Dance Loud.... How it Came to Be
Dance Loud Academy was founded in 2011 by Gwendoline Cardone. Gwendoline partnered with Bellaire Baptist church in hope of spreading the love of Jesus through dance. She believed she could use her God given gift of dance to touch the lives of others. In 2017 Gwendoline gave up ownership of Dance Loud Academy in order to serve her family more and pursue Dance Medicine. Lacy Rance took over ownership of Dance Loud in September of 2017.
Dance Loud Academy was founded in 2011 by Gwendoline Cardone. Gwendoline partnered with Bellaire Baptist church in hope of spreading the love of Jesus through dance. She believed she could use her God given gift of dance to touch the lives of others. In 2017 Gwendoline gave up ownership of Dance Loud Academy in order to serve her family more and pursue Dance Medicine. Lacy Rance took over ownership of Dance Loud in September of 2017.
About Our Staff
Lacy Rance (Dance Loud Director)
Lacy Rance has been teaching and choreographing since she was 15. She choreographed for Northwood High School, where she won a talented arts award for best choreography in the state while still in high school. She later went on to work with local dance lines and cheer teams to include BPCC, Northwood, North Desota, and Herndon to name a few. Lacy taught locally for 7 years prior to opening her first studio at the age of 25. Lacy then brought her Diamond Dancers to Dance Loud Academy in 2017, which she now owns and operates with the help of her amazing staff. Lacy is a NDA certified judge and instructor. She has judged many dance team tryouts as well as competitions both locally and out of state, including a national dance competition in Dodge City, Kansas in 2016. She has been directing the Diamond Elite team for DLA since 2018 and lead them to win many 1st place titles. Lacy aspires to grow the competition team and be the best in the area. She enjoys attending continuing education classes every year and teaching seminars. Lacy is also Zumbini certified, Leap N Learn certified, and Acrobatic Arts certified.
Lacy Rance has been teaching and choreographing since she was 15. She choreographed for Northwood High School, where she won a talented arts award for best choreography in the state while still in high school. She later went on to work with local dance lines and cheer teams to include BPCC, Northwood, North Desota, and Herndon to name a few. Lacy taught locally for 7 years prior to opening her first studio at the age of 25. Lacy then brought her Diamond Dancers to Dance Loud Academy in 2017, which she now owns and operates with the help of her amazing staff. Lacy is a NDA certified judge and instructor. She has judged many dance team tryouts as well as competitions both locally and out of state, including a national dance competition in Dodge City, Kansas in 2016. She has been directing the Diamond Elite team for DLA since 2018 and lead them to win many 1st place titles. Lacy aspires to grow the competition team and be the best in the area. She enjoys attending continuing education classes every year and teaching seminars. Lacy is also Zumbini certified, Leap N Learn certified, and Acrobatic Arts certified.
Paige Vergo (Teacher- Choreographer)
Paige stared dancing at the age of 3; she has trained in over 9 different styles of dance. She has studied under master teachers for years. Paige has competed at several competitions including, Tremaine, Dupree, The Pulse, LADM and NYCDA; where she received top awards such as best showmanship and scholarships to compete at nationals. She also performed in the Moscow Ballet City's touring Nutcracker. Aside from performing, she has shared her love of dance through teaching all ages. To further her career in teaching/performing, she studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a performing arts major with a concentration in ballet and modern. She has recently moved back to Shreveport to have her son where she will continue her education in dance by working towards her certification in ABT teaching program and many more. Paige lives by the concise quote "mind over matter;" asserting that a dancer is only one holding themselves back when things appear tough in dance.
Paige stared dancing at the age of 3; she has trained in over 9 different styles of dance. She has studied under master teachers for years. Paige has competed at several competitions including, Tremaine, Dupree, The Pulse, LADM and NYCDA; where she received top awards such as best showmanship and scholarships to compete at nationals. She also performed in the Moscow Ballet City's touring Nutcracker. Aside from performing, she has shared her love of dance through teaching all ages. To further her career in teaching/performing, she studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a performing arts major with a concentration in ballet and modern. She has recently moved back to Shreveport to have her son where she will continue her education in dance by working towards her certification in ABT teaching program and many more. Paige lives by the concise quote "mind over matter;" asserting that a dancer is only one holding themselves back when things appear tough in dance.
Gracie Lococo (Teacher)
Gracie has been dancing for 13 years and 10 of those years she has been with Gwendoline Cardone. Gracie has various styles of dance training with a concentration in contemporary. She has been on the Dancers Loud Competition team for 6 years. She has competed at over 30 local and non local competitions. Gracie also cheered for 4 years and was in the short film "Funky Butt" that won Louisiana Film Prize in 2018. Gracie has been on staff at DLA since 2016.
