Lisa Rae Smith, Founder/Artistic Director

Lisa’s dance journey started at the age of 3 in a small studio not too far from home, where her mother worked. The youngest of seven children, most who were found dancing in the studio, Lisa trained in ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics, and pointe and was broadened by master classes in hip-hop, swing, and modern. She performed in many local, regional, and national competitions and events, including Star System’s Nationals in Las Vegas, a Philadelphia 76er’s halftime performance, a Miss New Jersey USA fundraiser, the 2006 Philadelphia’s Mummer’s Parade, and the world class 2008 Orange Bowl Halftime Show.

After graduating high school in 2005, Lisa attended Montclair State University’s dance program for 2 years before returning home to begin her journey as a teacher and choreographer. Since then, Lisa has traveled up and down the East Coast, teaching and sharing her passion for dance with her students. She was on staff for over 10 years at the Rock School West for Dance Education, in West Chester, PA, where her choreography won numerous awards and recognition, including NYCDA’s Teen Critic’s Choice Award for her piece entitled “Don’t Hold the Wall.” Lisa was also a guest teacher at the Rock Center for Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA, as well as a guest judge for the National Dance Showcase Dance Competition.

In 2024, feeling a hole in the local dance community, Lisa started Focused Fusion Dance Center, a dance studio for students wanting quality, next level dance education.

At Focused Fusion, students hone in on strength, technique, and performance quality while focusing on their artistic growth. Lisa’s goal in every class is to make her students feel strong, confident, challenged, and motivated to express themselves and find their own sense of self. She is excited to begin this new chapter in her career!