Our philosophy

At Litchfield Dance Arts Academy (LDAA), we strive to offer top quality dance training in an environment of enrichment and discovery. Our faculty believes that a mastery of dance skills develops self-confidence, poise, focus, and discipline that benefits all aspects of life.

Through a philosophy of mutual respect, we expect each student to work toward his or her highest potential. In return, we commit to provide the care and attention each student deserves in an educational setting. 

Our artistic director

Dancer, choreographer, and teacher Ilka Doubek has worked professionally in ballet and modern dance since 1973. During her career, she has collaborated with renowned choreographers, theater and opera directors internationally.

Prior to founding her dance school in South Carolina, Ilka was a member of the Omaha Ballet, the San Diego Ballet, Frankfurt (Germany) Ballet, and the Hamburg (Germany) Ballet. She has been a guest solo dancer and choreographer in many of Europe’s performing arts festivals and major opera houses, where her dance career flourished.

Ilka’s choreography portfolio includes ballets, modern dances, opera dances, and movement. She continues to serve as a guest master teacher and choreographer for ballet and modern dance with professional companies, schools, and universities around the world. 

Ilka holds teaching certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and Dance Masters of America (Modern and Ballet).

 Our curriculum

 Courses at LDAA are available for pre-school children through adults in disciplines that include ballet, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, funk, acro and tumbling. Programs are available to accommodate recreational dance enthusiasts as well as serious, career-oriented dancers. 

Class schedules are established each fall, winter, spring and summer season.

Our state-of-the-art facility

LDAA events and classes are held in a custom-built facility featuring 4,800 square feet of studio space divided among four classrooms.