After transitioning from competitive dance, Charlie Cranston found a place to grow as a dancer and build confidence through Place des Arts’ Ballet program for eight years. Take a look at the Place des Arts’ Ballet program via her experience:

Photo: Charlie Cranston’s performance at the 2026 Synergy Dance Competition

How did you first get started with Place des Arts’ Ballet Programs?

I first got started as I was coming from competitive dancing and was trying to find a dance program that was more manageable with time. I came across place des arts and came in for a quick assessment and trial. I was looking for somewhere that I can learn and grow as a dancer but without the crazy pressures. As I started dancing with the older girls at a younger age, I was incredibly grateful to have such welcoming and kind classmates. The class was a great environment, it was structured and everyone was there to learn and grow.

Photo: Charlie Cranston during Ballet III/IV class under Lucienne Anczykowski’s guidance

What were your impression on the teacher and class environment?

I would say the thing that stands out the most about Ms. Lucienne’s teaching style is her ability to push you to become the best version of yourself, she makes it her goal for you to achieve everything that she believes you can achieve. Her wisdom and knowledge are something that I really value as she has a way of guiding you in the right direction. She tries to find tips and diverse ways for you to understand technique as everyone learns differently. I love how she will find different imagery or examples to explain the concepts.

Photo: Charlie Cranston’s received a 2026 General Place des Arts Scholarship for her  pursuit of excellence in Dance

As a Ballet student at PdA, Charlie Cranston has achieved notable awards:

• Recipient of the 2026 General Place des Arts Scholarship
• Awarded Technical Excellence and Platinum, placed 10th Overall in the Pre-Competitive Solo Division (Ages 13+) at the 2026 Synergy Dance Competition

Most importantly, for Charlie, the lasting value of ballet has been the confidence and self-expression she has built at Place des Arts:

For me dance has always been a part of my life, and it is something that immediately builds confidence in a person. You learn to be comfortable with vulnerability and embracing that certain things will be easy, others will be hard, and you must really work for it.