Our Faculty
More About Our Creative Directors
Meet Emily Leeper & Josie Serigne DeAgano. The Dance Lab's Co-Owners & Artistic Directors. With decades of combined experience, Emily and Josie share the same passion and love for the art of dance.
Emily Leeper
With more than 20 years of experience in the dance industry and over a decade as a teacher and choreographer, Emily Leeper brings passion, expertise, and a deep commitment to her students’ growth. Emily currently serves as the Director of Dance at MSA East, where she was honored as the 2024 MSA East Elementary Teacher of the Year—a testament to her impact both in and beyond the studio.
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Emily’s performance and choreography credits include working on New Orleans pop artist Caly Pearse’s music video “One You Won’t Forget,” where she both danced and contributed choreography. Her collegiate career includes dancing with the Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes from 2016–2018, earning the title of D1 National Hip Hop Champion in 2018. She later returned to the program as Assistant Coach (2019–2020, 2022–2023), helping develop the next generation of collegiate dancers.
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A decorated competitive dancer, Emily was crowned Miss Dance of Louisiana 2013 through Dance Masters of America and went on to place as 4th Runner-Up for Miss Dance of America 2014. She also previously held the title Teen Miss Dance of Louisiana 2011.
With a career rooted in excellence, creativity, and mentorship, Emily continues to inspire dancers of all ages to push their boundaries, celebrate their strengths, and fall in love with the art of dance.
Josie Serigné DeAgano
​With over 20 years in the dance industry and 12 years of teaching and choreographing experience, Josie Serigné DeAgano brings an elite level of technique, artistry, and professionalism to every class she leads. Her career spans studio education, competitive coaching, and high-profile performance opportunities that set her apart as both an educator and artist.
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Josie’s professional performance résumé includes appearances on some of the biggest stages in the world, including the Beyoncé Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show, performances with The Pointer Sisters, and features in Miss Gay Louisiana and America’s Got Talent. Her dedication to mastering her craft is further demonstrated through certifications and continued education in Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Sugarfoot Therapy, Relative Motion, and Building Blocks of Dance, allowing her to train dancers with a strong foundation in technique, conditioning, and injury prevention.
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A proud alumna of the nationally ranked Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes, Josie brings her collegiate dance experience full circle as the current technique coach for the Saint Charles Catholic Starsteppers, where she helps guide dancers toward strength, precision, and confidence.
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Josie’s blend of professional performance background, technical expertise, and passion for dancer development makes her a dynamic leader and an invaluable force within the studio community.
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