Gracie has been dancing for 13 years and 10 of those years she has been with Gwendoline Cardone. Gracie has various styles of dance training with a concentration in contemporary. She has been on the Dancers Loud Competition team for 6 years. She has competed at over 30 local and non local competitions. Gracie also cheered for 4 years and was in the short film "Funky Butt" that won Louisiana Film Prize in 2018. Gracie has been on staff at DLA since 2016.
Gwendoline Cardone (Teacher)
Mrs. Gwen started dancing in 1989. She studied ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical under Kelli Foster at Cricket InCompany in Southeast Georgia. Mrs. Gwen traveled all over the South East Coast performing and
competing as a soloist her last three years of High School. Mrs. Gwen started teaching for Cricket InCompany in 2000 and has been teaching ever since. Mrs. Gwen was a cheerleader for six years throughout her Middle
School and High School career. After being accepted to Northwestern State University with a dance scholarship she left Georgia and moved to Louisiana. Mrs. Gwen was a member of the Demon Dazzlers Dance line in 2004. At Northwestern she studied all levels and styles of dance. Mrs. Gwen has studied with Joshua Legg (Author and Harvard Professor), Barry Stoneking, Phia Whitt and many more. Mrs. Gwen graduated from Northwestern in 2010 with a bachelors in psychology and concentration in addictions therapy. Gwen went on to grad school at LSUS for a masters in psychology She is currently in the process of obtaining her Physical Therapy Degree. Mrs. Gwen has taught at several conventions and workshops along the South East Coast and Louisiana. She has traveled all over the United States attending workshops, Master Classes and conventions; Including: The Joffrey Ballet, ABT, San Fransisco Ballet, Ballet West, Broadway Dance Center, The School of Classical Russian Ballet - Showstopper, Termaine, LADM and many, more. She is a certified Leap N Learn instructor, Zumbini instructor, Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, International Ballet Barre Instructor and certified fitness instructor for group, pilates and youth fitness. Mrs. Gwen considers herself a life long student and still trains today by a semi-retired ballet professional. She is the founder of Dance Loud Academy where she has been teaching since 2011 and the founder of Know More Love More missions group . Mrs. Gwen teaches all styles of dance to all ages. She specializes in Ballet and Contemporary Movement. Mrs. Gwen is also the Children’s Ministry Assistant at Bellaire Baptist Church and choreographer and worship performer at Broadmoor Baptist Church. She is also a fitness instructor at Club Pilates Shreveport.
“My favorite part of teaching is when you walk into the room and the dancers run up to you and give you a hug; warms my heart!” - Mrs. Gwen
“In Life As In Dance: Grace Glides on Blistered Feet"- Alice Abrams
competing as a soloist her last three years of High School. Mrs. Gwen started teaching for Cricket InCompany in 2000 and has been teaching ever since. Mrs. Gwen was a cheerleader for six years throughout her Middle
School and High School career. After being accepted to Northwestern State University with a dance scholarship she left Georgia and moved to Louisiana. Mrs. Gwen was a member of the Demon Dazzlers Dance line in 2004. At Northwestern she studied all levels and styles of dance. Mrs. Gwen has studied with Joshua Legg (Author and Harvard Professor), Barry Stoneking, Phia Whitt and many more. Mrs. Gwen graduated from Northwestern in 2010 with a bachelors in psychology and concentration in addictions therapy. Gwen went on to grad school at LSUS for a masters in psychology She is currently in the process of obtaining her Physical Therapy Degree. Mrs. Gwen has taught at several conventions and workshops along the South East Coast and Louisiana. She has traveled all over the United States attending workshops, Master Classes and conventions; Including: The Joffrey Ballet, ABT, San Fransisco Ballet, Ballet West, Broadway Dance Center, The School of Classical Russian Ballet - Showstopper, Termaine, LADM and many, more. She is a certified Leap N Learn instructor, Zumbini instructor, Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, International Ballet Barre Instructor and certified fitness instructor for group, pilates and youth fitness. Mrs. Gwen considers herself a life long student and still trains today by a semi-retired ballet professional. She is the founder of Dance Loud Academy where she has been teaching since 2011 and the founder of Know More Love More missions group . Mrs. Gwen teaches all styles of dance to all ages. She specializes in Ballet and Contemporary Movement. Mrs. Gwen is also the Children’s Ministry Assistant at Bellaire Baptist Church and choreographer and worship performer at Broadmoor Baptist Church. She is also a fitness instructor at Club Pilates Shreveport.
