Michelle Bernier grew up in Maine, training in ballet intensively under Laurie Levasseur, and then went on to study dance at Skidmore College and the University of Southern Florida, where she fell in love with contemporary dance. After completing her bachelor's degree in Philosophy with a focus on Eastern Philosophy, Michelle performed professionally with Collective Motion, Life/Art Dance Ensemble, and as a soloist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and became a massage therapist. Her education then led to a Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she focused her studies on somatic dance education, teaching contemporary dance and other courses. She also earned a Certificate in College Teaching, and was a part of the first group of graduates in the country to receive a Healthy Dance Practice Certification from Safety in Dance International/IADMS. She has been teaching children and adults for over 15 years, including directing a youth outreach ensemble for 6 years, and is currently on staff at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Her approach to teaching is inspired by her studies of Alexander Technique and Spiraldynamik, and provides a caring, empowering atmosphere where students can safely and thoroughly learn dance technique through a somatic lens, focusing on healthy alignment, honest expression, and personal artistry.
Michelle Bernier grew up in Maine, training in ballet intensively under Laurie Levasseur, and then went on to study dance at Skidmore College and the University of Southern Florida, where she fell in love with contemporary dance. After completing her bachelor's degree in Philosophy with a focus on Eastern Philosophy, Michelle performed professionally with Collective Motion, Life/Art Dance Ensemble, and as a soloist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and became a massage therapist. Her education then led to a Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she focused her studies on somatic dance education, teaching contemporary dance and other courses. She also earned a Certificate in College Teaching, and was a part of the first group of graduates in the country to receive a Healthy Dance Practice Certification from Safety in Dance International/IADMS. She has been teaching children and adults for over 15 years, including directing a youth outreach ensemble for 6 years, and is currently on staff at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Her approach to teaching is inspired by her studies of Alexander Technique and Spiraldynamik, and provides a caring, empowering atmosphere where students can safely and thoroughly learn dance technique through a somatic lens, focusing on healthy alignment, honest expression, and personal artistry.