Meet Alice

Welcome- I’m so glad you’re here!

My name is Alice, and I’m a native Vermonter and a lifelong dancer and theater kid.

Lyra Dance Company is the culmination of my years of dance and theater experience, and a desire to create an inclusive community of movers and shakers in rural Vermont.

In my early twenties, after completing trade schools for massage therapy and cosmetology, I began training in Raqs Sharqi, or belly dance.

Now many years later, I study, teach, and perform belly dance throughout Vermont, New England and New York.

Long before my belly dancer era though, I was studying jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet with many of our favorite dance teachers, right here in Franklin County. I became a member of the National Thespian Society (acting) and received sponsorship to attend the Governors Institute for the Arts for contemporary dance training.

I bring a unique perspective to teaching, with backgrounds in both Western and Eastern dance. Studying Eastern dance and music has been such an asset to my own dance practice, and has helped me develop methods, language, and tools to be a more effective teacher.

I also LOVE anatomy and physiology- subjects I excelled in as a studying and practicing massage therapist.

Deep study into body mechanics and human anatomy has made me a strong advocate for safer dance practices, understanding and working with our physical limitations and challenges, and developing a deep appreciation and respect for our unique physical forms.

Dance demands much of the dancer, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is important to nurture the mental and emotional needs of dancers, so we aren’t reduced simply to bodies or body types. Dance is so much more than that!

When we approach any movement practice believing we are just a machine or an aesthetic, we miss all of the joy and the fun!

In my classes the instruction is always warm, thoughtful, and judgement free. I prioritize safe, technically sound movement that challenges dancers while also honoring the unique spectrum of human abilities.

To put it plainly: I meet you where you’re at! Not everyone can do the same things, but that’s what makes us so cool and special!

I’m so looking forward to sharing the dance floor with you, and encourage you to reach out with questions and to chat about your journey to dance.

Take more chances, dance more dances,

- Alice