“My favorite part of teaching is when you walk into the room and the dancers run up to you and give you a hug; warms my heart!” - Mrs. Gwen
“In Life As In Dance: Grace Glides on Blistered Feet"- Alice Abrams
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Erin Cardone (Teacher)
Erin began dancing at the age of five. She trained in over six styles of dance and has taken classes from master teachers. She has attended and competed at conventions including LADMN, Dupree, NYDCA, NYLA and Showstopper. She performed various roles in the Moscow Ballet City's touring Nutcracker and Power & Graces' Aladdin. Along with dancing, Erin has pursued a career in Social Work, graduating from Louisiana Tech University with a psychology degree and from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Masters in Social Work. She is now serving as a full-time counselor for women, teens and children at the Thomas C. Pennell Christian Counseling Center, a ministry of Broadmoor Baptist Church. She recognizes the importance of encouragement, collaboration and recognizing the student's individual needs on all levels to create a healthy beneficial environment for our dancers to grow and thrive. |
Adyson Scott (Teacher)
Adyson started dancing in 2015 at the age of 13 with a heavy concentration in ballet. She danced with the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet and was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus. Adyson has taken master workshops with Alvin Ailey, and has taken master classes with: Glen Meyardie, Lu Cuadra, Yves DeBoutellier, Violet Angelova, Besty McBride, Simon Wexler, Phillip Broomhead, Paola Vasquez, Keith Lee, Ian Poulis, and Karl Condon. Adyson joined the Dance Loud Academy Staff in 2020 where she teaches and continues to take master ballet classes.
"Dance is my passion and I can't wait to share my knowledge and passion with our talented and passionate dancers!"
Adyson started dancing in 2015 at the age of 13 with a heavy concentration in ballet. She danced with the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet and was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus. Adyson has taken master workshops with Alvin Ailey, and has taken master classes with: Glen Meyardie, Lu Cuadra, Yves DeBoutellier, Violet Angelova, Besty McBride, Simon Wexler, Phillip Broomhead, Paola Vasquez, Keith Lee, Ian Poulis, and Karl Condon. Adyson joined the Dance Loud Academy Staff in 2020 where she teaches and continues to take master ballet classes.
"Dance is my passion and I can't wait to share my knowledge and passion with our talented and passionate dancers!"
Lavender Stripling (Teacher Assistant)
Lavender started dancing with Dance Loud Academy in 2013 under the direction of Gwendoline Cardone. Lavender has traveled to college workshops for continuing education. Lavender is a member of the Diamond Elite team at Dance Loud Academy. She has received several High Placement trophies in her passion of dance. Not just at dance but academically Lavender excels in her scholastic activities. She has a passion for the arts, cultivation her social relationships, and a deep love for Jesus. She always brings a light to the room and the children adore her.
Lavender started dancing with Dance Loud Academy in 2013 under the direction of Gwendoline Cardone. Lavender has traveled to college workshops for continuing education. Lavender is a member of the Diamond Elite team at Dance Loud Academy. She has received several High Placement trophies in her passion of dance. Not just at dance but academically Lavender excels in her scholastic activities. She has a passion for the arts, cultivation her social relationships, and a deep love for Jesus. She always brings a light to the room and the children adore her.
Tony Neumann (Master Class Teacher)
Mr. Tony has danced professionally with the Mississippi Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffery Ballet, taught at IBC and worked with Cicus Soleil Aviator Shows (just to name a few of his works).
Mr. Tony has so much experience and has danced all over the world - if you know Mr. Tony you know he's done a lot but doesn't like to go through the list of all of his achievements.
Mr. Tony has danced professionally with the Mississippi Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffery Ballet, taught at IBC and worked with Cicus Soleil Aviator Shows (just to name a few of his works).
Mr. Tony has so much experience and has danced all over the world - if you know Mr. Tony you know he's done a lot but doesn't like to go through the list of all of his achievements.
Mariya Okstad ( Teacher)
Mariya started dance when she was in 7th grade under the direction of Lacy Rance. Mariya was a dancer for her dancelike team in middleschool and became a high stepper her freshman/sophomore year. Mariya is part of Dance Loud Academy's Diamond competition team. She started teaching pre-school classes in 2019 at DLA.
