Born in El Paso Texas and raised in Sharon, Massachusetts, May-Lisa Chandler started to learn Gymnastic at two years old at the Cathy Corrigan School of Gymnastics, where she then become a participant in the junior Olympics in her young ages. When May-Lisa reached her teenage years, she wanted to advance her athletic skills by training as a dancer in Ballet and modern at the Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts. After just a few short years, Chandler then joined, “A” Major Dance Company where she performed styles from lyrical-jazz to modern-ballet.
Later, May-Lisa was casted in a movie with Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin in “House Sitter” where she played the role of a Classroom dancer. After having this experience, this then brought her to working with choreographers such as Gregory Hines, Alvin Ailey and others. At the age of 22 she began dancing with IDT Dance Company and shortly thereafter Chandler began training at the Ailey School with Mr. Ailey as one of her mentors. after training at the Ailey School, May-Lisa became an original member of Phunk Phenomenon Dance Company at the age of 27.
Throughout the years of performing May-Lisa has been a dance/movement instructor for the Boston Public Schools, private organizations and community centers. Working alongside organizations such as BalletRox, Roxbury Center, Sharon Dance Center, Jp School of Dance, and Bird Street Community Center has given May-Lisa a wonderful opportunity to work with the inner city youth of Boston. Previously selected as Artistic Director of One Luv Dance Company then moving forward as Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Jo-Mé Dance Arts Inc. May-Lisa plans to help grow our youth’s education in the arts and self-awareness by providing opportunities for inner city dancers, from young to professionals, to help embrace their artistic voice.