Lisa Saunders has an extensive background in ethnic dance and   played a pivotal role in shaping today's Bay Area cultural arts scene: as a principle artist with traditional West African dance company the "African Music & Dance Ensemble" and collaborating artist with well known companies such as Fua Dia Congo, under the direction of Malonga Casquelourd and student performer with Diamano Coura. She has, performed at world-class venues like the Zellerbach Theatre, and shared   the staged with musical icons such as Isaac Hayes and Bill Summers.

Lisa's accomplishments include the co-founding of "Batucaje!", the Bay Area's pioneer Afro-Brazilian dance company in 1978. Her work with "Batucaje!" gave birth to the world famous "Carnival San Francisco" and helped to establish   the samba explosion which followed over the next 2 decades.  

She is a gifted hula dancer and a fluent singer of the ancient songs of old Hawai'i. She was certified in 1990 by renowned master of Hawai'ian music, dance and culture, George Naope: founder of the the annual "Merrie Monarch Hula Competition" known as the Superbowl of Hula . Her community art projects include the founding of Hula Manu O'o in 1988 (Oakland's first Hawai'ian dance ensemble) and the development her own signature technique for instructing traditional dance.   Lisa attracts students from far and wide who thrill to experience her unique style and easy approach to dance.