Mariya started dance when she was in 7th grade under the direction of Lacy Rance. Mariya was a dancer for her dancelike team in middleschool and became a high stepper her freshman/sophomore year. Mariya is part of Dance Loud Academy's Diamond competition team. She started teaching pre-school classes in 2019 at DLA.
BRIDGETT SEPULVADO
(Media Designs/ Staging Coach) Miss. Bridgett Sepulvado starting dancing in 2008. She was co-captain of her high school’s dance line, The Southwood Silver Spurs, from 2009-2010. Miss. Bridgett is also training in Wushu and Kung-fu at Bellaire Wushu Academy where she has been training for two years. She currently travels around south and southeast regions of the United states competing in Martial Arts tournaments. Miss. Bridgett has plans of extending her competition regions to the west and southwest regions. In 2014 she was South Regional Champion in long weapons at the Lone Star Martial Arts Championship. Miss. Bridgett teaches the Little Ninjas class and assists teaching in the beginners class at Bellaire Wushu Academy. She attended LSUS with her major being in Animation. Miss. Bridgett plans to travel the world and work at various entertainment studios in the art departments. To support this ambition she studies multiple foreign languages in her spare time.
Specialize in: Traditional kick line, Kick techniques and Conditioning
“My favorite moments aren’t when a dancer lands a beautiful leap or perfects fouettes. It’s when a dancer tells you they have more confidence in themselves or the way their face lights up when they dance, even with the mistakes. That, to me, is when dancers are truly beautiful.”
-Miss. Bridgett Sepulvado
“Sure he was great, but don’t forget Ginger Rogers did everything he did backwards... and in high heels!” -Bob Thaves [on Fred Astaire]
(Media Designs/ Staging Coach) Miss. Bridgett Sepulvado starting dancing in 2008. She was co-captain of her high school’s dance line, The Southwood Silver Spurs, from 2009-2010. Miss. Bridgett is also training in Wushu and Kung-fu at Bellaire Wushu Academy where she has been training for two years. She currently travels around south and southeast regions of the United states competing in Martial Arts tournaments. Miss. Bridgett has plans of extending her competition regions to the west and southwest regions. In 2014 she was South Regional Champion in long weapons at the Lone Star Martial Arts Championship. Miss. Bridgett teaches the Little Ninjas class and assists teaching in the beginners class at Bellaire Wushu Academy. She attended LSUS with her major being in Animation. Miss. Bridgett plans to travel the world and work at various entertainment studios in the art departments. To support this ambition she studies multiple foreign languages in her spare time.
Specialize in: Traditional kick line, Kick techniques and Conditioning
“My favorite moments aren’t when a dancer lands a beautiful leap or perfects fouettes. It’s when a dancer tells you they have more confidence in themselves or the way their face lights up when they dance, even with the mistakes. That, to me, is when dancers are truly beautiful.”
-Miss. Bridgett Sepulvado
“Sure he was great, but don’t forget Ginger Rogers did everything he did backwards... and in high heels!” -Bob Thaves [on Fred Astaire]
Gabriel Gafford
Media Director, Program Designer
Lights and Sound Specialist
Mr. Gafford has been working with Dance Loud Academy since 2013. He is the creator of all our programs, videos and production sets. Mr. Gafford is also a Chemistry teacher at Benton High School and in the Air Force.
Media Director, Program Designer
Lights and Sound Specialist
Mr. Gafford has been working with Dance Loud Academy since 2013. He is the creator of all our programs, videos and production sets. Mr. Gafford is also a Chemistry teacher at Benton High School and in the Air Force.
Caroline Donelson (Teacher Assistant)
Caroline Donelson started dancing at the age of 4. She has been under the direction of Gwen Cardone since the age of 6. Caroline has studied all styles of dance including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. She has been a member of the Dance Loud Competition dance team since the age of 7. She has competed in all styles of dance at multiple local, state and out of state dance competitions. In addition to her commitment to competitive dance she has also been a member of her school danceline team and is currently serving as Captain of the Eagle Pride Line. In her spare time she enjoys spending time and traveling with her family as well as spending time with her friends.
Caroline Donelson started dancing at the age of 4. She has been under the direction of Gwen Cardone since the age of 6. Caroline has studied all styles of dance including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz hip hop, lyrical and contemporary. She has been a member of the Dance Loud Competition dance team since the age of 7. She has competed in all styles of dance at multiple local, state and out of state dance competitions. In addition to her commitment to competitive dance she has also been a member of her school danceline team and is currently serving as Captain of the Eagle Pride Line. In her spare time she enjoys spending time and traveling with her family as well as spending time with her friends.
