Lightning

10/17/2025

"At Lightning, we believe dance is the great equalizer. One day I might be mentoring a child actor in Hollywood, the next I’m leading a session with a group of neurodivergent learners—and yet, dance connects them all. Especially post-COVID, students are craving connection, expression, and joy. Our play-based dance education meets that need head-on, and it’s especially powerful for neurodivergent students who thrive in movement-rich, sensory-friendly environments. We offer programs in all settings—schools, studios, film sets, clinics and community centers—because every child deserves access to this kind of healing, creative outlet. One day, I dream of launching a Los Angeles-based company where dancers aren’t labeled or boxed in. We’ll just dance—for the sake of dancing.” — Anna D’Onofrio, Lightning Entertainment and Education

10/16/2025

(LEE) serves students across Los Angeles and Orange County, bringing movement-based learning to communities from studio floors to school classrooms. Whether it’s a first-time dancer or a returning student, LEE’s programs are designed to be empowering, and transformative.

Our classes don’t just teach movement — they create connection. We welcome everyone: seasoned dancers, first-timers, and students who experience the world in beautifully different ways.

What’s powerful is watching them all light up the same way. Some don’t speak much. Some move differently. But they return each year, full of joy and ready to dance.

Our directors, Anna D’Onofrio and Derek Pratt, bring something rare to the studio: decades of experience working with students from just about every background imaginable. Their belief in radical inclusion isn’t just a philosophy — it’s a practice.

"Yes, dance can be dazzling at a professional level. But it’s just as breathtaking when expressed by someone who doesn’t look or move like a “typical” dancer.

Because when you witness that kind of truth on the floor — you’re not just watching dance. You’re watching humanity in motion."

10/10/2025

Lightning is proud to lead the shift away from outdated, desk-bound learning. Through CLASSROOMS THAT PLAY, we’re redefining TK education with movement, music, and joyful exploration—because play isn’t a break from learning, it is learning.

"It’s refreshing to collaborate with a school board that truly values the arts. Through our TK Dance program, we might inspire a child to become a ballerina. But through our STEAM Dance curriculum, students are reading, counting, learning history, and—most importantly—using their imaginations.

Too often, children are labeled “bad” or “behind” simply because they need to move. It’s time to take a hard look at the data behind so-called “behavior issues” and remember: They are children first. And children need to play.

Maybe adults could use that reminder too."

Anna DOnofrio
Artistic Director

10/01/2025

In a time when children are increasingly disconnected from movement, creativity, and each other, Lightning Entertainment and Education is leading a transformative shift. With over 30 partnerships across school districts, treatment centers, and the film industry, we’ve built a diverse ecosystem where students thrive through play, dance, and artistic expression. The results speak for themselves: students in our programs not only perform better academically—they’re happier, more connected, and emotionally resilient. In an age dominated by electronics, we believe dance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

09/22/2025

Happy Dance Day from Lightning Entertainment and Education! 🕺

Today, we celebrate the rhythm that moves us, the passion that drives us, and the joy that dance brings to every soul it touches. At Lightning Entertainment and Education, we believe dance is more than movement—it's a language of emotion, a bridge between cultures, and a spark that ignites creativity in every heart.

To our dancers, instructors, students, and supporters: thank you for making the world a more vibrant, expressive, and united place.

Keep dancing. Keep dreaming. Keep lighting up the world—one step at a time.

With rhythm and gratitude,

Lightning Entertainment and Education.

09/05/2025

As we launch our 2025/26 Dance Season, we’re stepping into a thrilling new chapter with the debut of The LEE Collective—an initiative designed to unite performers, educators, and changemakers under one banner. The Collective will amplify our mission by blending performance, education, and outreach in bold new ways.

And this season? We’re especially excited about our new showcases—dynamic, inclusive productions that spotlight emerging talent and celebrate the power of movement and storytelling.

Through Lightning Kids in Film, we give young performers the tools to shine—on screen and in life. Our 2025/26 season, powered by the new LEE Collective, will feature bold new showcases that blend storytelling, healing, and creative excellence.

09/04/2025

We’re thrilled to announce five exciting new partnerships as part of our expanding initiative—The LEE Collective!

Introducing: Move and Mind – A STEAM Dance Experience Our newest program, designed specifically for K–6 students, fuses movement, music, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into one vibrant, hands-on learning journey.

Why it matters: By connecting physical movement with academic content, students engage more deeply and retain information more effectively. It’s experiential learning at its most dynamic—where education meets expression.

09/02/2025

Check out our Dance Director, Anna D’Onofrio, in her recent interview with Voyage LA! She opens up about family, friendship, the future, and everything heartfelt that fuels her journey.

We recently had the chance to connect with Anna DOnofrio and have shared our conversation below. Anna , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right no

09/02/2025

Lightning Kids in Film builds on a legacy of support for child actors, but takes it further with a bold, three-part approach designed for today’s challenges:

Enrichment – Cultivating emotional intelligence, creativity, and confidence through guided exploration and play.

Holistic Movement Therapy – Helping children reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and express themselves freely.

Family Workshops – Equipping parents and caregivers with tools to support their child’s journey both on and off set.

“There’s been support for young performers, yes—but not like this,” says Artistic Director Anna Maria D’Onofrio. “After a decade witnessing how child actors are often treated as products, not people, we knew it was time. Lightning Kids partners with producers, actors, and agents who share our vision: to raise the standard and nurture the whole child.”

09/02/2025

Why TK Needs This Now:

The demand for high-quality, movement-based enrichment in TK is surging. As districts expand early education, families and educators are seeking programs that go beyond academics—programs that nurture creativity, emotional intelligence, and physical development.

We deliver exactly that. Our play-based dance curriculum transforms classrooms into joyful, imaginative spaces where children build coordination, confidence, and community through movement.

What Makes Us Different
Custom-Designed Programs: We collaborate with each site to tailor class structure, themes, and pacing to meet the unique needs of your TK population.

Developmentally Aligned: Every activity supports early learning goals—motor skills, self-regulation, social-emotional growth.

Imaginative & Inclusive: From jungle adventures to magical kingdoms, our storytelling-based movement engages every child, regardless of ability or background.

Scalable & Reliable: With over 30 active partnerships, we know how to deliver consistent, high-impact programming across multiple sites.

Let’s bring movement magic to your TK classrooms—reach out to our directors today and let’s build something extraordinary.