Encore Studio of Dance, Tumbling, Music & Theatre

Encore Studio of Dance, Tumbling, Music & Theatre is a 3,500 sq ft recreational performing arts school serving the Greater New Orleans area from its location where River Ridge, Harahan, Metairie and Kenner intersect. Established in 2001, the studio focuses on education and performance rather than competition. The facility includes two music studios and two dance studios, all featuring floating dance floors designed to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries. A large, comfortable waiting and reception room with desk staff and video feeds of classes allows parents to observe sessions.

Dance classes span ballet (ages 2–18), tap (age 4 and up), jazz, hip hop/street jazz (ages 3–18), and contemporary/lyrical (ages 12–18). Ballet introduces basic movements and builds grace, poise, balance and flexibility. Tap teaches students to make music with their feet through shuffles, flaps, time steps and paradiddles, and is particularly suited to those interested in musical theatre performance. Jazz is taught as a freestyle form combining isolations, strength, coordination and style, including classical jazz, lyrical, musical theatre and original Broadway choreography. Hip hop/street jazz combines rap, R&B and pop music with movements including popping, locking, breaking, jazz and funk. Contemporary/lyrical bridges jazz and ballet with fluid movement and encourages creative, emotive expression.

Tumbling and acrobatics classes follow the Acrobatic Arts curriculum and introduce fundamentals of gymnastics with focus on tumbling, flexibility, balance, strength and body control for children interested in gymnastics, cheerleading, dance and overall fitness. Musical theatre classes combine acting, singing and dance to Broadway material. The studio also offers straight acting classes. Private piano and voice lessons are available in 30-minute and 45-minute sessions taught by university-trained instructors with performance experience.

Kelly, a working professional in the theatre community as a dancer, actress, singer, choreographer, director and producer, serves as artistic director. The teaching philosophy emphasises passion, fun, personal mastery, exceptional experiences, teamwork and belief in oneself. Performance opportunities include a low-stress year-end concert and auditions for Rivertown Theaters. Broadway master classes are taught by performers from Broadway and touring shows. The studio runs popular summer camp programmes with a focus on musical theatre. All trial classes are free.

You'll meet friendly instructors and students in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Classes are taught through positivity and focus on building quality technique and developing confident, expressive performers rather than attending competitions. The studio offers free trial classes for all disciplines.

Kelly, the artistic director, is a working professional in the theatre community as a dancer, actress, singer, choreographer, director and producer. Faculty are fully qualified, university-trained and committed to helping each student foster a lifelong love of the performing arts.

Classes are designed for all ages and abilities, with a non-competitive approach focused on building skills and confidence through positivity and encouragement.