artiste Nov/Dec | Page 15

he Acadiana area is

thriving with artists who bring creativity to our community. Acadiana Artiste is dedicated to celebrating artists who stay in our beloved Acadiana and strive to add an artistic touch not only on a performance and entertainment level, but also to the civic, social, charity, and education aspects as well. Rebecca Landry is a graduate from Gerami's Dance Academy and actually acquired the studio from her teacher and mentor Mrs. Merry Joy Gerami in 1976. By 1981, Rebecca formed Jazz Extensions Dance Company and was performing for the opening of The Cajundome in Lafayette. Gerami's Dance Academy offers 7 different styles of dancing. Some of the Gerami dancers

danced in last year’s

Superbowl halftime

show featuring

Beyonce’ as well as

many local sports

and Mardi Gras

Krewe events.

On June 11, 2014

Gerami's will

perform a full Bi-Annual Dance Revue that you will not want to miss. Rebecca is a huge asset to our community providing entertainment, choreography and technical direction for many special events in Acadiana. As well as having a hand in many Krewes around town coming to life along with a great networking Krewe- Krewe of Acadiana.

Rebecca has also produced and directed shows, videos and industrial functions throughout Louisiana and the U.S. So on behalf of Acadiana, Thank you Rebecca “Beki” Landry for helping our community thrive creatively and for being part of why so many people who visit want to make Acadiana their home. To find out more about Gerami's Dance Academy and Rebecca Landry go to www.geramiacademy.com and www.kreweofacadiana.com

What is your chosen art form and what drives you to keep doing it? I am a teacher of dance (Ballet,

Tap, Jazz, Ballroom, etc.). I keep teaching because I am so proud of the finished product. Each student is different. Some just learn to conquer “shyness” and some dance professional, and some go on to be productive adults with confidence in each chosen occupation.

How long have you been participating in this art form? I started taking lessons when I was 6. I received numerous scholarships as I got older. I graduated in Dance at age 17 and started teaching. At age 27, I bought the studio that I have now and never looked back. I am teaching grandchildren of students that I taught!

Can you/have you ever imagined doing something else? If so,what? I am quite the “Detective” and with all of the TV shows such as CSI, Law & Order, Cold Case Files, I think that I would of leaned towards these jobs. Either that or at least pick out the background music for the shows!

What is your wildest artistic dream? Not for print!!!!!

Rebecca Landry

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