Helping Dancers Grow, Thrive, and Inspire - On & Off the Stage.

About Our Studio.

Located in the heart of Susanville, California, Mt. Lassen Dance Academy has been inspiring dancers of all ages for over 40 years. Formerly known as Joan’s Studio of Dance, our academy blends tradition with a modern approach, creating a fun, supportive, and professional environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence.

We specialize in Cecchetti classical ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop, offering high-quality training that builds grace, discipline, and artistry—on and off the stage. Our dance season runs from September through June, culminating in a vibrant, family-friendly annual recital that celebrates our students’ growth and creativity.

Whether you're new to dance or looking to refine your technique, we believe dance is for everyone—and that it fosters poise, confidence, and lifelong joy.

About the Cecchetti Method.

 Our ballet program is rooted in the Cecchetti Method, a classical, anatomically sound approach that builds strength, balance, and precision in dancers of all levels. We offer engaging Primary levels (ages 5–9) that spark creativity and musicality, as well as progressive student and professional grades focused on alignment, control, and expressive movement. With certified instruction at every level, Cecchetti training lays the foundation for confident, well-rounded dancers.

Meet Our Owners

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a sleeveless black top and a black ruched skirt with a high slit, posing in front of a white wooden wall with hexagonal patterns, smiling with her hand on her hip.

Jillaine Laughlin

Jillaine has been part of the studio family for 25 years and now proudly serves as one of Mt. Lassen Dance Academy’s co-owners. With over a decade of experience as a lead instructor, she brings passion, creativity, and technical excellence to every class.

She holds an Advanced Grade 7 Professional Certificate and has passed up to her Grade 3 Cecchetti Teaching Exam—credentials that reflect her deep commitment to classical ballet training. Alongside ballet, Jillaine is a devoted fan of Lyrical and Contemporary styles, and has performed with various companies and academies throughout her dance journey.

Her teaching style blends precision and expressiveness, encouraging students to use ballet as both a disciplined art and a powerful form of creative self-expression.

Young woman with short brown hair, wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress and looking at the camera with a thoughtful expression, standing in front of a textured white wall.

Gabrielle Singleton

Gabrielle has been dancing since the age of 5 and brings a lifelong love of movement and music to Mt. Lassen Dance Academy. As co-owner, she is passionate about creating a space where dancers of all ages can thrive and express themselves.

She has successfully completed her Grade 5 Cecchetti Ballet Exam and is also trained in jazz, tap, and lyrical styles. Her versatile background and warm, encouraging energy make her a favorite among students who are just beginning their dance journey or looking to refine their technique in multiple genres.

Gabrielle’s goal is to inspire confidence, joy, and a strong technical foundation in every dancer she teaches.

Meet Our Dance Instructors

  • Portrait of a young woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless black button-up jumpsuit with a waist tie. One hand rests on her hip while the other hangs by her side. The background features a

    Juliette Singleton

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Juliette’s love for dance began at the age of 4, and she’s been passionately pursuing it ever since. She trained extensively in tap, jazz, lyrical, character, and ballet through Joan’s Studio of Dance, building a strong and versatile foundation in multiple styles.

    Currently dancing with the Reno Dance Company, Juliette brings fresh performance experience and a deep appreciation for the art of dance to her teaching. She’s excited to share that passion with her students and inspire the next generation of dancers to move with heart and confidence.

  • A young woman with long, wavy light brown hair wearing glasses, a black long-sleeve top, and light blue jeans with a large belt buckle featuring the American flag. She is smiling, standing with one hand on her hip in front of a white shingle-style wa

    Miah Mallery

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Miah has been dancing with the studio since the age of 5 and brings a bright, enthusiastic energy to every class. She has passed her Grade 5 Cecchetti exam and is trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance.

    Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Miah is thrilled to be teaching and sharing the joy of dance. She can’t wait to watch her students grow, express themselves, and discover their own love for movement.

  • A young woman with long brown hair stands smiling in front of a white shingle wall. She is wearing a sleeveless black dress and hoop earrings, with one hand resting on her hip in a confident pose.

    Hannah Martin

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Hannah has been dancing at the studio for the past 10 years and has trained extensively in advanced ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Her love for classical ballet shines through in every step—especially after performing as Clara in The Nutcracker with the Reno Dance Company.

    With a heart for teaching and a passion for the stage, Hannah is thrilled to be working with young dancers and can’t wait to inspire them as they grow in skill, confidence, and creativity.

  • A photo of Autumn Robbins

    Autumn Robbins

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    Autumn has been dancing for over 12 years and brings a vibrant, creative spirit to every class. She has trained in a wide range of styles, with favorites including lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, and jazz.

    Now beginning her journey as a teacher, Autumn is thrilled to share her love of dance with her students. Her goal is to spark confidence, creativity, and joy in every dancer she works with.

  • Portrait of a man smiling broadly while leaning against a large tree with textured bark and ivy vines. He is wearing a black short-sleeve button-up shirt and light blue jeans, with one hand in his pocket. In the background is a building with a shingl

    Seanne McElrath

    DANCE INSTRUCTOR

    With over 20 years of dance experience, Seanne brings powerful energy and creativity to the studio. Whether he’s choreographing, performing, or teaching, his passion for dance and dedication to the arts shine through in everything he does.

    Seanne has been the advanced hip hop instructor at the studio for the past three years, consistently challenging his students to push boundaries through dynamic rhythm work and multiple hip hop styles. He has also been a proud contributor to many local arts events, sharing his talent with the broader community.