LDA Updates & News

An Exciting New Chapter for La Tragna Dance Academy

Exciting Changes at La Tragna Dance Academy

Today marks a special and significant day for La Tragna Dance Academy as we warmly welcome Caitlin Childs as our new Principal.After many wonderful years at the helm, founder Melanie La Tragna, has made the decision to step away from day-to-day running of the academy and pass the business on to new ownership. Melanie's vision, dedication and passio...

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Our Students Shine in High School Musical!

High School Musical

We're so proud to share that several of our talented La Tragna Dance Academy students are taking to the stage next week in Disney's High School Musical, presented by Centre Stage School at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe. ✨ Tom will be starring as Troy Bolton, the East High basketball captain who discovers a love of singing that throws his world —...

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LDA Student Gracie Crowned Barnstaple Carnival Queen!

Gracie is Barnstaple's Carnival Queen for 2025

We are bursting with pride here at La Tragna Dance Academy as we share some truly exciting news – our very own Gracie Roper has been chosen as one of this year's Barnstaple Carnival Queens! 👑✨  In a historic first, the organisers of Barnstaple Carnival 2025 have crowned not just one, but two queens to lead the procession. After what was descri...

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LDA Students Take to the Barricades in Les Misérables!

les-mis-header

We're bursting with pride here at La Tragna Dance Academy as three of our talented students are performing in Les Misérables School Edition with Barnstaple Young Generation this summer! 👏 ✨ Poppy takes on the iconic and emotional role of Fantine, delivering heart-wrenching vocals and powerful stage presence. 🍷 Tom is bringing charm and wit to the r...

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Emily Matthew: A Graduate with Grace and Grit

Emily Matthew Graduates with Honours!

We're bursting with pride here at La Tragna Dance Academy as we celebrate the incredible achievement of one of our own—Emily Matthew, who has officially graduated from the prestigious London Studio Centre with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Dance Performance! 🎓💃  Emily has been part of the LDA family for many years, both as a dedicated stu...

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Congratulations to Alicia Woolacott — Our Newest Qualified Tap Dance Teacher!

Alicia becomes a Tap-Dance Associate Teacher!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from La Tragna Dance Academy — Alicia Woolacott has officially qualified as a UKA Dance Teaching Associate in Tap Dancing! Alicia has been part of our LDA family since she was very young, growing up through the grades, performances, and countless memories made along the way. Today, she takes a wonderful n...

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The Perfect Time to Join LaTragna Dance Academy?

Start Dancing in North Devon

If your child loves to dance 💃🕺 and dreams of performing on stage 🎭, now is the perfect time to join LaTragna Dance Academy! With our exciting Winter Show set for 6th December, 2025 🎉, new students who start their dance journey around 21st June will have plenty of time to learn, rehearse, and shine in the big performance. 🌟  🎶 A Clas...

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Former LDA Student Luke Stone Joins Starlight Express in Germany!

Luke Stone in Starlight Express

We are absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that former La Tragna Dance Academy student ⭐ Luke Stone ⭐ has been cast in the legendary musical Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany! 🎉 Luke will be performing as a swing in this high-energy production, a role that requires immense versatility, skill, and dedication. 💃🕺  Starlight Express...

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Grace & Amira Take the Stage in 'The Gang Show'!

The Gang Show 2025

At La Tragna Dance Academy, we love celebrating the achievements of our talented students, and this February, we have something extra special to share! 🎉 Our wonderful dancers, Grace and Amira, will be performing in The Gang Show at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, during half-term! 🏕️✨ Since September, they've been rehearsing with an amazing cast...

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Need a World Book Day Costume? We’ve Got You Covered!

World Book Day Costumes to Hire

World Book Day is coming up on Thursday, 6th March 2025, and that means one thing—dressing up as your favourite  character! 🎭📖 We know that finding the perfect costume can be tricky—not to mention expensive! But don't worry, La Tragna Dance Academy is here to help. We're opening up our wardrobe of stunning costumes from past performances, all ...

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Save the Date: LDA Student Show – 6th December 2025!

LDA Show 2025

📅 Mark your calendars! On Saturday, 6th December 2025, La Tragna Dance Academy will host its highly anticipated Student Show. While the venue and theme are still being finalized, we're already planning an unforgettable event that will showcase the incredible talent and hard work of our students. 💃🕺 We want as many of our amazing dancers as possible...

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Get Cozy for Christmas with La Tragna Dance Academy Branded Clothing!

LDA branded clothing for christmas

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the dancer in your life (or for yourself)? Look no further! 🎁 Our awesome branded clothing is the ultimate way to spread festive cheer and show off some serious dance pride. We have something for every dancer – from super warm, ultra-comfy hoodies to stylish t-shirts and cozy joggers. Perfect for...

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LDA Code of Conduct

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...

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Our Mission Statement

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...

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Professional Membership

Dance teachers with professional memberships

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 ...

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Taya Lambden

Taya Lambden at La Tragna Dance Academy

Taya trained with La Tragna throughout her childhood prior to her degree in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music. Some of her recent performances include ones from her drama school such as Mother Gothel in Disenchanted and Amy March in Little Women. She has also performed in many local shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Into the Woods, C...

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Abi Wedlake

Abbie Wedlake at La Tragna Dance Academy

I have been dancing with Melanie for 13 years in which time I have gained many dance qualifications including Distinction in Intermediate ballet. At the age of 16 I was also lucky enough to gain my teach qualification in ballet. After a 3 year break at university I am very excited to be back supporting students in their dancing.

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Emily Matthew

Emily Matthew at La Tragna Dance Academy

My name is Emily, I have been dancing for 12 years and it has become my passion taking exams in Ballet, Modern and Contemporary with Melanie as well as performing in many shows. I absolutely love dancing and the freedom of expression and creativity it brings. I particularly love sharing the joy of dance with others which is why I love teaching so m...

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Wendy Mugridge

Wendy Mugridge at La Tragna Dance Academy

I have been dancing from the age of 3yrs and have performed in London and various other places. I have been a qualified dance teacher for many years, and really enjoy being able to pass on my love of dance and music to the next generation. It is so lovely to see the pupils growing in ability and confidence. I have worked with Melanie at the LDA fro...

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Alicia Woolacott

Alicia Woolacott at La Tragna Dance Academy

Alicia has been dancing with Melanie since the age of five and has trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Drama, Contemporary, Cheer, and Jazz. Over the years, she has performed in numerous dance shows and productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, and Fame. Alicia has recently completed her Associate Teaching qualifi...

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