Alice Sheppard is a Bessie award-winning choreographer and dancer. She is also a wheelchair user. Alice earned her Doctorate Degree in Medieval Studies from Cornell University. She became a professor at Pennsylvania State University until Homer Avila, a disabled dancer, dared Alice to take a dance class. This was Alice’s first experience with the world of dance. She loved dance so much that she left her life as a professor to pursue becoming a dancer. She made her debut with Infinity Dance Theater and eventually joined the AXIS Dance Company. She has toured nationally with them, as well as taught in their outreach programs.
In her choreography, Alice utilizes her wheelchair as if it were an extension of her body. When she dances, it truly is! Alice enjoys defying logic and challenges the traditional mindset surrounding dancing and disabled bodies. Some of the works choreographed by Alice include: Doors, Descent, I Belong to You, and Trusting If/Believing When. In addition to her Bessie Award, Alice has also been awarded the Wynn Newhouse Award and the Creative Capital Award.
Due to her engagements and involvement in disability arts, culture, history, and race, Alice is often a sought-after public speaker. She inspires many to follow their dreams and offers society new perspectives of possibility. Her work as a choreographer, dancer, and a key-note speaker has positively impacted all those who have crossed paths with her.