TDP STAFF

Owner/Director/Instructor

Erinn Smith

Erinn is a proud graduate of The Dance Place, and returned to lead the studio she grew up in with the same heart, grit, and joy that shaped her as a young artist. A 16-year dancer with a 12-year background in cheerleading, Erinn blends classical training with athletic precision and performance quality. She is AFAA-certified in aerobics and kickboxing and taught BodyPump and Core for three years with ULL Intramurals, where she developed a keen eye for safe technique, strength conditioning, and stamina, which are skills she now integrates into dancer training across all levels.

Erinn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Beyond the studio, she serves as a project manager in healthcare, where she coaches, mentors, and consults with CEOs on strategy, systems, and people development. That professional lens shows up at The Dance Place in the form of clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a culture that values both excellence and wellbeing.

At home, Erinn is a wife to Damon Smith, mom to Emma-Grace, who shares her same love of dance as a member of the competition team and Cullen, who shines on the football field and basketball court. Family is central to her leadership; she believes the studio should feel like an extension of home which is safe, encouraging, and inspiring.

Erinn’s philosophy is simple: dance is a powerful tool to relieve stress, build confidence, and create community. Under her direction, The Dance Place emphasizes strong technique, purposeful choreography, and character. It teaches dancers to show up with integrity, work hard, and celebrate each other’s growth. She is committed to expanding opportunities for students through masterclasses, cross-training, and performance experiences that prepare them for the stage and for life.

Fueled by gratitude for the teachers who poured into her, Erinn is excited for this new chapter and determined to make The Dance Place the best in the industry not only for how dancers perform, but for how they are known, supported, and inspired.

Administrative Director

Karma Lamb

Karma Lamb is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive leader with a diverse portfolio of businesses across Louisiana. She serves as a driving force behind several successful ventures — including Wolf Disposals, People United Behavioral Health, Precision Caregivers, and The Dance Place LLC — each dedicated to community impact, quality service, and innovation.

A Baton Rouge native, Karma began her lifelong passion for the arts at an early age, training in dance from ages 3 to 16 at 2M’s Dance Studio, where her favorite genre was hip hop. The creativity, discipline, and self-expression she developed through dance continue to shape her leadership style and drive for excellence today.

With extensive experience in business development, operations management, and community outreach, Karma is known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and dedication to empowering others through opportunity and service.

Instructor/Administrative Assistant

Briley Domingue

Briley serves as a Teen Elite Teacher at The Dance Place as well as an Administrative Assistant in the office. Originally from Lafayette, she has been part of the studio for 18 years. Briley began dancing when her mom introduced her to classes at just two years old. Specializing in jazz, she brings both passion and energy to every class. What Briley loves most about teaching is being the teacher she always wished she had — supportive, inspiring, and fun.

Instructor

Kelly Domingue

Kelly Domingue serves as a Dance Instructor at The Dance Place. Born and raised in Lafayette, she has been part of the studio for 26 years. Kelly began dancing at age two and now specializes in petite, tap, and pre-company classes. She loves watching her dancers progress, light up with excitement during class, and shine on stage during performances. Kelly finds immense joy in seeing her students’ smiles and their confidence blossom through dance.

Instructor

Lillian Carriere

Lillian Carriere serves as an Instructor at The Dance Place. A native of Carencro, she has grown up in the studio since childhood and now begins her first year as a teacher. Lillian discovered her love for performing the moment she stepped on stage. Specializing in jazz and contemporary, she aims to help dancers find confidence through expression. Lillian loves sharing her passion for dance and watching her students grow into confident performers.

Instructor

Lily Marcus

Lily Marcus is a Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Pilates Teacher at The Dance Place. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Lily has been with the studio for three years. She began dancing at age three after watching The Nutcracker, following in the footsteps of her dance-major mother. Specializing in modern, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, and improv, Lily is a UL Dance alumna and certified Pilates instructor. She loves seeing her students’ growth and transformation from year to year.

Instructor/Acrobats Instructor

Emma Matthieu

Emma Matthieu serves as an Acro Teacher and Senior Elite Instructor at The Dance Place. Originally from Arnaudville, Louisiana, Emma has been part of The Dance Place family for over 15 years, including her upcoming year as an instructor. She began dancing when her mom enrolled her in classes as a child and quickly fell in love with the art form. Specializing in acro, Emma brings passion and creativity to every class. She has been part of multiple award-winning group dances. Emma has a very extensive background of tumbling experience and is a certified Acrobats Instructor. What Emma loves most about teaching is helping her students understand movement and seeing the excitement on their faces when everything “clicks.”

Instructor

Iliana Castrejon

Iliana serves as an Instructor at The Dance Place. A Lafayette native, she has been part of the studio for 15 years. Her mother first enrolled her in dance to channel her energy as a child, and she’s been dancing ever since. Specializing in jazz and hip-hop, Iliana’s choreography is known for its vibrant energy and creativity. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including “Best Facials” for two years and special judges’ awards for every solo. She loves watching her choreography come to life through her dancers’ individuality.

Instructor/Elite Company Choreographer

Nyla Bernard

Nyla Bernard is a Seasonal Choreographer and Instructor at The Dance Place. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, she has been part of the studio for 15 years. Nyla began dancing at age four and grew as both an artist and performer after joining the Elite program. Specializing in jazz and lyrical, she has achieved numerous accolades, including being a TDP graduate, four-time UDA National Champion, and part of Dupree’s 2025–2026 Collective Assistant Company Program. Nyla loves creating on others, watching them improve, and inspiring them to push beyond their limits.

Instructor

Alexis Landry

Alexis serves as a Teacher at The Dance Place. Originally from New Iberia, Louisiana, she begins her first year as part of the teaching staff. She began dancing at age five and has continued ever since. Specializing in contemporary and modern dance, Alexis is also pursuing her BFA in Dance at UL. She loves nurturing a passion for dance in her students and witnessing their growth throughout the year.

Instructor

Kylah Heckard

Kylah Heckard is a Seasonal Instructor and Elite Company Choreographer at The Dance Place. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Kylah is now in her second year with the studio. She started dancing at the age of three and has been hooked ever since. Specializing in jazz and jazz funk, she teaches a range of styles with enthusiasm and creativity. Kylah holds a bachelor’s degree in dance and has received multiple dance scholarships while at UL Lafayette. She loves sharing her passion with young dancers who share her love for movement.