Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanette Cook.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I actually got quite a late start as a dancer. I never set foot in a dance class until I was 14 years old. But once I did, I never looked back. It was all I wanted to do. I danced competitively and on my high school dance team through my senior of high school. When it came time to pick a college and a major, my English teacher told me that dance wouldn’t take me anywhere and that I should choose a school and major based on a career that had a promising future. One that didn’t involve dance. So, I took an aptitude test that resulted in the choice to major in architecture. I wasn’t ready to give up dance completely so I auditioned for the dance team at the university. It was a great experience, but it wasn’t what made me love dance, so I only did it for one year.
I started working at Elite Dance Academy the first season they opened in 2003. I thoroughly enjoyed working with kids and being able to share my passion for dance with so many young people. In 2007, the opportunity came up to purchase the studio and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I relished the thought of being able to have complete creative freedom with the dancers and being able to instill my vision for an intense training program. I’ve spent the past 10 years realizing those goals and watching the hard work come to fruition. I have an outstanding staff who all share my vision and have played a huge role in helping the studio achieve success.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think every business, should it stay open long enough, will have its ups and downs. I feel fortunate that the ups have by far outnumbered the downs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Elite Dance Academy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In 2003, Elite Dance Academy was founded in League City, Texas offering a full schedule of dance classes for ages three to adult, from beginner to advanced levels. Under the direction of Lanette Cook, we are dedicated to providing quality instruction for all skill levels while maintaining a positive experience. Our highly-qualified staff has pursued a higher education in dance, as well as successful professional performing careers. We strive to find a class for everyone interested in learning and offer classes from Ballet, Pointe, Tap and Jazz, to Contemporary and Hip-Hop.
In addition to our studio program, we also house a competitive dance company. These dancers commit to training extensively for 12-15 hours per week and participate in various competitive venues. Our dancers also participate in various workshops, master classes and private training and have gone on to win national titles, scholarships, as well as hired for local shows. Educating young minds in dance is a top priority at Elite Dance Academy and we find it important to take talent to the next level.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We’ve actually expanded twice in the past 4 years, which has allowed us to bring more students through the program. Our most recent expansion created our costume shop where we started creating custom costumes and leotards for individuals and groups across the Houston area. We look forward to watching that new aspect of the company grow next season.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1001 S Egret Bay Blvd #103
League City, TX 77573 - Website: elitedancing.com
- Phone: 281-554-5200
- Email: elitedancing@gmail.com
- Facebook: Elite Dance Academy
- Twitter: @elitedancing
Image Credit:
Michaela Todaro
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
