Louisville Academy of Fine Arts, LLC

Louisville Academy of Fine Arts (LAFA) is a multi-disciplinary arts academy in St. Matthews offering high-quality, accessible education in dance, theater, music, visual art, and creative writing for students aged 3 to 18. The studio operates Monday to Thursday 3:00pm–9:00pm and Saturday 10:00am–4:00pm from 4868 Brownsboro Center.

The dance programme welcomes students of all levels, from beginners to experienced dancers. Classes are offered in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and pointe. Ballet is available for all ages and levels; jazz, tap, and modern begin in upper elementary. The studio emphasises inclusive, non-competitive learning, with teachers certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and American Ballet Theaters Teaching Curriculum. Students develop technical foundations, musicality, and stage presence in a nurturing environment.

Performance opportunities are central to the programme. Every year LAFA stages the Nutcracker (December, at the Ogle Center), a spring storybook ballet (Beauty and the Beast, May 2027), and runs a selective Dance Company for committed students in grades 7–12 by placement only. Community auditions for the Nutcracker, open to ages 5+, are held each September; dance experience is highly recommended but not required.

Beyond dance, LAFA offers private music lessons (piano, voice, woodwinds, percussion, ukulele, and more) for ages 5–18 in 15-, 30-, 45-, or 60-minute increments, with an end-of-year Music Showcase. Creative writing classes, led by published author Lynn Slaughter, are available for ages 12+ and explore storytelling, character development, and genre exploration. Summer programmes continue the academy's arts education year-round.

The academy prioritises personal growth and creative expression. Its core values centre on honesty, integrity, kindness, social responsibility, and inclusive community. A free trial class is available; interested families can email the academy to arrange a visit or attend the Open House in July. An LAFA app provides access to the Parent Portal, scheduling, and class management.

You can book a free trial class and meet the faculty and students before committing. The Open House each July (10am–2pm) welcomes newcomers and returning families to tour the studio and register in person. Class schedules run during afternoon and Saturday morning hours.

Katherine Alberts teaches private piano, oboe, and beginning woodwinds. Creative writing is led by published author Lynn Slaughter. Teachers across the dance programme are certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and American Ballet Theaters Teaching Curriculum.

All dance levels are welcome in an inclusive, non-competitive environment; free trial classes are available.