​Lia Mendoza is a classically trained ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz dancer with over 18 years of experience. From the age of 2, she trained professionally with Nolte Academy of Dance under ballet mistress Grace Snyder, as well as at Ballet Royale Minnesota under the mentorship of Denis Vogt. During this time, she performed in numerous starring and soloist roles, including twice as Clara in The Nutcracker, alongside featured performances in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Coppélia, La Sylphide, and Giselle, among others.

Her dance journey also includes extensive competitive experience with AFFECT Dance Company and Nolte Academy of Dance, where she earned multiple awards for solos, duets, trios, and group performances. She competed at major regional and national events such as Nuvo Dance Competition, Spotlight Dance Cup, and Masquerade Dance Competition, consistently placing in top categories and receiving special recognition for her ballet and contemporary solos. She has also trained with prestigious summer intensives such as Alonzo King LINES Ballet, American Ballet Theatre’s JKO School, Kaatsbaan Ballet with Martine van Hamel, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Joffrey Ballet, further broadening her artistry and technical foundation.

Currently, Lia is a proud artist and executive board member of Thrive Dance Company, UC Berkeley’s premier contemporary dance company, where she continues to grow as a performer, artist, and leader.​
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