About Lisa

My philosophy and my life-long body of work can all be summed up in 3 words:

Plate Lunch Dance. 

The name comes from where I grew up—Hawai'i—where a “plate lunch” is this beautiful, nourishing mix of foods from different cultures, all side by side on one plate. That’s how I see dance, too. Different styles, different influences, different moods…they all belong together.

That spirit of variety, creativity, and daily nourishment is at the core of how I work. Whether I’m choreographing, teaching, or just dancing in my kitchen, I’m always exploring how movement can tell a story, shift energy, or bring people together. Dance is how I process the world, how I connect with others, and how I stay rooted in joy and curiosity.

Plate Lunch Dance is the name I use for my creative projects, but it’s also just me. It’s my reminder that dance can happen anywhere, everywhere, every day. And that everyone deserves a place at the table.

Some highlights of my work:

Training: 

  • MA, Dance Education, NYU

  • BA, Dance, UCLA

  • Functional Awareness® Movement Educator

  • Language of Dance® Foundations Graduate

  • Hula in the Maiki Aiu Lake tradition

  • NYU Steinhardt Dance Education Study Abroad Program to Uganda

Experience: 

  • Dance Educator in New York City Public Schools

  • Dance Educator for I’m a Bright Kid Foundation (IABK) Summer Performing Arts Program

  • Founding member of LIMBIC SIX

  • Company member of Troika Ranch

  • National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) Member and Presenter

  • New York State Dance Education Association (NYSDEA) Past President

A woman with short brown hair reaching towards the camera against a dark blue background, smiling slightly, wearing a brown, tie-dye style top and dark pants.

photo credit: @becca.vision

Let’s connect

Whether you’re a director looking for a choreographer, a parent helping your child prep for an audition, or a fellow dance maker looking for a fresh perspective, I offer movement solutions that are custom-built, collaborative, and deeply satisfying. 

Every project is a chance to combine ingredients and serve up something unforgettable - want to join me?