Erin L. Blais is the owner / operator of Lakeshore Academy of the Arts (est. 1996). Erin was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she started taking gymnastics classes at the age of 7 which later progressed to classes in jazz, ballet, tap, point, modern and musical theater. Erin spent her summers in Chicago as an intern at both Hubbard Street Dance Company and Gus Giordano Dance Company. Erin earned her teachers’ certification at Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. Erin attended Point Park University in Pittsburgh where she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in choreography. While in Pittsburgh, she was a commercial dancer (Nike, Coca Cola) with Don Brocket Productions, performed in Peter Pan, A Chorus Line and The Nutcracker (Pittsburgh Ballet Theater). After college graduation, Erin moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream as a professional dancer. While out west, Erin performed in several music videos, industrials and worked as a troupe dancer on the Tracy Ullman Show (Paula Abdul). Upon returning to her roots in Michigan, Erin has taught at Grand Valley State University, Cecchetti Council of America, Guest teacher and choreographer for local studios and organizations and worked with Glen Douglas Packard in Lansing. Erin founded Lakeshore Academy of the Arts where she currently teaches all dance forms for ages 2 through adult. Erin resides in West Michigan teaching at her 2 dance studios, teaching original choreography for high school musicals and show choirs. Her choreography has been performed by students as well as professionals and she has extensive experience instructing and coaching dancers of all ages in acrobatics, ballet, cheer, jazz, hip hop, tap, and modern/contemporary styles. Erin is a dance adjudicator with several dance competitions Nationwide.