Local celebrities ‘step up’ to help Dance Loud Academy

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – An upcoming event will bring some of the best talent in the Arklatex to showcase a special presentation like no other.

It’s through a competition dance team that always brings their A-game to the dance floor and has achieved national recognition for their work.

The team of Dance Loud Academy has jaw-dropping moves, exciting routines, and heart-touching performances. They are located in Bossier City and are overseen by their instructor, Lacy Rance. Known as Mrs. Lacy to the girls, she taught dance for 14 years and became a business owner seven years ago.

“I immediately stepped into the competitive world. We started very, very small and have grown in both size and skill set,” Rance said.

Dance Loud Academy teaches more than 100 dance students, with 21 selected for the competition team. They have made it through regionals and into nationals several years in a row. Even receiving an invite to the World of Dance competition in New York City was a huge highlight for the local team.

“We’re always really ready because Mrs. Lacy helps us to get through any problems with the dance we have, and she just pushes us really far so we can do well,” said Elizabeth Kirk, a competitive dancer. 

The Dance Loud Academy team sets the bar high for themselves but confidently dances right over it by qualifying for nationals again. To help pay for expenses, Mrs. Lacy created a community fundraiser called Dancing with the Diamonds. It partners a dancer with one of ten local celebrities who were given three weeks to learn a routine before a live show inside the Bellaire Fitness Center.

“Competitions are extremely expensive. So it’s something for a great cause but also not a typical fundraiser. We are going to transform our entire gym into a glamorous facility with a stage and tables set up,” Rance said. 

The theme is 70s disco night. KTAL and KMSS are proudly taking part in the friendly dance-off, with Marketing Director Shelli Briery Murphy dancing with Audrey Wheeler.

“She’s a fabulous partner, and she really brings joy to the stage,” Wheeler said.

“To have a 10-year-old as a dance instructor who knows her way around the stage, it’s very impressive to work with her,” Briery Murphy said.

Anchor Dan Jovic joining Allie McKinney.

“Get your tickets for this wonderful experience,” Jovic said. 

“We’ll see you on Saturday night,” Allie McKinney said.

Anchor Alexandra Meachum is grooving along with Elizabeth Kirk.

“I came across a really disco-y song and I kind of thought of some moves that were 70s’ moves,” Kirk said.

The practices have challenged the celebrities while showing how creative their young partners are.

“It’s been so funny watching the girls because at first when they meet their celebrities, they are so quiet and timid. Then it’s kind of like a role reversal. You see these celebrities walk in composed and leading the conversation, then all of a sudden, they are out of their element during practice, and the girls totally take control. They start teaching the choreography and there’s this major shift change. But by the end of it, it’s really neat to see both of them come together. Working together and having fun,” Rance said.

Many of the girls spend most weeknights training in the studio, working very hard on their competition routines. So, the studio is a home away from home for them. 

“It’s really fun being around all my friends. If I’m trying something new, they always support me,” said Audree Hayden, a competitive dancer. 

Under the guidance of an instructor who also serves as their role model. 

“I’ve danced my entire life, and I believe that dance has truly created the person that I am. Not only is it something fun for the kids to do, it teaches them life skills. It teaches them how to work together as a team. There’s a lot of work ethic that goes into this. Dance is so much more than simply having fun. So not only can we be that person who they look up to, but we can ultimately change their lives because when they’re here, they’re happy,” Lance said.

It is a joyous place that teaches camaraderie, long-lasting friendships, and dedication to an artistic passion.

“It’s what I look forward to every day,” Kirk said.

The stellar show with high-stepping, disco-bumping, and star-studded performances is ready to take the stage by storm.

“I’m excited when they announce the winners,” Hayden said.

Dancing with the Diamonds takes place on January 27 at 6 p.m. inside the Bellaire Fitness Center in Bossier City.

The dress is casual cocktail attire. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $3 for a voting ballot.

If you cannot make the show, you can help donate to help the Dance Loud Academy team attend nationals through their Venmo account.