Partner Spotlight: Alyssa Braud
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Alyssa discusses the creation of her new dance film, Woman
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Alyssa now calls Sarasota, Florida home, where she works as a freelance dancer, choreographer, and yoga teacher. This season, Alyssa is collaborating with Of Moving Colors Productions as the creator of a new dance film, Woman—a deeply personal exploration of the beauty, complexity, and power of womanhood.
Creating Woman
At the heart of Woman is the desire to portray "the chaos, beauty, and intimacy of being a woman." Alyssa drew inspiration from The Birth of Venus, using imagery from the iconic painting to symbolize rebirth, transformation, and stepping into one's power.
Because she lives in Sarasota, filming took place on the beaches of Florida, providing a natural and symbolic backdrop for the work. The costumes also became an important part of the film's message.
"I decided to choose costumes that were revealing of our bodies," Alyssa explains. "They show parts of ourselves that we may feel ashamed of. I wanted those parts to be seen and celebrated, to show that they are beautiful no matter what shape, size, or form our bodies take."
The process was vulnerable not only for the dancers but for Alyssa herself. As both choreographer and performer, she experienced the challenge of being filmed up close while confronting her own insecurities. That vulnerability became an essential part of the work's authenticity.
A Different Creative Process
Unlike many of Alyssa's previous choreographic projects, Woman began with a concept rather than music.
"Normally, a piece of music catches my attention first, and I create choreography from there," she says. "For this piece, I started with the idea."
Instead of building movement from a specific score, she carried the concept with her throughout her daily life. Whether driving, exercising, or listening to music, she would discover movement ideas that resonated with the theme of women stepping into their power. She documented these phrases, refined them, and eventually shared video recordings with the dancers before filming began.
When the cast gathered on the beach, Alyssa focused on helping the dancers connect personally to the material. She posed questions about their experiences as women, inviting them to reflect on moments of chaos, suppression, strength, and self-discovery.
The dancers then brought their own stories and emotions into the choreography, creating a work rooted in shared experience.
Collaboration at the Center
For Alyssa, collaboration is one of the most rewarding aspects of the creative process.
"I really like to collaborate with the dancers," she says.
She often provides questions and prompts ahead of rehearsals, allowing performers time to reflect before entering the studio. During filming, dancers improvised using specific movement motifs while responding to these personal reflections.
Those improvisations became a source of inspiration for Alyssa as well. Watching the dancers explore their own experiences often sparked new choreographic ideas, unexpected connections, and moments that ultimately shaped the final film.
"I think that's my favorite part about creating and dancing," she says. "Collaborating with the dancers."
As editing continues, Alyssa is enjoying another layer of the creative journey: weaving together movement, imagery, and storytelling through film.
"It's kind of like putting a whole show together," she explains. "We're looking through all the footage and discovering new connections. I'm having fun trusting the process and seeing where it leads."
Artistic Inspirations
When asked about artists who inspire her, Alyssa points to choreographers Akram Khan and Crystal Pite.
"I really love the way they portray humanity and symbols in nature," she says.
Their ability to blend powerful storytelling with movement continues to influence her own artistic voice.
Looking Ahead
Alyssa's long-term dream is simple but ambitious: to create a dance company of her own.
"Only time will tell how that all comes together in the future," she says.
Given her passion for collaboration, storytelling, and community-building, it's easy to imagine that future taking shape in exciting ways.
Beyond the Studio
When she's not dancing, choreographing, or teaching yoga, Alyssa enjoys finding creativity in everyday life.
"I really love baking and cooking and just any other kind of creative outlet that I can do around the house."
And if you're wondering about her guilty pleasure?
"Chocolate," she laughs. "I always have three to five different chocolate snacks in the house depending on the day and how I'm feeling."
From the rehearsal studio to the kitchen, Alyssa embraces creativity in all its forms—a quality that shines through in every aspect of her work.
We are thrilled to have Alyssa collaborating with Of Moving Colors Productions this season and can't wait to share Woman with our audience.
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