Our History
Perform Orlando Arts was founded with the community in mind by former Artistic Director Laurel Allen, a former principal dancer with the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. Driven by her enduring passion for the arts, Laurel established this studio to provide hands-on, student-focused teaching.
Since founding Perform Orlando Arts in 2018, Director Laurel Allen has devoted her time, energy, and resources to sustaining the studio and ensuring its success for the benefit of her students. Her unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing, student-focused environment has helped countless young performers grow in confidence and skill.
After much consideration, Laurel has decided to step down from her role as Artistic Director to spend more time with her family. While this marks a significant change, Laurel’s passion for the arts and the community she has built will continue to inspire the heart of Perform Orlando Arts.
Laurel has passed the torch to Carol Cudjoe, a leader who shares her vision and values for the organization. Carol is committed to continuing the work Laurel started and is already doing an exceptional job in building upon the foundation laid over the past several years. With the same dedication to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and growth, Carol is focused on further enriching the experience for the students and families of Perform Orlando Arts.
Under Carol's leadership, Perform Orlando Arts will continue to pour into the next generation of artists, providing them with opportunities to explore and develop their talents in a supportive, empowering environment.
LOCATED IN THE VIBRANT CITY OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA, NULOOK DANCE EMPORIUM HAS BEEN A PREMIER DANCE SCHOOL SINCE 1997, DEDICATED TO PROVIDING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE DANCE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS.
AT NULOOK, WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF COMMUNITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK. WE GIVE OUR STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN NUMEROUS COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES, TO TRAVEL NATIONALLY, BUT MOSTLY THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR NATURAL SKILLS. AS OUR STUDENTS SHARE THEIR LOVE OF THE ARTS, IT NOT ONLY SHOWCASES THEIR TALENTS BUT IT ALSO INSTILLS A SENSE OF PRIDE, DISCIPLINE, AND DEDICATION.
FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS, WE HAVE WELCOMED OVER A THOUSAND DANCERS THROUGH OUR DOORS, AND OUR FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW. WHAT BEGAN IN THE LUNCHROOM OF A FRIEND’S DAYCARE—OFFERING FREE DANCE CLASSES AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES—HAS BLOSSOMED INTO A THRIVING DANCE SCHOOL, A SAFE PLACE FOR OUR YOUTH AND THE START OF CAREERS FOR MANY.