Are you ready to move?

Come see what's happening

Classes are offered on Saturday

mornings for anyone willing

to come and enjoy movement. Join us! We are located at 300W. University Ave, Hammond, La 70401.

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Each family enrolled in our Academy will have the opportunity to come watch

their relative complete a

full dance class.

Each student enrolled in our Academy will have the opportunity to invite a friend to their Dance class . The attendee will have to pay a $5 fee and register at our link provided.

the lovely reviews,

I personally loved your class and all the technique you squeezed into such a short amount of time AND the combo at the end!

Elyse P.

The Academy is perfect for my girls they’ve known the director for years in a learning environment she has great energy always a positive space so i see it’s more comfortable for them and they look forward to the classes every week .

Malcom M.

I have 3 granddaughters going here and the dance instructors is AWESOME!!!! They look forward to Saturday morning.

Soulmekie m.

A combination of Contemporary-Lyrical-Ballet-Jazz- African - Hip-Hop- Tap- Majorette

“Moi Petites”

This Introductory creative movement ​course that provides your little ones ​with a basic understanding of their own ​unique physiques and dance terms.

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This Introductory combination course ​will provide your little ones with a basic ​understanding of their own unique ​physiques and dance terms. The ​students will be shown different genres ​of dance such as; Barre, African, Jazz, ​Contemporary & Lyrical. Our major focus ​is on body structure, movement, ​positions and rhythms. This course will ​be a wonderful asset in helping each ​student achieve their dance aspirations! .

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Our intermediate course is ​designed to hone in on your child’s ​strengths and build upon them. This ​course will emphasize timing, ​precision, control & individual ​expression. Students will continue ​with the different genres of dance ​introduced as Moi Petites.

A combination of Contemporary-Lyrical-Ballet-Jazz- African - Hip-Hop- Tap- Majorette

“Danser”

Whether you’re looking to learn ​new methods or develop existing ​skills, our Adult Class has it all! Our ​amazing instructors make sure ​everyone gets personal attention ​while keeping the class ​collaborative and fun.

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Our intermediate course is ​designed to hone in on your ​child’s strengths and build upon ​them. This course will emphasize ​timing, precision, control & ​individual expression. Students ​will continue with the different ​genres of dance introduced as ​Moi Petites.

Discovering your Passion

This intricate course will offer ​students the opportunity to solidify ​their craft. They will learn how to ​pave the way for their own artistic ​expression & identities. Students ​will be able to convey a multitude of ​stories to their audience by ​incorporating various dance ​combinations. Leadership, strength, ​memorization & performance skills ​would be developed as students ​continue to make their way into ​their diverse careers.

EAch family would be asked to pay the registration fee of $25.00.

If you need help with Registration here is a video!

Studio Information

Visit our Fundraising

site

Is your community center or business interested in

hiring us?

The McLaurin Academy proudly presents a diverse array of specialized summer ​outreach programs meticulously crafted to enrich the educational journey of ​students enrolled in local camps and summer programs. Our mission is to provide ​structured guidance while nurturing flexibility and creativity in every participant.

We are thrilled to introduce our latest offering: the embracement of Movement ​Camps. Led by a team of seasoned professional dance instructors, these camps offer ​an immersive exploration of various dance genres. From ballet to jazz, contemporary ​to African, and hip-hop, each day presents a unique opportunity for students to delve ​into diverse styles, honing their technical skills and fostering creative expression.

At the heart of our approach lies a commitment to providing a holistic dance ​experience that inspires and empowers. Participants not only refine their techniques ​but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the artistry of movement.

Join us at the forefront of artistic discovery and growth with the McLaurin Academy ​of Contemporary Arts. Ignite your passion, embrace creativity, and embark on a ​journey towards excellence in dance.

This program is separately quoted, please contact the directer ​for further information.

INTRODUCING ME, and this is my story

Our Artisitc Director, Ashanti K. McLaurin-Smith was born April 23rd, 1991 in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career in dance at the age of five under the direction of her Grandmother the Midwest renowned “Jewell McLaurin” whose techniques, artistry and curriculum were greatly influenced by great masters of dance, Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey. Ashanti spent many hours in her grandmother’s studio mimicking dance movements. After her grandmother transition in 1998, Ashanti joined the Footwork’s Dance Studio in Chicago on West 76th Street, whose foundation and principles were greatly motivated and shaped by her grandmother’s teachings. Ashanti realized at an early age that dance was a creative form of expression that she truly enjoyed and that she would carry on her grandmother’s legacy for many years to come.

Ashanti K. McLaurin-Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois. She began her career in dance at the age of five under the direction of her grandmother the Midwest renowned “Jewell McLaurin” whose techniques, artistry and curriculum were greatly influenced by great masters of dance, Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey. Ashanti spent many hours in her grandmother’s studio mimicking dance movements. After her grandmother transitioned in 1998, Ashanti joined the Footwork’s Dance Studio in Chicago on West 76th Street. Her grandmother’s teachings shaped the curriculum this studio offered. Ashanti realized at an early age that dance was a creative form of expression that she truly enjoyed and that she would carry on her grandmother’s legacy for many years to come. While still affiliated with Footworks, she also became a part of a newly established dance group called “Expressions” at her high school. Ashanti graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Before relocating to Hammond, Louisiana to attend college, Ashanti was acknowledged by Footwork’s as an innovative leader, and an “A” student in dance, choreography, and technique.

Ashanti attended Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and minored in dance. During her college years, Ashanti joined the Moxie Dance Project. There she was introduced to various forms of interpretive dance styles and also received several awards for her creative achievements in performance and choreography. Further on, Ashanti obtained her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2021.

At the American Dance Festival, she was selected to showcase a piece of her own choreography which intuitively assisted her in progressing to the next level in dance. In addition to campus involvement and volunteer efforts in the Hammond

area, Ashanti hosted dance workshops on campus and fell in love with the Hammond Ballet’s production of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.” Ashanti has performed with the Hammond Dance Company for 5 years. In her last two performances she was able to introduce ballet to both of her beautiful daughters Kayden and Kimberely. Managing a career in Education and a household, Ashanti still found herself working in a dance studio in Independence, Louisiana at Dance Revelations Academy. For three consecutive years Ashanti was the ballet instructor, where she taught kids from the age of 3 till 18. Ashanti began to widen her horizons by participating in various festivals and parades throughout the state. It was not until Ashanti was 26, that she finally wanted to bring her expertise into the educational system. Ashanti became a Dance Coach for Fifth Ward Elementary School, where she trained and coached the Pantherettes and Cubs Dance team. Both teams performed in New Orleans city park, various parades, and festivals throughout Louisiana. Koby Smith was brought into the world months after Ashanti and her husband Kalim finalized her studio and LLC, The McLaurin Academy of Contemporary Arts LLC. Ashanti is currently working at Hammond Eastside International Baccalaureate Magnet Elementary School, as the Performing Arts Instructor. Teaching young students the foundations of art in various forms has been a lifelong dream.

There are many ways Ashanti continues to express herself in dance and remains teachable at all levels. Through her reflection and creative expression Ashanti has the innate ability to motivate others to overcome adversity, while simultaneously instilling self-esteem through her visionary unique artistic expressions. Ashanti loves working with children who aspire to express themselves through the gift of dance.

Come move and Express yourself with us with us!

Darlyn

Coordinator of Marketing

Jessica

Coordinator of Events

Ja’Lazya

Academy Advisor

Giada

Instructor

Charleigh

Instructor

what if I told you we have legacy behind

our name...

Our founder Jewell Ann McLaurin was born January 26, 1931 in Chicago, IL. She and her mother lived on Oakwood Blvd where she attended Catholic grade school and going on to Phillips High School. She met Lamar McLaurin, her future husband while attending Phillips as he attended rival Dunbar High School. After graduating early with honors she attended Northern Illinois University, one of only 10 black students in the school. She studied physical education, English and dance graduating in 1951. She left school and went to New York as a member of Katherine Dunham Dance theater as her future husband went to serve in the Korean War.

Jewell Ann. McLaurin a legend in Chicago Dance Circles, is director of the McLaurin School Of Contemporary Dance and director/Choreographer of her school. Her numerous professional activities include an active membership in the National Dance association, In which she held several offices including State Dance Chair,

Midwest Dance Chair, Heritage Committee Secretary, National Chairperson of the international Dance Week (a three year appointment), etc.

She was an assistant professor of physical education and dance at Malcolm X College, holding this position for more than two decades, and maintained her private studio, conductIng master classes locally and nation-wide, in addition to fulfilling her regular teaching duties. Her sterling academic credentials include AMA in physical education and dance from Northwestern University, extensive graduate work at UCLA, CAL STATE, HAYWOOD, Indiana University, Connecticut College, and a two week intensive course in European Physical Education Systems in London, En-aland. Jewel taught many adults in her studio, directing her dance company, teaching master classes and performing lecture demonstrations. Additionally, Jewell acted as consult-ant/mentor for the Children's Dance Theater, which operates out of her studio. Mrs. McLaurin who has studied with Dancers, Martha Graham, Jose. Jose Limon, and Benjamin Harkazy.

It was evident that Miss McLaurin had been teaching modern dance for over a decade. She typically would hold dance syncopation, which included 100 dancers from 930 high schools, two colleges, and a junior college spent the afternoon learning and demonstrating modern dance techniques, and Miss McLaurin’s first modern dance symposium. All of the dances exhibit modern Jazz, Afro – Cuban and various techniques. “Learning modern dance gives a girl poise,” It also provides a medium of self expression, and sometimes an acceptable outlet for emotions, McLaurin said in a News Article. “I don’t try to encourage most girls to make a career of dancing, but rather to dance as an avocation.”

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1-985-260-1459

themclaurinacademy.com