Ragan Ellen Herdener

Ragan Ellen Herdener began dance training at the age of 3. She started classes at LaGrange Ballet (now known as Lafayette Dance Academy/Lafayette Ballet Company) when she was 5 years old. While dancing in LaGrange she studied under Becky Brown, Nicolas Pacana, Nancy Thuesen Gell, and Amy Carter Orr. She also had the opportunity to study under numerous accomplished guest instructors, including Lowell Smith from the Dance Theatre of Harlem. As a company member in high school, Ragan traveled to New York City and to experience classes with various instructors at different studios throughout the city. She also attended Summer Intensives at Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, MS. While dancing, Ragan’s favorite role was Princess Florine in the Bluebird Pas de deux from Sleeping Beauty. Ragan began her training as an assistant ballet teacher under Amy Carter Orr when she was 14 years old. Her love for teaching continued as she taught classes throughout high school and college. While attending Auburn University, she taught ballet and tap classes at Auburn Ballet School and also taught mini dance camps at the recreation department during her summers in Auburn.

Ragan graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. She was an Assistant Kindergarten Teacher at The Heritage School in Newnan, GA, a Preschool Teacher at Oxford Trails Academy in Peachtree City, GA and a Pre-K teacher at St. Mark’s Kindergarten in LaGrange. After moving back closer to LaGrange, she joined the staff at LCD and started teaching dance again in 2013. Ragan is married to Chris Herdener and they have two daughters.