The Path to Dance

Lillian Wetzel, a native to Mid-Missouri, began her dance and movement journey as a child. Lillian credits her growth as a dancer and artist to numerous teachers and mentors over her formative years. Her early training was predominantly in Classical Ballet Methods including RAD (The Royal Academy of Dance), Ceccetti and Vaganova. Throughout her high school and college years she was fortunate enough to attend pre-professional dance intensives, some include: Ballet Magnificat!, Ad Deum Dance Company, Joffrey Ballet School NYC, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance.

Lillian holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Belhaven University with a duel emphasis in Ballet and Modern dance. It was during these undergraduate years that she discovered a deep resonance with Neoclassical styles, Contemporary Ballet, and the liberating Gaga movement language. Bringing her expertise to leadership, Lillian served as the Dance Director for the Presser Performing Arts Center from 2020 to 2022. Today, she continues to perform on stage whenever possible, channels her passion into the next generation as an instructor at Alpine Dance Academy in Frisco, CO.

The Foundation of Naba©

In 2017, Lillian established Naba©, a therapeutic movement collective centered on somatic discovery. The name stems from a Hebrew root meaning "to flow," "to bubble up," and "to spring forth." Historically, the word also signifies “to speak forth” and achieving a state of "ecstatic illumination." For Lillian, these concepts represent the natural, unstoppable release of stored physical, mental and emotional tension we often do not know how to access or express.

The Practice & Environment

Naba is inspired by Gaga, the Israeli movement language developed by Ohad Naharin. To cultivate true internal awareness, Naba classes are conducted entirely without mirrors. Removing the pressure of visual judgment allows the nervous system to settle, shifting the focus from how the body looks to how the body feels.

Lillian bridges gentle exploration with structured methods to create an accessible space for everyone. The practice accommodates both professional dancers looking to heal and non-dancers seeking to reconnect with their bodies and grow in community.

Reclaiming the Body: The GYROTONIC® & GYROKINESIS® Method

Throughout her professional dance career, Lillian faced a constant battle with chronic injuries, exhausting fatigue, and persistent physical pain. Discovering the Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® methods marked a profound turning point, sparking immediate and drastic improvements in her core stability, physical strength, and overall vitality. The practice completely revolutionized her daily studio training and elevated her stage performances.

While other movement modalities offered temporary relief, this unique system empowered Lillian to fully reclaim control of her body. At a critical crossroads when she was on the verge of walking away from dance entirely, the method provided her with a path toward deep physical healing, renewed hope, and lasting empowerment. Driven by this transformative experience, Lillian became a Certified Gyrotonic Trainer in 2018 to share this healing modality with others.

Lineage & Professional Experience

Lillian developed her expertise through rigorous training and apprenticeships, working closely with renowned Master Trainers Jennifer DePalo-Peterson, Lindsey Hansen-Sturm, and ClydeRae Jolie-Ashe. She honed her instructional skills teaching the Gyrotonic method at Gyrotonic® BODHI in Boulder, CO and and Center Strength Studios in Denver, CO.

Committed to continuous education, Lillian specialized her practice by completing Gyrotonic Applications for Dancers (Level 1) under Miriam Barbosa. In 2023, she expanded her credentials to become a Certified Gyrokinesis Trainer under the guidance of Jennifer DePalo-Peterson and Miriam Barbosa. Today, she brings these advanced therapeutic methods home to her local community, offering dedicated Gyrokinesis and Gyrotonic instruction in Breckenridge, CO.

The Therapeutic Approach & Cultivating the Space

Lillian brings uncompromised presence, passion, and intentionality to her clients every single day. Rooted in a deeply holistic philosophy, she guides individuals toward sustainable health and wellness through natural, integrative practices. Her approach extends far beyond the studio, providing customized self-care strategies that encompass clean eating, proactive injury prevention, and targeted therapeutic plans for both studio and home.

Driven by a commitment to personal transformation, Lillian meets each individual exactly where they are. She honors every client's unique anatomy and history, helping them dismantle both physical and mental obstacles to achieve optimal health and vitality.

Lillian is deeply committed to crafting an intentional environment where dualities meet: a space of renewal, calm, and restoration, paired seamlessly with the spark of motivation, courage, and vibrant energy. She holds a special reverence for her clients' physical journeys, celebrating both the grit of challenging movements and the profound "aha!" moments of somatic breakthrough. Ultimately, her mission is to guide people toward the inherent freedom and power of movement—empowering them to live fully, vibrantly, and abundantly across body, mind, and spirit.

Life in the Mountains

Lillian resides in the beautiful mountains of Summit County, Colorado, with her family. While she thrives in constant motion, she balances her studio work with a deep passion for the wilderness. During the summer months, she leads backcountry expeditions as a guide for Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries (SROM). An avid rock climber alongside her husband, Lillian is also embracing her newest adventure—savoring the sweet, precious moments of motherhood.

Qualifications