Meet Lucy Wallace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Wallace.

Hi Lucy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been dancing since I was five years old. I have a masters in psychology, and after running a dance studio, I started a nonprofit, bringing Dance to incarcerated people around the country.

My passion is in helping people heal from trauma through cathartic movement and music, especially in rural and underserved prisons. Since 2015, we have offered our teachers, training in 21 prisons and 12 states!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! Running a nonprofit, and working with the Department of Corrections are probably two of the most challenging sectors in our society. Prisons do not pay us so the Fundraising is completely dependent on donors in grants from foundations.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think my personality is a really good match for working in such challenging environments. What would be intimidating to most people I find compelling.

I think my humor serves me not only in the moment of working in prison but also in terms of what I carry home with me. I am also able to see that trauma is at the root of criminal behavior, so there is no struggle seeing a human being and not a criminal.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was in upstate New York with my good friend, Leigh, and my parents at a family cabin on Loon Lake.

Pricing:

• $20 for a drop-in dance class in Boulder
• $25 a month for Dance To Be Free’s online subscription site
• $100 six class card
• $50 crop hoodie with logo

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dancetobefree.org
• Instagram: @dancetobefree.us
• Facebook: @dancetobefree.us

Image Credits
Cliff Grassmick and Daily Camera