Each year, about 100 students (ages 3 to 18) take part in the LPSD programs, developing creative expression and confidence through ballet, modern and jazz classes.

Each spring, they celebrate the students’ hard work at the annual recital, and they are proud to send many of the older students off to new learning experiences at summer dance programs. In recent years, the dance school has seen an extraordinary success rate for students auditioning for prestigious programs across the country that provide immersive, advanced dance training.

This year, Lexi Coffin, Emma VanWeelden, Eloise Bubar, Aurora Brunner, Liesl Haney, Amelia Chin, Lena Haas, Taika Mzese, and June Appleton have earned spots at top-tier intensives, including The Rock School for Dance, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater School, Orlando Ballet, Chautauqua Institution, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet and Vermont Ballet Theater and School.

As LPSD Director Alice Schonbek explains, “Attending a summer program is a way for the LPSD students to explore the wider world of dance.” The audition process is challenging, Schonbek said, not only because there are students from many different schools and backgrounds, but also because that process includes dancing in front of a panel of adjudicators, who are trying to assess whether a student will be a good fit for a particular program.

“I am proud that our students want to explore the world of dance outside of the Tri-Lakes area, and come back inspired and improved. Meeting other dancers from all over the U.S. and other parts of the world, and studying under new and different teachers can only result in enhancing their lives both in dance and in day to day life,” she said.

LPCA is also honored to recognize those students who have chosen to pursue dance as a career following graduation. In the fall, graduating senior Lexi Coffin begins the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center Certificate Program and past School of Dance grad Alexys Vincent will attend University of North Carolina School of The Arts.

The LPSD Spring Recital is open to the public and will be held at the LPCA. Tickets are available for $15 (adults) and $10 (youth) at www.lakeplacidarts.org or by calling 518-523-2512.