Department of Theatre and Dance

• M.F.A. Ohio State University, Dance Performance, 2009
• M.A. Appalachian State University, Community Counseling, Emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy, 2005
• B.F.A. University of Utah, Modern Dance, 2000
• Advisor for the Somatic Sustainability Minor
• Courses: Somatics and Sustainable Practices; Somatics; GYROKINESIS®; Pilates; Modern Dance Technique; Jazz Dance Technique; Creative Process, Movement, and Therapy; and Exploring the Arts: Dance

Laurie Atkins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Appalachian State University and currently serves as the Assistant Chair. She was a core faculty member for the Now & Next Dance Mentoring Project and has served as faculty at the Appalachian State Expressive Arts Summer Institute. She regularly teaches for the Expressive Arts Graduate Program at Appalachian.

Laurie has worked for a variety of artists/companies as a performer and collaborator throughout her career, including Ashley Thorndike, Meghan Durham Wall, Annie Kloppenberg, and Amy Beasley. She regularly choreographs for departmental productions and has presented work at the Vision of Sound New Music and Dance Festival and the Body Mind Centering Association Conference. She has also presented at a variety of conferences, including the Association for Sustainability in Higher Education, Body Mind Centering Association, International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, and the Somatic Dance Conference. Forthcoming publications include a co-authored publication in the Journal of Dance Education in Practice and a co-authored book chapter in Treatment Planning, Writing, and Documentation in Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals.

Laurie's somatic training and certifications include Comprehensive Classical Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Yoga Nidra, Embodied Social Justice, and experience as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist.