Land & Sea: An Encore From Lisia Dance Company

When three Guernsey friends, Hannah, Jess and Meg, set out to launch the island's newest dance company, they wanted a name that felt rooted in the island while capturing the beauty and creativity of dance. 

They chose Lisia, the Roman name for Guernsey.

Following the success of their debut performance earlier this year, Lisia Dance Company is returning to the stage for an encore of Land & Sea on Sunday 25 October 2026.

It's another opportunity to see what these three young local women have created, bringing together talented Guernsey dancers in an original performance inspired by the island.

Book your tickets here.

 

 

"We have followed the success of Ballet d'Jerri in Jersey and are inspired to create a similar community-based company in Guernsey."

Hannah, co-founder of Lisia Dance Company

 

Why Lisia Was Created 

The three founders all grew up dancing in Guernsey before following different paths. Jess went on to study contemporary dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, where she developed her own choreography. Hannah immersed herself in university dance, performing in full-length productions including Coppélia and Don Quixote before becoming President of Durham University Ballet Company. Meanwhile, Meg rediscovered her love of dance in her twenties after taking a break from dance to train as a jeweller.

When they recently found themselves back together in the same adult ballet class, they realised there wasn't a natural next step for experienced dancers who wanted to continue dancing in Guernsey, or for those returning home after training elsewhere.

The founders say Guernsey has an exceptionally high standard of dance training thanks to its local schools, but there are few opportunities for dancers to stay involved once they reach adulthood or return to the island.

That's why support from the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts has meant so much. The venue has backed Lisia from the outset by providing rehearsal space as the company finds its feet.

 

A Natural Next Step

Lisia's performance company is aimed at experienced dancers aged 16 and over, whether they've trained professionally off-island, remained in Guernsey or are looking to gain more stage experience before taking their next step.

But this is only the beginning.

The founders hope Lisia Dance Company will grow beyond the stage, establishing a community arm that introduces dance to people who have never tried it before.

 

 

"Dance is healing and uniting, and everyone should be able to access that."

Hannah, co-founder of Lisia Dance Company

 

Why Everyone Can Dance

For anyone who thinks they 'can't dance', the team has a simple message:

"We all hear that 'everyone can sing', but everyone genuinely can dance. Dance is really just moving to music, and everyone can do that. It can be as simple as a small head or arm movement, or just walking from one side of the room to the other."

They believe contemporary dance is especially accessible because of its freedom and hope more people will be encouraged to give it a try.

Even in these early weeks, the founders say the most rewarding part has been watching dancers willingly give up their free time to create something together. Standing in the studio, sharing ideas and seeing choreography evolve has already created moments that Hannah describes as "really quite magical."

 

Inspired by Guernsey

Following its successful debut in July, Lisia's first production, Land & Sea, is returning to the stage for an encore performance.

Inspired by Guernsey's coastline, the double bill combines classical and contemporary dance, with original choreography performed by local dancers.

Land explores the island's coastal landscape and the changing seasons, set to music by Max Richter. Sea takes a contemporary approach, reflecting the movement of the tides and the ever-changing character of our coastline.

It's a lovely opportunity to support a new local dance company and enjoy an original production inspired by the island we call home.

 

Come Along To The Encore

Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

Time: 7.00pm

Venue: Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts

Tickets: Book your tickets here.

Find out more about Lisia Dance Company and follow their journey here.