Learn More About Dance Classes at LAAPA
Thanks so much for your interest in dance classes at LAAPA! Below you'll find the highlights of our program offerings and general philosophy of teaching.
Who Do We Teach, What Programs are Offered?
At LAAPA, we teach dance classes to students ages 18 months-adult. At 18 months, children begin their dance studies in our parent & tot classes. Our pre-ballet and pre-hip hop/acro classes begin as young as 4 years old, so our students can gain the necessary flexibility and body control. Once our students reach the age of 7, they are ready for any of our Level I classes. Because ballet is the foundation of all other dance styles, Ballet I is the most popular level I dance class that we offer for ages 7-up. However students may enroll in Hip Hop/Jazz I or Contemporary/Modern I as well! We also welcome older beginners and work with each student at their specific level making all of our classes fully inclusive and tailored to your child’s needs.
Are There Dance Competitions?
LAAPA is a "non-competition" school. Our students do have ample opportunities to perform on stage for family and friends in a various productions (more information below). Students interested in additional performance opportunities may join the LAAPA Dance Company. Invitation to the Dance Company is "by audition/by teacher nomination".
Programs Offered
Check out our Dance Program Homepage for information on all available programs as well as recommended ages!
About our Faculty/Philosophy of Teaching
In addition to being professional dancers, our University trained faculty members are all carefully selected for their talents in education - specifically their abilities to effectively communicate key concepts to students in a variety of different ways. This ensures that students are always presented with a learning method most suited to his/her individual needs. Our faculty are here for one reason, and that is to help each student develop a love for dance and the performing arts!
Attend In-Person or Online
LAAPA is one of the few schools in New Orleans to offer students the option of attending any of our programs online or in person! Students may additionally attend online some weeks and in-person other weeks should they choose.
What is the Tuition/Cost & How Long are Lessons?
We offer dance classes from 45 minutes up to 2 hours weekly. Tuition starts at $15 per class for a 45 minute weekly class (ages 18mos-3) and $16.25 per class for a one hour weekly class. Private instruction is available at $37.00 per half hour. Our membership fee is $50 annually. Tuition for students ages 8-up additionally includes a free (optional) 45 minute Choreography class weekly where students learn to develop their creativity and create their own dance choreography. See Improv/Choreography Classes for additional info!
Dance Classes for Kids & Teens
We welcome children of all ages into our program whether they are brand new beginners or already have some experience! For beginning students, how do you know when the best time is to get started? Check out the link below!
Dance Classes for Adults
We love working with our adult students as well! Whether you've always wanted to dance or are a professional dancer seeking additional coaching, we'd love to help!
What Happens if I Have to Miss a Lesson?
Life happens - we understand, things come up! LAAPA is one of the few schools in the area to offer makeup lessons for any reason with or without advanced notice/doctors notes! Whenever you miss a class, you are welcome to attend another (similar level) dance class in the same week as a makeup. Just be sure to ask your teacher what the most appropriate class would be for you to attend.
What are the Facilities Like?
Our three campuses are centrally located in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville and are within a short driving distance from most areas in Greater New Orleans. All of our students have the option to attend in person or online in any of our music and dance programs! Our campuses and operating procedures meet and exceed all current health and safety guidelines. Our brand new state-of-the-art Lesson Planning Software allows students to receive all of their lesson plans in a digital notebook with audio/video clips from each lesson. Every lesson can be viewed on any device at any time so that you'll always be able to track progress. All of our dance studios feature custom, maple floating floors, which absorb movement and relieve physical stress on knees and backs. Floating floors are critical to ensure the physical health of our teachers and students.
We take great pride in ensuring that our facilities are regularly updated and offer the latest in educational technology. All of our teachers have access to in studio iPads and professional grade instruments/gear. Teachers and students have access to record demos and other projects at our Mandeville campus which boasts a full 32 track ProTools based recording studio.
What are the Performance Opportunities at LAAPA?
Our optional recitals are always a hit with parents and students! All of our students have the opportunity to perform each December and June in professional auditoriums to share what they've learned with family and friends. Student performers range from complete beginners to very advanced students...so you are sure to fit right in! Again though, recitals are completely optional.
Scheduling/Registration:
A link to our current class offerings is available below. Whenever you're ready to get started, it's quick and easy to Enroll Online Here.
Checkout our Brochure
Finally, here are a few direct links to our website that you may want to check out if you haven't already done so!
Whenever you're ready to get started, just let us know, and we can either pick out a schedule or setup a school tour to view our facility in person and see our students and teachers in action!
Take the Next Step and arrange your first lesson by enrolling online!
Get Started!Upcoming Events
Questions? Click below to check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Can't find the answers you're looking for? Call, text or email - we're here to help Monday-Thursday 8 AM - 9 PM, Friday 8 AM - 7:30 PM, and Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM.
Please note that during holiday breaks, the office will be open between 9 AM and 5 PM. It is always best to call the office before dropping by the Academy in person during holiday breaks.
Come and see why our students can't wait for their lessons each week! It's Quick and Easy to Get Started in Classes this !
Arrange your first class by contacting us today or click below to enroll online.