Professional Standards of Our Teachers at La Tragna Dance Academy At La Tragna Dance Academy, we are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards for our teaching staff. We understand that the quality of instruction can greatly impact a student's dance education and overall experience. Recent discussions in professional dance forums ...

La Tragna Dance Academy was established in 2006 by Melanie La Tragna and offers training in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and a wide variety of other subjects including Teacher Training, Choreography and Theory. Through our professionally structured syllabus classes the students have the freedom to reach attainable goals and learn to work both individu...

All students must adhere to the Code of Conduct and respect all the teachers/staff and their decisions. Students must respect their fellow LDA school peers/students. Students must arrive for their classes on time- preferably 10-15 minutes before class commencement or inform their Dance Teacher if they are going to be late. All students must Warm Up...

Layton Williams is thrilled to serve as the Patron of La Tragna Dance Academy. With a passion for teaching and mentoring, he has inspired numerous aspiring performers in the past and looks forward to fostering strong connections between professional artists and our students. Layton aims to motivate and empower young dancers to work hard and shine in their craft!

Born in Bury, Manchester, Layton began his illustrious career at just 12 years old, taking on the title role of Billy in the West End production of Billy Elliot. His talent quickly captured attention, and he made his television debut as Kylie in the BBC comedy Beautiful People. Layton then honed his skills at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, a journey documented on CBBC’s School For Stars.

Layton’s impressive theatre credits include:

• Jamie in There’s Something About Jamie (West End)
• Paul in Kiss Me, Kate (Sheffield Crucible)
• Seaweed in Hairspray! (2018 UK Tour)
• Angel in Rent (London/UK Tour)
• The Car Man with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
• Simon in Lord of the Flies (Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures)
• Young Michael in Thriller Live (West End) 

Recently, Layton gained widespread acclaim as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, where he showcased his extraordinary dance talent to a national audience. He is also currently starring in the West End revival of Cabaret, playing the role of Emcee, which has garnered significant praise.

The benefits of a small school is the individual attention to nurture and recognise where a child's skill and talent lies and promote this. La Tragna Dance Academy is very proud to state that since 2007 many students have graduated from our school directly to prestigious vocational training establishments in London and the surrounding area. Italia ...

Ballet

Preliminary 1-3

• Lilac UKA Skirted Leotard
• Pink Tights (convertable preferred)
• Ballet shoes
• Lilac Scrunchie
• Hair in bun (with hair net)

Grades 1-4

• Purple UKA leotard
• Pink Tights (convertible preferred)
• Ballet shoes
• Lilac scrunchie
• Hair in a bun (with hair net)

Grades 5-7

• Black UKA strappy leotard
• Pink tights (convertible preferred)
• Ballet shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a bun (with hair net)

Grades 8

• Black UKA strappy leotard
• Pink tights (convertible preferred)
• Ballet shoes
• Soft blocks
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a bun (with hair net)

Pre-elementary - intermediate

• Black UKA strappy leotard
• Pink tights (convertible preferred)
• Ballet shoes/Soft blocks
• Pointe shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a bun (with hair net)

Advanced

• Black UKA strappy leotard
• Pink tights (convertible preferred)
• Ballet shoes/Soft blocks
• Pointe shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a bun (with hair net)

Tap

Preliminary 1-3

• Lilac skirted leotard
• Pink tights
• Tap shoes
• Lilac Scrunchie
• Hair in a high ponytail

Grades 1-4

• Black UKA capped leotard
• Nylon stirrup tights
• Tap shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a high ponytail

Grades 5-Advanced

• Black UKA strappy leotard
• Nylon stirrup tights
• Tap shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a high ponytail

Modern/Musical Theatre

Preliminary 1 - Grade 4

• Black UKA capped leotard
• Nylon stirrup tights
• Jazz shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a ponytail

Grade 5 - Advanced

• Black UKA capped leotard
• Nylon stirrup tights
• Jazz shoes
• Black Scrunchie
• Hair in a ponytail

Contemporary

All Grades

• Black leotard
• Convertible black tights
• Foot thongs

Street

(Not on website, order direct from Melanie)

All Grades

• LDA t-shirt
• LDA Tracksuit
• Any trainers (for lessons)
• Colour of shoe to be determined for awards/performances

We have increased our cleaning routines according to Government guidance

• Please ensure that students are dressed for lessons before they arrive at Centre Stage – LDA Hoodies and Joggers should be worn on top of leotard and tights and can be purchased from Melanie.
• On arrival at Centre Stage there will be an Entrance and Exit door. Please drop your son/daughter at the entrance, ensuring that a member of LDA staff has greeted them before you leave.
• If your child is under 8 years old please enter the building with them, wear a face covering. Use the hand gel provided and sign your child in then leave the building via the Exit.
• If you wish to speak to a member a staff please ensure you are not blocking the entrance – come in to the Reception area wearing a face covering.
• Children will need to follow the direction of the arrows on the floor.
• The arrows will lead to the seating area – all chairs will be 1 metre apart and children will need to keep their belongings either on or under their chair. When on a break please ensure you remain on your chair until directed otherwise.
• Children will need to follow the direction of the arrows if they wish to use the toilet. There are two toilets for their use downstairs. After use a member of staff will ensure the door handles and seat are cleaned. All students need to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap after using the toilet and before and after eating.
• Students will dance in their own 3x3 area which will be marked out on the floor.
• For hygiene purposes please can everyone enter the building with their hair in a bun.
• Children need to bring their own food and drink and not share with other students. Ensure you pick up your own rubbish and place in the bin provided.
• Please can all students remain in the building until they get picked up- no unnecessary leaving the building to get lunch etc.
• Parents are to remain outside of the railings and wait for your child to be brought to you.
• All students must wear masks when entering and leaving the building.

Please check the LDA website and Facebook page regularly for changes in the timetable or changes in government guidance and information.

Please let a senior member of staff know if your child has developed Covid symptoms or if a family member has tested positive. Please do not bring students into the studio if they are displaying symptoms.