LORRAINE CASABLANCA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Lorraine Casablanca began her diverse dance training at age seven with the Doris Russell School of Performing Arts. There she had the great opportunity to study with Doris Russell herself, one of the original Rockettes to perform in New York City. She continued her studies under the direction of Magdalena Maury at The Studio – Home of The Georgia Youth Ballet Company, of which she was a founding member. Here she studied with prestigious teachers such as Jonsie Pollock, Finis Jung, Tom Clower, Julianne Kepley, Carol Szkutek, Ellie Lazar and Alicia Alonso. Lorraine also spent many summers at ballet intensives such as Ballet Magnificat! and Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique, under the direction of nationally recognized
master ballet instructor Magda Aunon.
Looking to further her dance career, at age fifteen, she accepted a highly coveted spot as a student in the pre-professional program at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, receiving many opportunities to grow as a dancer and performer. Lorraine then continued her training, on a full scholarship, to Brenau University, where she majored in Dance Performance. Although ballet was the main focus of her training, she pursued other forms of dance to present herself as a diverse dancer
and later, instructor.
For nine years, Lorraine taught ballet, modern and jazz with the Classical Dance Theatre, under the direction of Yasmin Hassaan. There she was also a principle dancer with the Southeastern Ballet Company, a professional company
directed by Ms. Hassaan.
In addition to teaching ballet, jazz and modern, at Dance Contempra for 5 years, Lorraine was also an instructor at Woodward Academy. She worked with the Honors Dance Program, for four years, teaching and choreographing original works. Alongside Compass Dance Academy, Lorraine taught advanced ballet, 3 to 6-year-old ballet and tap, jazz and at Studio D School of Dance in Griffin. There, Lorraine also performed and served as Assistant Ballet Mistress to the Company for the past 5 years.
She continues to choreograph pieces, including a piece that won her the Grassroots Award for Choreography. Lorraine also gives private instruction as well as creating independent choreography. She enjoys sharing her love of dance with students of all ages and hopes to encourage, inspire and motivate her students to reach
their full potential.