Discover the World of Performing Arts

DANCE AT LPDAC

Dance into this new season with us. We proudly offer classes for all ages and all levels— from toddlers to graduates of high school. Our diverse class offerings include ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, lyrical, acrobatics, technique, voice and drama and combo classes. With experienced instructors and a nurturing atmosphere, every dancer has the opportunity to thrive and grow.

More than just dance, we’re dedicated to our core values. We are a community built on creativity, passion, teamwork, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence.

Founder, Artistic Director
You don’t have to know Luis Pabon personally to realize that he is one of those rare and special creative artists who also possesses a unique and extraordinary talent which allows him to energize the talents of others as a “Teacher of Teachers”. That’s why he is known as the “Pied Piper of Dance” and why the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre has become one of the leading dance studios in Connecticut.
Respected nationally for his knowledge in his field, his dedication to the growth and development of thousands of students over the past fifty plus years, his creation of unique choreography and dancing styles and his students’ accomplishments in national and international competitions. Luis is best known for his ability to communicate his love of his art to everyone.
Luis began his dance training at the tender age of four with Madame Edga Monro. By the time he was sixteen, he was the lead dancer with the National Puerto Rican Folklore Dance Company. His dancing career has included performances in television, theater and nightclubs. He has studied with such leading names in the world of dance as Peter Genaro, Luigi, Phil Black, Lee Tang, Melissa Hayden, David Howard, Frank Hatchett, Kit Andre, Al Gilbert, Liz Williamson, Danny Hoctor, Blasia Amacio and Art Stone.
He is a past-member of Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, The Fred Astaire Performing Arts Association, International Dance and Exercise Association, The American Theater Association, Professional Dancers Society Gypsies and I.D.E.A. International Dance Entrepreneurs Association (world-wide organizations of certified dance teachers).
As a choreographer, he has received rave reviews for his creativity in dozens of musicals from “THE MUSIC MAN”, WEST SIDE STORY”, “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”, and “KISS ME KATE” for the Pfizer Player’s and “ANYTHING GOES” and “THE FANTASTICKS” for the Norwich Arts Council. He has received six EUGENE O’NEILL AWARDS for his choreography in the musicals “SWEET CHARITY,” “PAJAMA GAME,” “DAMN YANKEES,” “BYE BYE BIRDIE”, “PIPPIN” and “ANYTHING GOES”. He has received Connecticut’s Community Theater Council High School Division Awards for Best Original Choreography for Montville High School in six out of the eight years he participated and was most proud winning for “WEST SIDE STORY”.
IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS, he and his creative staff’s original exciting choreographies have enabled the dancers from Luis’ THEATER DANCE COMPANY “Style Extraordinaire” to capture hundreds of ‘First Place’ awards. His philosophy has always been to enable his students to experience the thrill of performance and, as a result, his intermediate and advance students at The Dance Arts Centre have performed throughout New England, New York State and City, New Jersey, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Las Vegas and international competitions in Germany receiving a Silver Medal in 2006 & 2010. Luis is most honored to have received the Richard DiSarno Directors Award at Danceamerica’s National competition in 2009.
Luis’ success is based on two major elements. The first is his ability to communicate with students and teachers alike. The second is his intense belief in bringing style, technique, execution, discipline and understanding to every area of the dance by teaching methods and not just routines. Through this philosophy the student is able to learn and perfect technique and then apply it to the execution necessary in the performance experience.
Instructor, Choreographer
Instructor, Choreographer
Miss Leighton started her dance journey at the LPDAC under the artistic direction of Luis Pabon, when she was four years old. She has trained in Preschool, Jazz, Lyric, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Voice and Drama. At the age of 6 she joined Dance Ten Theater Dance Company, now Style Extraordinaire Theater Dance. She has traveled across the United States; Wisconsin, New Jersey, Cap Cod, New York City as well as Disney World Florida where she was a member of Dance the Magic, to name a few. She is entering her Senior year at Norwich Free Academy. After high school she is planning to study early childhood education as well as continue her career path here at the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre where it all began.
Voice and Drama Instructor
Carroll Brogan Mailhot is a singer and actress who has spent over 40 years performing and teaching in Norwich. She is a cantor at St Patrick Cathedral in Norwich where she does solo work for the masses there and also in many other area churches. Carroll graduated from the Univ of Connecticut with a degree in theater. She has appeared in many local theatrical performances. She has also written and performed In numerous solo cabarets. Carroll is a voice teacher and acting teacher who enjoys helping people learn to use their voices and discover the joy of performing.
Instructor, Choreographer
Miss Lilly is no stranger to the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Center, she has been dancing for over 11 years, under the direction of Luis Pabon. Studying ballet, lyric, jazz, tap, musical theater, hip-hop, acro as swell as drama and voice. Lilly has been taking voice lessons for over 13 years. Lilly joined Luis Pabon’s Dance 10 at the age of 8 and is now a member of Style Extraordinaire Theater Dance. Over the years she has traveled to compete in Florida at the Dance the Magic at Walt Disney World, New Hampshire, New York City and more. She was Miss Dance with Connecticut Invitational Scholarship Competitions as well as a finalist at the 2026 Dance Ovations competition. She enjoys performing at local community show and civic event. Lilly is Junior at Norwich Technical high School and hope to the join the workforce later after high school along with with maintaining her close ties to the studio. Lilly would like to thank Mr. Luis and Mr Stan for believing in her and her abilities to teach the next generation of dancers as she shares her passion in the dance room.
Instructor, Choreographer
Taylor has studied dance under the direction of Luis Pabon as a child. She has enjoyed sharing that love of dance with her daughter. Watching her now dance under the direction of Luis as well.
Taylor is excited to join the team here at LPDAC, teaching Acro, watching the kids reach new milestones and achieve their goals.
In her personal life outside of the studio, Taylor is a social worker who currently provides therapy to children and young adults. She is working to achieve her clinical license in Social Work.
In her free time Taylor like to spend time with her daughter and go on walks and hikes with their dog, Max.
Instructor, Choreographer
Brandon D. Gregoire (Instructor) is excited to be teaching at the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Centre. He has been teaching dance technique, as well as choreographing youth and community musical theater for the past 20 years. As a concert dance performer, he’s had the privilege of dancing in works by national and international choreographers such as Pam Tanawitz, Larry Keigwin, Gary Galbraith, and Yvonne Rainer, just to name a few. He has also danced for River Valley Dance Project and Grant Jacoby & Dancers (MA). Regional professional credits include Ivoryton Playhouse, Hackmatack Playhouse (ME), and La Comedia Dinner Theatre (OH). Community theater credits include Lakewood Theater (ME), Castle Craig Players, Connecticut Theater Company, Square Foot Theater

Our Services

Dancing School Kids

Our Pre-school dance classes are a delightful introduction to the basics of dance technique and performance. The program begins with rhythmic training, coordination, basic pre-ballet, pre-tap, tumbling and creative movement. All classes are instructed by trained professionals and an assistant instructor.
Ages 3 to 6
Core Curriculum

All classes follow an established curriculum that is accomplished by the student as they progress through each level. All classes are offered to both male and female students and are offered at Pre-teen, Teen and Adult levels.
Classes are taught in a friendly yet disciplined atmosphere which make the student share in the dialogue of learning together.
Ages 7 to Adult
Voice and Drama

Voice and Drama classes are offered in both group and private classes. Private classes are by audition and scheduled by the instructor.

Who
we are

What better way for your child to express themselves than through the joy of dance. It is our goal to create a welcoming environment where every student regardless of ability or skill level can learn, be confident and love have fun while nurturing a love and respect for the art of dance,

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