Introducing A'Myra Menard

A’Myra Menard is a Lafayette-born movement artist, choreographer, and emerging creative whose work is rooted in story, sensation, and the continual evolution of the body. Beginning her dance training at age 11 under the direction of Leigha Porter at F.I.R.E Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory, she has spent more than a decade shaping a practice grounded in discipline, curiosity, and community.

A’Myra is currently a senior in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s School of Dance, pursuing her BFA and deeply invested in strengthening both her physical and mental artistry. Her recent recognition includes the prestigious Jim Firmin Scholarship Award in Performing Arts, honouring her

dedication, leadership, and creative voice.

Her performance credits span concert dance, community productions, and educational showcases—including appearances in State of LA Danse, Evening of Dance, and Preservation, a work presented at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Last year, she was also selected as a featured dancer in the program’s promotional photoshoot for the 2024–2025 season.

Beyond the stage, A’Myra serves as the Associate Director for the Ensemble, supporting artistic operations, community programming, and studio initiatives. Her creative world expands even further through event promotion, artist features, and youth arts engagement.

This past summer, she attended Zeitgeist Dance Theatre and Perry-Mansfield, continuing to push her craft, her limits, and her understanding of what movement can communicate. A’Myra’s artistry is driven by resilience, growth, and the belief that dance is both a personal unfolding and a communal offering—an opportunity to see, feel, and transform.

Who makes up your art circle?

My artist circle is made up of the people who shape me creatively and personally. It includes my family, who have supported my journey from the beginning and continue to ground me, guide me, and push me to keep going. It also includes my mentors and directors at F.I.R.E Expressions—especially Ms. Leigha Porter—whose leadership has influenced every stage of my growth. My fellow dancers and choreographers at UL Lafayette, cast mates from State of LA Danse, Evening of Dance, and Preservation, and the creatives I collaborate with through community programs, PARC Village, are all part of it too. My circle is a blend of loved ones, teachers, peers, and community artists who each contribute something unique to my development.

How do you expand your art circle?

I expand my artist circle by staying open to new people and new environments—whether that’s working on community projects, performing in new productions, attending intensives like Zeitgeist Dance Theatre, or featuring local artists through interviews and collaborative content. My family and mentors also play a role in that expansion by encouraging me to explore new opportunities, connecting me to people they know, and reminding me to step into spaces where I can grow. I build my circle by showing up fully, supporting other artists, and being willing to learn from those around me. Every class I teach, rehearsal I join, event I help promote, or room I enter introduces me to someone new and strengthens the creative network around me.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

A creative community gives me a sense of belonging, accountability, and possibility. Being surrounded by other artists—people who dream big, experiment boldly, and understand the struggles behind the work—keeps me grounded and motivated. It’s a space where ideas are shared, where vulnerability is welcomed, and where growth is supported. Creative community reminds me that art doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s shaped by dialogue, mentorship, and collective experiences. Having a community also helps me see different ways of thinking and making, which strengthens my voice as a dancer and choreographer.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My artistic approach is rooted in honesty, curiosity, and storytelling through the body. I contribute to my community by creating work that opens conversations about cycles, emotion, breath, and personal evolution. As a teacher, I help young dancers build confidence, discipline, and awareness in their own bodies. As a choreographer and performer, I offer perspectives shaped by resilience and reflection, hoping to show others the power of movement to communicate what words cannot. And as an organiser, assistant, and community arts supporter, I help build spaces where creativity can thrive. My approach is about uplifting others, sharing knowledge, and showing up wholeheartedly so our community continues to grow stronger and more connected.

Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund, managed by Lafayette Travel.