Liisa Saario

Liisa Saario

Originally from Finland, Liisa Saario began her dance studies in Europe. She was a full-time scholarship student at Tanssikeskus r.y., training in jazz (techniques of Lynn Simonson and Matt Mattox), modern dance (Graham, Cunningham, Limon), and classical ballet.

Upon arriving in Montreal, she continued her professional training at the Peter George School of Dance in jazz, ballet, and modern dance. She also completed several workshops in New York at Dance Space, Steps, Broadway Dance Center, and Alvin Ailey.

For over 30 years, she has worked as a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. She has performed with professional companies such as Rollo Dance Theater in Finland, Théâtre de danse de Montréal, and Mt. Laurel Regional Ballet in Philadelphia. As a choreographer, Liisa has contributed to productions for TVA, including Rendez-vous spécial de la rentrée and Gala des Artistes, as well as for CFCF’s Telethon of Stars. She was the choreographer for the Opening Gala of the Palais des Congrès de Laval and the Gala Provigo at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Her work has also been featured at the Saidye Bronfman Theatre in The World of Entertainment and in performances at schools where she teaches.

Certified in teaching the Simonson Jazz Dance technique, Liisa Saario has taught at various schools in Montreal, including École de danse Eddy Toussaint, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, École de danse Peter George, Université de Montréal, and Laurenhill Dance Academy, among others.

She is currently a teacher at Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine in their dance concentration program, where students receive training in classical ballet, modern, and jazz, in addition to hip-hop, folklore, and flamenco. Liisa also teaches at Studio Bizz in Montreal and is regularly invited to teach intensive workshops throughout the province.