Lively Dance is an after-school dance program which local choreographer Martha Lively began at the Heath Elementary School in 1997. This program is unique in that it brings quality, affordable dance instruction to rural and urban communities. By traveling to these communities and offering dance in after-school programs, she is able to bring dance instruction to those who would not be able to participate due to travel, and time .
Ms. Lively received her Associates in Performing Arts from Dean College, Franklin Ma. Upon moving to New York City in 1988, she continued her dance training. Among others, she studied under Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis, Michael Owens; and at the Laban/Bartinieff Institute in Movement Analysis. In 1993 she co-founded “Kids Community Dance Project” and “Movement Together” which were recognized by the New York State Department of Health as “outstanding programs that involved the community with dance.” In addition to forming after-school programs in Western Mass, she has performed in New York City, Northampton, Boston and Providence.