Introducing Anna Maria Hebert

Anna Maria Hebert is a Lafayette-born performer, choreographer, and dance educator whose work centers on portraying stories and emotions through movement. She began dancing at the age of three at Jill Listi Dance Studio (JLDS), where she trained for 16 years, including 10 years as a member of the Elite Competition Team. During her time there, she developed a deep passion for dance and the arts, inspiring her to continue her dance education. Anna Maria has also served as an instructor at JLDS for the past four years.

This August, she will begin her final semester at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts with a concentration in Dance. Throughout her time at the university, she has performed and choreographed in numerous productions, including State of LA Danse, Evening of Dance, Fall Dance, and Spring Dance. This past year, Anna Maria had the privilege of touring schools throughout South Louisiana alongside her professors and peers, presenting both her own choreography and works by guest artists.

Her training includes programs with the Joffrey Ballet School, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School, Bruce Wood Dance Dallas, and Bates Dance Festival. She has had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as Sidra Bell, Norbert De La Cruz III, Gabriel Speiller, and many others.

Anna Maria’s artistic voice is rooted in community, connection, collaboration, vulnerability, and a commitment to creating work that evokes emotion. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a career with a professional dance company, where she can continue sharing her passion for dance while growing and finding inspiration alongside fellow artists.

Who makes up your art circle?

My art circle consists of every person who has ever supported, inspired, believed in, and poured into me. This includes my family, who graciously support me in everything I do by attending countless dance concerts; my friends, whom I could never live without; my dance teachers and professors, who instill accountability, tenacity, and confidence in me; and my UL peers, who keep me laughing and moving and serve as a constant source of inspiration.

How do you expand your art circle?

I expand my art circle by taking on any opportunity I can! I love choreographing in UL’s annual student concerts, as well as participating in my talented peers’ works. By traveling to different places around the country for dance intensives, I have also met so many people who share my passion for dance, which is always inspiring.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

There is great value in having a creative community. Artists like me thrive in spaces where other creatives can share their work with the community. It kind of creates this cycle of inspiration where art is constantly driving artists to create, to move, to observe, to feel, and in return, give back to their community the same way it poured into them.

How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?

My artistic approach contributes to the community by seeking personal connections in my work. When I enter a choreography process, I want my dancers to understand and relate to the work in a way that makes sense for them. I enjoy getting input and real-life personal experiences from the dancers to inspire and drive my choreography in order for it to come to life.