Lori Bradford holds a Bachelor’s in Arts in Visual Communications/Dance from Florida State University. After moving to Alaska she received her Master’s equivalent, Physical Education and Dance certification from University of Alaska, Anchorage. Ms. Bradford was soon hired by the Anchorage School District to create the West High Dance program “DanceWest” in 1990, teaching dance and directing performances until she retired in 2017.  For 27 years not only did she teach classes and direct performances, she also created classes, wrote curriculum, designed and made costumes, choreographed dances and developed the program from a couple of dance classes to a full on Dance Program. Ms. Bradford has also taught at Alaska Dance Theatre, Anchorage Community Schools, Alaska’s Artists in Education, and UAA’s Gymnastics Team.  Lori’s awards include: BP Teachers of Excellence Award, ASD’s Yak’ei and Quiana Award, The Light of Hope Award, and Anchorage Concert Association’s Outstanding Arts Educator Award.  Ms. Bradford began her dance training at age 5 in Miami Florida. She has performed in many areas of the arts such as TV commercials, movies, theatre, and dance. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, she acted, danced, or performed stunts in 13 movies. Lori also performed with the FSU Flying High Circus, The Now Ballet Theatre, Alaska Dance Theatre, Xsight!, and Mikael Baryshinokov’s White Oak Dance Project. 

Since retiring she has been spending time with her family, traveling, volunteering, creating art and enjoying life.