About Us

Dr. Alisa Dangsupa Answers Questions from Performing Artists

How did you get your start in dance?

My mom introduced me to my first dance class when I was 19.  I saw her smile as if she were transported somewhere when she danced.  I wanted to know where she went to and why she was smiling!!  So I joined my mom in my first dance class- learning the hustle.   I thought- okay, mom!!   I dig it. 

Which artists inspired or influence you?

I was treating a 14-year-old high school ballet dancer who attended my old high school.  I never saw a dancer who looked as if she danced even when she wasn't dancing.  She did her rehab for her knee as if her life depended on it.  I was amazed and asked her where she got her inspiration.  She spoke of her favorite dance movie called White Nights with Mikhail Baryshnikov & Gregory Hines.  When I saw those two dancers, I knew what she was striving for and she inspired me to work harder than I ever worked to get her to her dream.

What is your favorite dance?

I have a hard time answering this question because I feel the excitement, energy, and appreciation for every dance I have learned.  I love dance movement!!  I love the soft flows, the hard hits, the popping, the locking, the undulations, the lines, and the curvatures I see in dance. The crazy parts in the dance that only a dancer can know, love, and understand.  If I had to absolutely pick, I would have to say Latin, hip hop, ballet, street, and modern.  Lol.  I'm in love with dance as dance.

Who were your favorite dance teachers?

My first teacher was Sasha Yapparov who received his dance education at the Perm State Ballet Academy in Russia.  He taught me humble discipline and appreciation for training past the "I can't hold my arms up anymore" that I would say in my head.    He wanted us to be the best, and that made me smile.  

At the same time, I was training in modern from John Parks former Alvin Ailey Principal dancer.  I was taken the most by how he taught grace and fluidity with 3 or 4 of us moving separately but collectively. I really love the way he made me think of dancing in a way that utilizes and accents every line and curve in our arms, hands, back, legs and feet.. down to the finger and toes.  

My current artistic director and choreographer for Latin dance is Giana Montoya.  At the same time, I am also learning Afro-Cuban dance movement from Yudileidys Valdés.  They both teach at Elegant Rumba Dance Company.  Giana has taught me all of the above with faith to believe in myself as a performance dancer.  Without her, I think my dancing would not have had a solid foundation.  Yudi keeps the dancer in me happy & alive, intelligent & growing.  

What does Axis Movement mean to you?

When a dancer can access all 650 of her skeletal muscles to move all 206 bones in her body.  

Who is Axis Movement for?

She is the dancer whose plumes are unfurling.  She asks how far and willing will one go to extend oneself.  To reach physical defiance and become her immortalized self.  She wants to know how to transform herself to become physically stronger and lighter for her partner without feeling self-conscious about what she consumes.  She wants to learn how to access movement at every moveable segment in her body...  To face her red zones in her body that could go wrong in performance and change them to green.  All systems go. Let's do it!! .

What do you do?

My work setup is different from most traditional physical therapy settings.    I work backstage with performing artists and work a tour schedule.  Prior to Axis Movement, I worked 10 years in an outpatient orthopedic setting working with kids and adults ranging from 4 years old to 97 years old.  

Who is your crew?

If I am not working and traveling, I am usually with my family at Elegant Rumba Dance Company, Shiva Yoga Shala, or Crossfit Thoroughbreds.  The dancers, yoginis/yogis, and crossfitters there are the most supportive people... they're very hardcore about what they love doing... they really pick me up!! 

What hardships have you faced?

I have devoted the last 10 years as a physical therapist to fight against what we tell ourselves our body is limited to doing. I've been working through more than 40 years with ongoing respiratory and cardiac issues as a child and adult.  I have overcome debilitating pain in my jaw, middle and low back, feet and hips that temporarily took me off course.  I have recovered from broken bones in my hands and feet.  I was that person dancing at a wedding in my foot cast!!

What has been unknown to you?

How much I enjoyed volunteering, supporting and participating in events that were introduced to me by some of my clients, friends, and colleagues. I have been lucky to be a part of Healthy Kids Day at the Weston YMCA, Special Olympics Games, Roller Derby night with the Fort Myers Derby Girls, Cypress Sprint for Music, Neon Vibe, Color Vibe, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.  

What other performers have you worked with? 

I have worked with professional athletes who played and served for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers Men's Soccer team, Miami FC Men's Soccer team, Florida Tarpons Men's Arena Football team, Florida Everblades Men's Hockey team, Matilda Acrobat Tour of New York City, International Tennis Federation, and the Florida Senior Games.  

What do you get asked the most by dancers?

How can I get stronger, faster and smarter?  Where am I in the healing process and what do I have to do to adjust my dance training?  How do I move my body again but in a smart manner?  How can I fix myself to be better than I was before I got hurt?