Artistic Staff
Deena Laska-Lewis: Founder and Choreographer
Ms. Deena trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, Julliard School of Music in New York City, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University. Her education includes training in Horton, Graham, Limon, and Vaganova techniques.
At CCDE, Deena employs a graded Russian syllabus that stresses intense discipline and education on muscle structure for correct placement and alignment for dance development. Her professional experience includes principal ballerina with the State of Israel Ballet Company as well as artistic director with other dance companies including the Tennessee Ballet in Memphis and Evansville Dance Theatre.
Deena was formerly employed as adjunct professor of dance at the University of Southern Indiana in the Theater Department where she was instrumental in designing the current dance room. Among her many recognitions statewide, she has been named the Mayors Arts and Educator of the Year, Outstanding Leadership in the Arts Award from Leadership Evansville, Indiana Coalition for the Arts’ Community Art Leadership Award for Arts Educators, and most recently received the Athena Award and an award from the Arts Council for Artist of the Year . This rich experience brings to CCDE a caliber of training, technique and style that have provided the foundation for many former students to enter the world of professional dance.
At CCDE, Deena employs a graded Russian syllabus that stresses intense discipline and education on muscle structure for correct placement and alignment for dance development. Her professional experience includes principal ballerina with the State of Israel Ballet Company as well as artistic director with other dance companies including the Tennessee Ballet in Memphis and Evansville Dance Theatre.
Deena was formerly employed as adjunct professor of dance at the University of Southern Indiana in the Theater Department where she was instrumental in designing the current dance room. Among her many recognitions statewide, she has been named the Mayors Arts and Educator of the Year, Outstanding Leadership in the Arts Award from Leadership Evansville, Indiana Coalition for the Arts’ Community Art Leadership Award for Arts Educators, and most recently received the Athena Award and an award from the Arts Council for Artist of the Year . This rich experience brings to CCDE a caliber of training, technique and style that have provided the foundation for many former students to enter the world of professional dance.
Sadia Brimm Ragland: Instructor and Outreach Director
Miss Sadia trained under Deena Laska-Lewis through the Scholarship program at CCDE. She attended numerous workshops and summer intensive programs including studying at Alvin Ailey, New York. During college, Sadia enjoyed 3 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts as a Cheerleader, traveling abroad with the team. She received a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Evansville, and went on to obtain her teaching license from the University of Southern Indiana. Sadia currently teaches 2D art at a local high school, in addition to teaching dance and movement workshops throughout the Evansville and Tri-State area.
Sadia has received many awards for her outreach and volunteer work including being nominated for Leadership Evansville Artist of the year, and later nominated for Art Project of the Year - Pirouette Project. She received the University of Southern Indiana’s Phenomenal Woman Award and most recently the Susan G. Woodson Mayors Diversity Award.
Sadia’s rich background in dance stemming from being a student in one of CCDE’S outreach programs has helped her grow to lead successful and rewarding outreach programs throughout the community such as CMOE Childrens Museum, Patchwork Central, Zion Baptist Church, Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, Evansville YMCA, and the Girls in Bloom to name a few.
Sadia has received many awards for her outreach and volunteer work including being nominated for Leadership Evansville Artist of the year, and later nominated for Art Project of the Year - Pirouette Project. She received the University of Southern Indiana’s Phenomenal Woman Award and most recently the Susan G. Woodson Mayors Diversity Award.
Sadia’s rich background in dance stemming from being a student in one of CCDE’S outreach programs has helped her grow to lead successful and rewarding outreach programs throughout the community such as CMOE Childrens Museum, Patchwork Central, Zion Baptist Church, Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, Evansville YMCA, and the Girls in Bloom to name a few.
Madison Combs: Instructor
Miss Madison grew up dancing at Children’s Center for Dance Education and trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap. Madison was a Company member from 2013-2018. Madison had various roles in the Nutcracker and Spring Productions. Some of her featured roles include: Rat Queen, Bo Peep Soloist, Spanish Soloist, and Peter Pan. After she left CCDE she continued her education at Western Kentucky University and graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work and a minor in Non-Profit Administration.