Work with Lyla

Lyla's tap classes are a rhythmic journey through the heart and soul of dance, where students of all levels discover the joy of making music with their feet. With her ITAPONLINE Level 2 certification, earned through the renowned tap dancer Hillary Marie's teacher training program, Lyla brings a

wealth of expertise and passion to her instruction. Lyla is well versed in it’s history, musicality, technique and improvisation. As tap dance is an American art form born out of slavery, and well known as the Grand Daddy to our modern art forms, Lyla firmly believes that an exposure to tap dance is necessary for any well rounded dance education.

Whether introducing curious students to the art of tap or reigniting the flame for those returning to the dance floor, Lyla's teaching style is inclusive, engaging, and inspiring.

With each step and shuffle, Lyla guides her students through the intricate rhythms and dynamic movements that define tap dance. Her classes blend technique with creativity, providing a supportive environment where students can explore their own unique style while mastering the fundamentals of this timeless art form.

Lyla's musical theater classes transport students into the magical world of stage performance, where creativity and passion converge to bring beloved productions to life. With a wealth of experience producing and choreographing thirty iconic musicals such as Footloose, Grease, and Beauty and the Beast, Lyla brings unparalleled expertise to her classes.

Drawing from her extensive portfolio of original works and collaborations with local schools and theater departments, Lyla infuses her classes with a dynamic blend of technique, storytelling, and theatrical flair. Whether it's mastering intricate choreography or embodying character roles, students are guided through every step of the production process with Lyla's expert guidance.

As a seasoned performer and award-winning dancer, Lyla's classes offer students a unique opportunity to learn from a true industry professional. Her accolades, including the title of Tampa Bay’s voted Best Choreographer, attest to her exceptional talent and dedication to the craft.

Today, Lyla's influence extends far beyond her local community as she travels across the United States to share her knowledge and passion for musical theater through workshops and classes.

Musical theater is a compliment to any dance training. Lyla's musical theater classes are a transformative journey where students discover the joy of performance and the thrill of storytelling on stage.

As a member of the teaching staff at District Dance Academy, Lyla shares her knowledge and passion for West Coast Swing in classes curated for newcomer to intermediate level.

Lyla's West Coast Swing classes benefit from her ongoing training with champions in the field. Lyla graduated from the Swing Diversity University Teacher Training program in 2023 where she received mentorship from Jesse Lopez and Ariel Peck, and is currently honing her skills under the guidance of renowned instructors Hugo Miguez and Stacy Kay.

Today, Lyla travels all around the US training, competing, performing, and teaching at West Coast Swing Conventions as well as smaller, more locally-focused workshops to make valuable resources available to students who might not get to travel as often. She is also making waves on the performance circuit with her pro-pro routine, "Try a Little Tenderness," performed alongside Hugo. This captivating routine debuted at Floorplay Swing Vacation on New Year's Eve of 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting journey.

In Lyla's classes, students not only learn from a seasoned dance instructor, but also benefit from her extensive experience performing for an audience. With her dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence, Lyla continues to elevate the art of West Coast Swing, one triple step at a time.

As being a tap dancer means one is both a musician and dancer, Lyla has an extensive music background, and considers the ability to understand music and its structure is vital to a complete dance education.

Lyla's workshop on counting music is a transformative experience designed to empower dancers with essential rhythmic skills and musical awareness. Through a structured curriculum and hands-on instruction, participants learn how to identify the beat, discern subdivisions of the music, and confidently locate the elusive "1" within a song.

Lyla leads the group through interactive exercises and engaging discussions, participants develop a deeper understanding of rhythm, meter, and musical phrasing.

By the end of the workshop, participants emerge with a newfound sense of musicality and rhythm, equipped with the tools and techniques to count music effectively and enhance their dance performance, thus making a more confident dancer.

Lyla's Performance Workshops are a transformative experience designed to elevate dancers' skills and ignite their passion for the stage. With Lyla's guidance as a seasoned performer and instructor, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. Dancers learn to captivate audiences with their presence, expression, and artistry.

Lyla accomplishes this by helping dancers discover their purpose for being on stage, and identifying who they are communicating with while performing. She educates the students on how to use dynamics and levels in their movement to learn how to capture the attention of the audience and leave them wanting more.

Dancers of all levels and backgrounds come together in a supportive and nurturing environment to explore the nuances of performance. Whether it's mastering intricate choreography or refining stage presence, Lyla's workshops provide a comprehensive approach to performance training. Participants are encouraged to tap into their creativity, embrace their individuality, and unleash their full potential as performers.

Lyla is a renaissance woman, having a vast array of artistic skills, however without question, Lyla's most honed in and crafted skill is in the creation of choreography. Lyla’s choreography workshop is a unique opportunity for dancers to delve into the art of creating movement and crafting compelling routines under the guidance of an award-winning choreographer. With accolades including being named Tampa Bay’s Best Choreographer in 2023 and earning the title of "Best Choreographer" from Broadwayworld.com for her outstanding work on the Drowsy Chaperone, Lyla brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her workshops.

Drawing from her extensive background in music, dance and theater, Lyla shares her insights and techniques for developing choreographic ideas, structuring routines, and conveying emotion through movement. Lyla encourages dancers to tap into their creativity, embrace their unique artistic voice, and push the boundaries of their choreographic expression.

Whether you're a seasoned choreographer looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to explore the world of dance creation, Lyla's choreography workshop offers a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers can unleash their creativity, hone their craft, and bring their artistic visions to life on the stage.