About the Founder

Founded by Leah Copley Summers 

Leah Copley Summers has taught ballet for the past 33 years.  Leah studied with Dr. MaryMarcuzzi along with many others as she attended pre-professional programs.  Leah graduated Cum Laud with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education at Marshall University in 1991.  After receiving her degree, Leah began her career as a ballet teacher, choreographer, and artistic director, with the River Cities Dance Company.  She served as director for thirteen years working with both Marshall University and Shawnee State University to provide arts to the area community.  Leah also worked as adjunct faculty at Marshall University and served on the faculty of the WV Governor’s School for the Arts during her time in the Tri-state area.   After moving to Cary, North Carolina Leah continued her career with the Cary Ballet Conservatory for 8 years where she worked as full-time faculty creating original story ballets and concert pieces.  Moving to Lexington, KY Leah worked with the Bluegrass Youth Ballet and later became the founding director of the LDF Ballet Academy.  Leah’s greatest achievement has been the success of her students.  Leah’s students have gone on to study at prestigious arts school and continued on to careers as professional dancers, teachers and choreographers.  

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