Meet Lisia: Three Friends, One New 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.

Now, they're hoping Lisia Dance Company will create new opportunities for local dancers while bringing original, locally inspired performances to Guernsey audiences.

 

 

"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."

 

A Performance Inspired by Guernsey

Lisia Dance Company's inaugural performance, Land & Sea, takes place on 30 July at the Princess Royal Centre for Performing Arts.

Drawing on Guernsey's coastline, the hour-long production is split into two contrasting halves.

Land is a classically inspired collection of gentle and dramatic pieces, while Sea is a contemporary work reflecting the ebb and flow of the tides. The music has been curated by the dancers themselves, with original choreography throughout.

It's the company's first public performance, bringing together six local dancers for an evening celebrating both classical and contemporary dance.

You can find out more here.