Milliet Academy of Dance

For families in Louisiana, especially those in the New Orleans area, finding a dance studio that combines a rich history with a nurturing, professional environment can be a true gem. Milliet Academy of Dance is precisely that "point of interest." Revered in the community, particularly in New Orleans East, this academy is celebrated for its enduring commitment to dance education, becoming a "god-send for the community" by providing quality instruction that has spanned generations.

Milliet Academy of Dance holds a special place in the hearts of many New Orleanians, with a legacy that dates back to before Hurricane Katrina, and a continued dedication to rebuilding and serving its community. Founded by Yvonne Milliet, who was the past president of Louisiana Association of Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America, the academy continues to be led by certified dance educators, including Angelle, Joan, and Floyd Milliet, ensuring a consistent standard of excellence. It's a place where "the little ones are so excited to show mom or dad or a family member the new dance routine/move they learned," showcasing their eagerness and the sheer joy they find in participation. The atmosphere is consistently described as positive and efficient, with a "well oiled machine" approach to operations and staff who are "patient & kind," giving "gentle hugs to the little ones." For many, like one former student who attended "pre-Katrina" and still keeps in touch with the owners, Milliet Academy of Dance isn't just a school; it's family, offering "fun + personal" classes and "exciting" dance recitals. It truly offers a blend of professional training and heartfelt community connection.

Milliet Academy of Dance is conveniently located at 4011 Downman Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA. This address places the studio within the New Orleans East area, making it a highly accessible and central location for families residing in that part of the city and surrounding parishes. Downman Road is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring ease of access from various directions.

The location offers ample parking, which is a significant advantage for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, especially when multiple classes are transitioning. As one reviewer noted, this timeliness and ample parking are "essential because as one class ends, another begins." Public transportation options are typically available in the New Orleans East area, providing alternatives for access. The studio's presence in this community highlights its dedication to serving local families and providing high-quality dance education right in their neighborhood, minimizing travel time and making consistent participation feasible for busy households. The easily navigable location contributes to the overall positive experience for students and their families.

Milliet Academy of Dance offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance classes tailored to various age groups and skill levels, all taught by certified dance educators. Their curriculum is designed to provide thorough instruction in a variety of popular dance styles.

Services Offered:

• Classes for All Ages: The academy welcomes dancers from "Wee tots 2 years old and up" to "Teens and adults," ensuring that anyone with a passion for dance can find a suitable class.
• Ballet: As a core discipline, ballet classes focus on classical technique, posture, grace, and strength, providing a fundamental base for all other dance forms. Pointe work is offered for advanced ballet dancers (level 3 or higher, typically ages 12+), requiring concurrent enrollment in other ballet classes to build necessary strength.
• Jazz: These classes incorporate energetic turns, leaps, jumps, kicks, and formation changes, developing strong technique, coordination, musicality, and style.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes featuring current, stylistically diverse routines and warm-ups, emphasizing upbeat choreography, isolations, and helping dancers discover their own natural groove.
• Tap: Traditional and modern forms of tap are taught, expanding a dancer's awareness of sound and rhythm while developing coordination through intricate footwork combinations.
• Acro (Acrobatic Dance): Combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements, focusing on improving flexibility, balance, core strength, and tumbling skills.
• Contemporary: These classes blend traditional and classical styles with a modern perspective, emphasizing core strength, flexibility, and expressive movement. Students learn about pioneer art forms, theory, history, and improvisation.
• Lyrical: Combining ballet and jazz techniques, lyrical classes emphasize emotional and fluid movement, expanding flexibility, grace, and coordination.
• Creative Movements (for 2-year-olds): A parent-assisted class designed to introduce and open up the world of dance to toddlers through fun, explorative movements.
• Pre-Combo Classes (ages 3-6): For younger dancers, these classes creatively combine elements of different styles like Pre-Ballet/Jazz, Pre-Ballet/Tap, or Pre-Jazz/Hip-Hop, using imagination and age-appropriate music to teach basic steps.
• Annual Dance Recitals: Students have the opportunity to showcase their learning and talent in exciting annual performances, which are remembered fondly by former students.
• Teacher Training Courses: Special courses are offered for aspiring dance educators, reflecting the academy's commitment to developing knowledgeable professionals in the field.

Milliet Academy of Dance stands out as a highly recommended institution due to several key features and highlights that define its unique appeal and quality of service.

Features / Highlights:

• Long-Standing Legacy and Community Roots: Operating for decades, including post-Katrina, the academy is a beloved "god-send for the community," deeply woven into the fabric of New Orleans East. This history speaks to its resilience and consistent quality.
• Certified and Experienced Instructors: The classes are taught and supervised by certified dance educators, including the owners Angelle, Joan, and Floyd Milliet, ensuring professional and knowledgeable instruction. Their expertise makes a real difference in student progress.
• Nurturing and Family-Like Atmosphere: Reviews consistently highlight the "patient & kind" instructors and the feeling that "the staff are all like family." This warm and welcoming environment is crucial for young dancers and fosters a strong sense of belonging, with staff who are "ALWAYS smiling and gives gentle hugs to the little ones."
• Exceptional Student Engagement: Children are visibly "so excited to show mom or dad... the new dance routine/move they learned" and are "eager to participate." This high level of engagement signifies effective and fun teaching methods.
• Diverse Dance Curriculum: Offering a wide range of styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and acro, ensures that students can explore different genres and develop versatile skills from a young age through adulthood.
• Engaging Recitals: The annual dance recitals are a major highlight, described as "lovely to watch" and "every bit of exciting," providing valuable performance experience for students and entertainment for families.
• Observational Opportunities for Parents: The presence of a "viewing window for parents & occasionally, the parents, get to participate as well" is a unique and appreciated feature, allowing parents to witness their child's progress and feel included.
• Well-Organized Operations: The studio is run "like a well oiled machine," with timely class transitions and efficient management, which is "essential" for busy schedules.
• Ample Parking: A practical, yet highly valued, feature that contributes to a stress-free experience for parents.

For those interested in enrolling in classes or learning more about the offerings at Milliet Academy of Dance, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 4011 Downman Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA

Phone: (985) 718-9900

Email: While not explicitly provided in the initial information, their official website (millietacademyofdance.com) would typically offer an inquiry form or direct email contact. It is recommended to visit their site for the most current contact methods.

Milliet Academy of Dance is an outstanding choice for locals in Louisiana, particularly those in the New Orleans East area, seeking high-quality and nurturing dance education. Its decades-long presence in the community, even through challenging times, speaks volumes about its resilience and dedication to its students. For parents, the combination of certified, experienced instructors and a truly "family-like" environment means their children receive not just excellent dance training but also develop in a supportive and joyful atmosphere.

The diverse curriculum, from "Wee tots" creative movement to advanced ballet and hip hop, ensures that children of all ages and interests can find their rhythm and passion. The highly anticipated recitals provide a wonderful opportunity for students to shine, while the practical amenities like ample parking and a viewing window enhance the overall experience for families. By choosing Milliet Academy of Dance, locals are investing in their children's artistic development, physical well-being, and becoming part of a cherished institution that continues to contribute positively to the cultural fabric of New Orleans. It truly is a 5-star recommendation for any family looking for a dance home.

Milliet Academy of Dance

4011 Downman Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA