Department of Theatre and Dance

• M.F.A. Ohio State University-Dance Performance
• M.A. Appalachian State University- Community Counseling, Emphasis Expressive Arts Therapy
• B.F.A. University of Utah- Modern Dance
• Advisor for the Somatic Sustainability Minor
• Courses: Somatics and Sustainable Practices, Somatics, 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. She was a core faculty member for the Now & Next Dance Mentoring Project from 2010-2015. She received her M.F.A. in Dance Performance from Ohio State University and has worked for a variety of artists/companies as a performer and collaborator. 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 International Conference. In 2005 she received an M.A. in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy from Appalachian State University and regularly teaches for the Expressive Arts Program at Appalachian. Her somatic training includes a certification in Classical Pilates from the Appalachian Pilates Teacher Training Program, and experience as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist from 2002-2009.