LACE started as a cultural exchange program and evolved into what we do today: help dancers experience dance in L.A. through immersive month-long training programs. Here’s how hosting one German exchange student led to creating California’s only arts-focused exchange program, and eventually, our Dance in L.A. program for adults.
How We Started
I became a host family for a German exchange student who became part of my family. But I noticed something. All the exchange companies were large agencies based outside Los Angeles. None of them really helped students explore the city or find what they loved doing here.
I decided to open my own program based in Los Angeles. Then I thought: why come to L.A. if you’re not some kind of artist? This is what we do best here.
We became California’s only arts-focused high school exchange program. We accepted only dancers, actors, singers, musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists. Students lived with host families, attended high school, and trained in their craft. We created a custom training plan for each student. We kept it small at just 12 students per semester.
It was incredible. I’m thankful every day.
Summer Dance in L.A.
Many dancers couldn’t come for a full semester or academic year. That was a problem because L.A. is the global center for hip hop and commercial dance. The training here is so diverse and FUN.
We created a condensed version of our semester program. One month. Six days of dance training per week at all the studios. Dancers stayed with our host families. We packed in activities to explore Los Angeles. The program was a hit. Seeing all these little dancers ecstatic to be dancing in front of the Red Wall made us happy.
It became our favorite program. Nothing else like it existed for teen dancers. We loved it so much we added an 18+ version. Now that was amazing.
How Covid Changed Everything
The pandemic restrictions lasted three years in Los Angeles. It devastated our program but not our spirit. Our network of school administrators, teachers, and agencies scattered. Dance studios closed, including long-standing institutions. The worst part was watching young artists lose their chance to train in L.A. and study abroad. They can’t get that time back.
Why We Created Dance in L.A. for 18+
After Covid, we asked ourselves what we loved doing most. The answer was easy: dance.
We realized dancers 18 and over got almost no help coming to L.A. How could they train here without spending huge amounts of money, not knowing which classes to take, where to stay, or what to do? How could they actually take advantage of L.A.’s dance training?
Our month-long Dance in L.A. LINK TO DANCE IN L.A. PAGE program solves this. We handle housing, transportation, class recommendations, and activities. It’s designed to help dancers discover if dance in L.A. is right for them. A full month of training and experiencing the city. But we only accept four dancers at a time to keep it personal.
Come dance in L.A. without doing it alone.
xo
Lisa
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