Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Milligan
Hi Alyssa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have been moving intentionally since I was a child. Growing up, I was drawn to nature and creating little worlds for myself in my backyard. I spent a lot of time climbing trees just to jump down from a high branch and test the limits of my body. I learned early on that I have reliable intuition, and even if something felt scary, I could push through with a developed sense of protection. I’ve taken risks, made mistakes, and encountered darkness, but I never stopped moving. I hope to inspire many to find trust in themselves and realize their potential, as we all have power in our choices.
My parents always celebrated my love for movement and signed me up for ballet classes when I was five years old. I was eager to learn something that involved connecting my mind and body. I thrived in dance classes, but I didn’t necessarily thrive in school. I only felt productive when I was exhausted from hours of physical practice. Eventually, I became too withdrawn and miserable in my high school setting, so I chose to leave school (with my parents’ permission) and take online courses. This decision allowed me to reconnect with myself, train extensively at home, and graduate early. I’ll always be grateful to my parents for listening to me and supporting my decisions, even when they were unconventional.
I continued to study dance throughout college at The Alonzo King LINES Ballet in San Francisco. I graduated in 2018 with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Psychology. During my time at LINES, I was introduced to many different techniques and ideas, but what truly excited me was improvisation class. Improv was where I could tap into those imaginary worlds again, exploring my voice as an artist. I took advantage of these opportunities to determine what was important to me in my movement, noting my musicality and how I like to move in the absence of music. I discovered my technical habits and embraced them while learning to abandon anything that felt too formal. I left LINES proud of my movement and eager to expand my range even further.
Moving from upstate New York to San Francisco for college was another necessary decision, even though it meant I wouldn’t see my family as much. I didn’t realize until later that this experience strengthened my independence. After a few years in San Francisco, I felt the urge to start a new journey, so I drove to Los Angeles in 2020 with no real plan and a world of chaos around me.
I began my life in LA completely alone, but living here as an artist can be tough due to high housing expenses. Roommates seemed like my only option at the time, and I moved around quite a bit—from Highland Park to Westwood, and now back on the East side in El Sereno. I had very few connections when I moved to LA, so I resorted to Craigslist to find housing, which led me to live with total strangers a few times. I had heard horror stories about moving in with random people, but I didn’t think it would happen to me.
One experience in Pasadena changed the trajectory of my life and impacted how I move. One of my roommates had been verbally harassing me for months, and I thought that would be the worst of it until he completely lost it and attempted to break into my room during the night. It was a night of terror, and things escalated in the morning when I had no choice but to call the police. I didn’t feel safe leaving my room, and my gut instinct told me not to open my door until the cops arrived. When they did, my roommate fled the scene, and I finally opened my door to an array of weapons, including a rifle. I believe my roommate was targeting me with the intent to take my life that night. I had ignored the verbal harassment in the months leading up to this because I thought I had no other choice. However, once I made the decision to leave that house after the incident, I immediately found my current apartment in East LA. I now live on my own, among other artists, in a tucked-away sanctuary outside of downtown.
I incorporate the fear, vulnerability, and intuition I feel from my life experiences into my art. In the last few years, I discovered I could perform with fire. I move with great respect for the element, and it has enhanced my personal awareness. I am eager to continue sharing my work in different ways, valuing my message as an artist and remaining committed to honesty. I am confident that my movement comes directly from me, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for something brighter. I encourage others to lean into the discomfort that comes with being authentically themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am confident in myself now, having overcome tough experiences like the one I shared. However, there will always be times of uncertainty. One of my biggest challenges as a movement artist has been remaining honest with myself. I have accepted work that does not align with my values due to financial pressure. I give myself grace, as it has taken time to understand my boundaries and how I want to present myself as an artist. I’ve also learned that living and creating in a safe environment is one of my highest priorities. I’m willing to accept gig work that is inconsistent to cover my rent and bills. Learning to live with some financial constraints can feel like a struggle at times. However, as I continue to grow, I am certain my needs will be met as long as I put myself first.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I define myself as a movement artist because, whether I am choreographing or improvising, my work often transcends traditional definitions of dance. I blend techniques from ballet, modern, and jazz training with my natural impulses. I’m grateful to have collaborated with other movement artists, such as Darrél Friidom Dunn, whose work inspires me as it goes beyond conventional ideas of dance.
Currently, I work with Donna Sternberg’s company, “Donna Sternberg and Dancers.” Donna fosters a lot of artistic freedom, allowing me to explore my own choreography under her guidance. I’ve performed several site-specific pieces with her throughout LA, including “Moon Rock” at the Wende Museum and “Warming” in Tongva Park, where the movement is often informed by the natural setting. I’m also working on evening-length pieces with Donna, and I appreciate the honesty and intention she values, along with the support of my talented fellow company members.
What sets me apart is my commitment to integrating my personal experiences and the environment into my work, creating a unique voice in the movement community. I am most proud of the collaborations I’ve cultivated and the growth I’ve experienced as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alyssamilligan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyssmilli/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyssamilligan1212
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Lee Gumbs
Walter Hammerwold
Caroline Chou
Wesley Clouden
