Holly Lehnertz grew up in a suburb of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). While in college, she studied numerous techniques including Countertechnique, Graham, Cunningham, Limon, and Release. She performed works by José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and Kira Blazek-Ziaii. After graduating from UNCSA, Holly moved to Israel to dance with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company – MASA. In Israel, she performed works by Rami Beer and Mats Ek. Holly has participated in many summer studies including Cambrians Dance Chicago, Peter Chu’s Intensive, Entity Dance Company, Countertechnique, Thodos Dance Chicago, Point Park Intensive and Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive. Holly also danced professionally for Hedwig Dances in Chicago for their 2021 and 2022 seasons. In the summer of 2022, she performed with the Kate Jablonksi Statement in Croatia for the Sibenik Dance Festival where the company and Holly performed outdoors on the main stage at the St. Michael’s Fortress. Meanwhile, Holly danced professionally with Water Street Dance Milwaukee for 2 years in 2021 through 2023. The company was featured as one of the ‘Top 25 to Watch’ in Dance Magazine. While dancing with Water Street, she toured many cities including New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Toledo. During her time with Water Street, she worked with numerous choreographers including Madison Hicks, Braeden Barnes, Annie Franklin and Morgan Williams. Recently, Holly performed in Milwaukee with Three Point Project as a guest artist. Holly has also choreographed on Water Street Dance Milwaukee and Prospect Varsity Dance Team (state qualifiers). She has received multiple choreography awards at dance competitions and conventions. Holly loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and hopes they will continue to feel inspired and excited about dance!