BIOGRAPHY
Born in Montreal, Liza Kovacs graduated from the National Ballet School in Toronto, before dancing with the National Ballet of Canada. She settled back in her hometown to participate in Lalala Human Steps’ world tour of 2 . She has since danced for Montreal’s best contemporary choreographers and co-produced a solo show, Projet Kovacs .
In 2003, Liza completed a MA in dance at l’UQAM, focusing on cognitive learning processes in technique class. In 2006, she graduated with distinction from Laban Centre’s MSc Dance Science Program, investigating the application of periodization in a dance training program. Liza moved to New York in 2006 to complete the year-long program in Movement Analysis at the Laban Bartenieff Institute, NYC.
As a certified Pilates instructor and dance educator, Liza has an ongoing interest in anatomy and physiology. She has studied with anatomists Irene Dowd and Rebecca Dietzel. She satisfies her artistic impulses by regularly collaborating on artistic projects with artists such as Michel Pilon (www.michelpilon.com), Francois Chartier (www.francoisc.com), Maki Kawakita (www.makiphoto.com) and Gabrielle Lamb (www.gabriellelamb.com).
As a movement specialist Liza trains clients privately, focusing on neuro-muscular repatterning, balancing strength and mobility, and helping clients reach their movement and physical potential. She has had the privilege of teaching dance at The Performing Arts Center in Colombia, MI, le CNDC in Angers, France, La Compagnie Marie Chouinard, as well as at L’UQAM. She was invited to guest lecture on somatic education for the Joffrey Ballet School summer program, and has organized a workshop on non-verbal communication skills for The Hope Project.
Liza's greatest passion lies in dance training and using innovative methods to perfect technique and artistry, combining her performance experience with her knowledge in anatomy, physiology, movement analysis, somatic education and dance exercise science to help students achieve their dancing dreams.
Liza is an ABT® Certified Teacher who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This class aims to provide the dancer with a better understanding of his body, of ballet technique and the ability to problem-solve physical, technical and cognitive challenges. Focus is on developing optimal alignment to reduce injuries and to promote physical performance efficiency, while encouraging individuality. This is achieved within the parameters and protocols of ballet, which are clarified further in class. In addition this class seeks to develop awareness of the spatial structures behind ballet technique and the use of musicality to support artistry and coordination. A sense of humor and love of dance is strongly recommended for all students interested in furthering their ballet skills.