Courtney LaPlatte

Instructor

Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Courtney began dancing at the age of six at Backstage Dance Academy. Her passion and dedication led her to train more intensively at Gulfshore Ballet throughout her high school years, where she developed a strong classical foundation.

She has trained with prestigious programs including Indianapolis Ballet's Professional Level Program, Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program, and summer intensives at Ballet Arizona, Miami City Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and the New Jersey School of Ballet, among others. Over 14 years of ballet training is complemented by additional study in contemporary, jazz, tap, and modern.

Courtney's stage experience includes featured roles in The Nutcracker such as Sugar Plum Fairy, Dewdrop, Snow Queen, and Arabian Pas De Deux, performing with both Gulfshore Ballet and Indianapolis Ballet. She has also danced classical variations from La Bayadère, Sleeping Beauty, and Raymonda with Gulfshore Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet. Courtney has competed in national ballet competitions including UBC, YAGP, and Miami IBC, and has trained under renowned instructors such as Victoria Lyras, Iliana Lopez, Franklin Gamero, Tatiana Jouravel-Malinkine, and Melinda Roy, with guest coaching from Jock Soto, Duncan Cooper, and Arantxa Ochoa.