Lifting the Room: Creating Spaces Where All Can Rise

Dancers Owen and Elizabeth hold umbrellas over performer Jayne Batstone to protect her from the elements during LPD’s 2024 Mayflies Performance

What It Means to "Lift the Room"

"Lifting the room" is about creating an environment where everyone feels supported, energized, and inspired. It's the collective effort to bring positivity, enthusiasm, and encouragement into every class, rehearsal, and performance. This concept is essential not just for the dancers but for teachers, staff, and parents. When everyone is committed to uplifting one another, the studio becomes a place where creativity flourishes, and everyone can perform at their best.

Why It Matters in Dance

Dance is an art form that demands vulnerability. Whether you're learning a new routine or performing in front of an audience, it requires putting yourself out there, often outside of your comfort zone. In these moments, the atmosphere in the room can make all the difference.

When a space is supportive, dancers feel more confident to take risks, explore their creativity, and push their boundaries. They're more likely to try that challenging move, to express themselves more fully, and to recover quickly from mistakes. This environment also fosters a sense of community, where everyone is working together toward a common goal.

The Role of Instructors

For instructors, "lifting the room" starts with setting the tone. Our teachers are not just experts in their craft; they are mentors who lead with empathy and encouragement. They understand that each dancer is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and potential. By recognizing and celebrating these differences, our instructors help each student feel seen and valued.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dance education. A well-timed word of encouragement or a simple acknowledgment of effort can motivate a dancer to keep going, even when the going gets tough. Our instructors strive to create a balance between challenging their students and providing the support needed to meet those challenges.

The Impact on Students

When students experience a "lifted" room, they thrive. They develop not just as dancers, but as confident, resilient individuals. This environment teaches them that they are part of something bigger than themselves—a community where their success is linked to the success of others.

Dancers who feel supported are more likely to support others, creating a habit that extends beyond the studio. They carry these lessons into their daily lives, becoming more compassionate, collaborative, and confident in whatever they do.