dance instructors offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, clogging, hip-hop, swing, lyrical, ballroom and salsa.
Musical theater and show choir are offered, with no auditions necessary. Both classes offer recreational and competitive levels.
Instructors at L.A. Dance attend workshops to stay current with the latest steps and techniques, and also travel to New York every year for classes in safeguarding students, musical theater, dance technique, and more.
Berger’s Lapeer Road facility has three large dance rooms, complete with full-wall mirrors, ballet barres, and marley dance floors.
“We also have windows in the lobby for parental observation, without distracting the students,” Berger says.
To provide quality instruction, L.A. Dance limits classes sizes to 10 students per class for preschool, and 15 per class for kindergarten and up.
“We believe in giving each student personalized instruction, to ensure their understanding of the lessons, and to help them achieve their highest goal,” says Berger.
Classes are offered for ages 3-adult, and potential students are invited to come and experience one class for free.
L.A. Dance also has competition teams, which have earned numerous first-place awards, including Platinum and Gold medals at both the regional and national levels.
L.A. Dance’s “Ground Control” is Lake Orion’s premiere hip-hop dance company, and can be seen performing at local events.
Open auditions are held each June for the award-winning teams. Competition teams perform each year at Oxford and Lake Orion festivals in the summer, and also at the Orion Oaks Fine Arts Night.
“We take great pride in our well-organized programs, friendly staff, reasonable rates and the overall sense of accomplishment that our students feel,” says Berger.
Besides quality dance instruction, L.A. Dance also offers dance gear, including leotards, tights, shoes and dance accessories.
The studio also sells snacks and beverages for the convenience of students and their families.
Class times vary, with plenty of evening hours to accommodate students who are in school or working during the day.
Summer sessions begin in June; the fall session starts in September and runs through May. L.A. Dance holds their annual recital at the Lake Orion High School Performing Arts Center on June 3. The public is welcome to attend; please contact the studio for ticket information.
Registration for summer/fall sessions starts in May. L.A. Dance is located at 2651 South Lapeer, in the Palace Pointe shopping plaza.
The phone number is (248) 393-1339. L.A. Dance is online at www.ladance.us.