Gulf Coast School of Performing Arts

Gulf Coast School of Performing Arts is a dance studio in Biloxi, Mississippi, offering instruction in ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, jazz, and tap dance. The studio serves students of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing passion, discipline, and performance. Led by Launa Craig, a 2024 Belhaven University BFA graduate with extensive training at prestigious institutions including the Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theater, the studio maintains a strong foundation in classical and contemporary dance. Sara Shay, a certified dance instructor and Army veteran, contributes expertise in musical theatre, hip hop, jazz, and tap, bringing experience from national studios and competitive cheerleading teams. The school operates from a location on D'Iberville Boulevard, serving the local community with structured classes and performance opportunities.

Launa Craig, the studio’s lead ballet instructor, began her training at Ballet Theater School and performed in Ballet Theater South’s The Nutcracker for twelve years. She has trained with renowned professionals such as Henry Danton of the Royal Ballet and studied under instructors from Milwaukee Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theater. Her performance experience includes leading roles in Giselle, Symphony in C, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Elite Syncopations. She continues to work as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator, bringing high-level artistry to her students. Sara Shay, specializing in musical theatre and tap, is a Long Beach native, Army veteran, and current captain of the Biloxi Pearls Shuckers cheerleading team. She is also a former Mississippi Seawolves hockey cheerleader and a tumbling coach, combining athletic precision with dance training.

The studio is located on D'Iberville Boulevard in D'Iberville, Mississippi, within the broader Biloxi area. While no nearby landmarks are listed, the address places it in a residential-commercial corridor serving families and students throughout the region. The studio’s commitment to quality instruction and performance experience is reflected in its dedicated staff and focus on developing young dancers in multiple disciplines. Gulf Coast School of Performing Arts stands as a community-centered institution rooted in artistic excellence and personal growth, enriching Biloxi’s cultural landscape through dance.