Meet the Founder
Liv Eddings is a choreographer, arts educator, and arts administrator. She graduated from the University of Maryland and during her time there she won several accolades including the Erica Thimey Award for Outstanding Service in Dance Production. In early dance training, Liv didn’t commit to studying one particular dance style, but used her broad dance education and West African influences to develop a style that felt like home for her. This transition of denying conformation and developing the “home” movement birthed some of her most traveled dance works.
Liv helps dancers rediscover their “why,” connect with their “home” movement. and develop the technique, discipline, and artistic language needed to thrive in their God-given purpose with confidence and clarity. In rehearsal spaces she focuses on the mental, physical, and spiritual growth of dance artists as well as promoting healthy collaboration amongst artists, creating work through honest and vulnerable teachings, and developing artistic practices that use the power of the arts to change lives. As a choreographer, she delves into storytelling in a way that is not abstract, but obvious, because her messages of choice are too important to get lost in translation.
Working with Liv on The Black Smile dance film evolved my artistry as a choreographer and dancer. She puts the dancers first… before the project or the gig. Their presence and how they show up in the space are priorities for her. She focuses on the process and the quality of work. Additionally, she is intentional with each and every choice on and off the dance floor. Liv is a true storyteller and a wonderful artist to work with! I would work with her again, no questions asked!
-Shartoya Jn.Baptiste/Choreographer/Dance Educator/Co-Director for The Black Smile Dance Film
About Us
Graced Training Center was born from a collective longing shared by dancers across the DMV. The artists who loved their craft yet struggled to find a place where they could grow consistently, safely, and authentically at any stage of life. For many of us, dance began in spaces that felt freeing and expressive, yet as we moved deeper into the industry, we encountered competitive environments, harmful norms, and training processes that left little room for imperfection, individuality, or late-blooming artistry.
GTC was created in response to that gap.
Our founder’s journey reflects what so many dancers quietly experience: starting “later” than industry norms, navigating institutions not built with us in mind, wrestling with identity and belonging, and realizing how easily the heart of dance can get lost in the grind of performance and perfection. Many of us trained in spaces where we watched dancers dim their voices to fit expectations, and choreographers search for support that didn’t exist.
In our collective circles of friends, collaborators, mentors, and students, we saw the same story repeat.
Adults and teen emerging artists were deeply committed, but lacked access to multi-level, purpose-driven, technically grounded, and emotionally safe training outside of youth programs or professional companies.
GTC exists to change that.
Here, training is not a race toward a role or an aesthetic, but it’s a process of becoming. We help dancers rediscover their “why,” reconnect with their “home” movement, and develop the technique, discipline, and artistic language needed to thrive with confidence and clarity. Our approach centers identity over image, purpose over pressure, and long-term growth over momentary achievement.
We believe it’s never too late to be shaped and refined. Whether you’re beginning your dance journey at 16 or 36, returning to the studio after years away, or preparing to stand alongside seasoned professionals, GTC meets you where you are and prepares you for where you’re going.
We are planning for the following offerings:
Consistent, multi-level training for teen and adult dancers
Choreography and creative development for emerging choreographers and directors
Mentorship and coaching that prioritizes the whole artist’s mind, body, spirit
Technical training rooted in multiple dance forms including modern, ballet, improvisation, and more
Creative labs and workshops for improvisation, composition, and personal movement language
Flexible training tracks that allow dancers to build a path aligned with their purpose
Every dancer who enters our space is treated as a contributor, not just a participant. We cultivate rooms where artists can speak, discover, take risks, and be seen. We prioritize building a supportive community that replaces competition, and treats the process with the same reverence as performance. Our goal however, is not for you to remain in this place. We want to be the bridge that guides you to where you are meant to be, and a home to return to whenever you need refinement, remembering, or a fresh encounter with the artist you’re becoming.
