Lisa Brown is a dancer, choreographer, teaching artist, and youth-development leader whose work has helped inspire and empower young people in the Kingston community for more than 30 years. A dedicated mentor, especially to young girls, Lisa is widely respected for creating supportive spaces where youth can develop confidence, discipline, creativity, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the arts.
Lisa began dancing at age five in Staten Island, New York, during a community arts showcase coordinated by her father. What began as an unexpected performance quickly revealed a natural talent and a deep love of dance that would shape her life’s work. Her training includes study at Broadway Dance Studio in New York City and Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy in Culver City, California, experiences that continue to inform her dynamic, innovative choreographic style.
In 2000, Lisa partnered with her father to launch Unique Fitness, a Kingston dance studio created to engage and develop young performers. She taught students from elementary school through high school, nurturing both technical dance skills and personal growth. In 2002, they founded Energy Dance Company, where Lisa served as a primary dancer, key instructor, and choreographer. Energy Dance Company has since become internationally award-winning, performing at venues including Jacob’s Pillow, the Apollo Theater, and the United Nations.
When Unique Fitness merged with the Center for Creative Education (CCE) in 2006, Lisa continued her work as a dance instructor, troupe leader, choreographer, and coordinator of children’s programs and performance events. Her choreography is known for its fresh energy, creativity, and ability to engage dancers at every level. Beyond the stage, Lisa has remained a trusted role model whose mentorship has positively shaped generations of young people and strengthened connections among students, families, and the broader community.
Lisa has served CCE in several essential leadership roles, including Program Manager and now Registration Manager. For many years, she has also served as Director of CCE’s Summer Arts Enrichment Camp, helping create safe, joyful, and enriching summer experiences for children through arts, movement, wellness, and community-building. As a certified DXF—Dance Xross Fitness® Coach, Lisa also expands her impact to adults, sharing her love of dance and fitness through high-energy classes that promote strength, wellness, confidence, and connection. She continues to inspire participants of all ages through her belief in the transformative power of movement and the arts.
Contact Lisa at [email protected].