Lizzie MacKenzie

Lizzie is the Artistic Director of Extensions Dance Company and founder of Extensions Dance Center, both located in Chicago. She enjoyed 6 years dancing and touring internationally with Rivernorth Dance Company following 5 years doing the same with Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. She is currently dances with Ron De Jesus Dance Company and Chicago Repertory Ballet, as well as continuing her work with various independent choreographers. The year 2012 marked her 13th season dancing under the direction of Harrison Mceldowny with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in their annual “Welcome Yule” Christmas spectacular. She has been given various awards for her choreography, including the “New Voice” honor from Dance Chicago in 2006, the “Choreographer of The Year” from Dance Chicago in 2008 and she was a finalist in the A.W.A.R.D show for her piece entitled “Altered Interactions” on Nomi Lamad Dance Company. She has been honored for her contemporary choreography at Youth America Grand Prix and has had numerous finalists in the NFAA Young Arts competition, including a Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2011. In August of 2002 Lizzie was featured on the cover of DANCE magazine and has since been featured in various magazines as a model for Leo’s Dancewear and Illinois Theatrical. Lizzie spends most of her free time teaching and choreographing all over the U.S and her contemporary class has been listed in Dancespirit magazine as one of the top 3 dance classes to take in Chicago.