“

We have been with LG since the doors opened and our daughter was a bitty girl. We have loved every year at LG. We love the entire staff and could not ask for better people to teach Parson. 

                                ” 

-Allie Lary

About Us

Leaia Alsup

Leaia Alsup (pictured on the Left) began her dance training with Cydni Hutson and Linda Ford. Under their skillful tutelage, she performed in principal roles with Twin City Ballet Company and received numerous accolades and scholarships for her outstanding talent. Leaia then launched a very successful professional career. Her dance pursuits took her around the world, serving as Dance Captain for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Returning to terra firma, Leaia worked for Broadway Night Reviews and JP Production while living in NYC and River North Dance in Chicago. She performed with notable dance conventions and organizations such as Southern Association of Dance Masters, New York City Dance Alliance, Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. She later toured the US along side many teachers for these conventions such as SYTYCD choreographer Mia Michaels, Joe Lanteri, Suzie Taylor and Desmond Richardson of Complexions Dance Company.

Leaia then returned to North Louisiana where she dually served as Artist in Residence and Assistant Artistic Director for Twin City Ballet Company. Most recently, she has earned tremendous acclaim for her award-winning choreography. She has set choreography for numerous dance studios, winning top honors at many conventions and competitions. Her original works, Pull of the Moon, Waitin' and Strings of Time have been selected to be performed at regional festivals of the Southwest Region of Regional Dance America. Her exciting piece Hold on Hope, set to the soulful music of Mumford and Sons, was a crowd favorite at RDAs National Festival in Montreal, Canada. At RDAs regional Festival 2013 in Fort Smith, AR, Leaia was awarded the National Choreography Award for her thrilling piece, Angst.

Leaia is currently on faculty at Linda Lavender School of Dance. She and her husband, Daniel have a precious tow-headed future Fisherman named Caver and a blue eyed fireball named Connor.They live, work and play in Ruston, LA.

Gretchen Jones

Gretchen Jones (pictured on the Right) can be seen just about anywhere on the dance scene in Northeast Louisiana. She serves the Twin City Ballet Company as Associate Artistic Director and is on faculty at the Linda Lavender School of Dance. Most recently, she has joined the faculty at Louisiana tech university, teaching dance appreciation for the kinesiology department.

Gretchen received her dance training primarily from Linda Ford along with Master Class training from elite instructors from all over the world. As a performer with TCB Gretchen has appeared in countless ballets, from classical to modern, from Broadway to contemporary. She has been featured in roles such as The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Dew Drop Fairy as well as soloist in original works by modern choreographer Amelie Hunter, Broadway diva Kelli Barclay and the always edgy Joe Istre.

While attending Louisiana Tech University, ultimately earning her Master's of Science degree, Gretchen was a regular on the LA Tech stage. Her theatre credits include Anything Goes, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Bye Bye Birdie. She also worked as choreographer with ULM's production of Jesus Christ Superstar and over ten musicals for ruston theatre community. Gretchen has been the recipient of numerous choreography awards, most notably from the industry-leading publication Dance Magazine. Gretchen has been seen performing at such esteemed events as the International Ballet Competition, Regional Dance America's National Festival, many regional dance festivals, pageants, charity and other gala events. Her teaching has taken her to various locales, serving as guest teacher in several states including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Texas, Florida and Mississippi.

Gretchen feels privileged to serve north Louisiana's artistic community by working with such great students, colleagues and organizations. Gretchen and her husband, Tram are the proud parents of an adorable red-haired daughter named Charlotte. The Jones' are happy to call Ruston their home.