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ABOUT US
Body Lab was founded in 2016 by Heather O’Hara, a highly respected dancer, choreographer, and educator with over 28 years of professional experience. Heather’s career has taken her across the country and around the world, performing as a Radio City Rockette, appearing in a balancing act with Cirque du Soleil, and choreographing aerial and dance shows for Celebrity Cruises. With a passion for strong, well-rounded technical training, Heather created Body Lab to offer top-tier instruction in dance, acrobatics, and aerial arts for students ages 2 through adult.
From its beginning, Body Lab has focused on training-centered programming, especially for dancers ages 12 and up. These students engage in serious technical development throughout the year without the pressure of a recital or spring show. In 2018, Body Lab expanded its offerings to include an annual Spring Show for younger and beginner dancers. This event has grown to include guest performances from Body Lab’s Performance Academy, Hip Hop Companies, Advanced Aerial Company, and Kick Company, offering a celebratory showcase of the talent and progress made throughout the season.
Heather previously owned Broadway Dance and Fitness, which closed in 2009. Since then, she has continued to choreograph and train dancers across the U.S. through the O’Hara Dance Agency, a company she founded with several of her former students. In August 2017, this agency evolved into Body Lab Performance Academy (BLPA), launching with 23 dancers and quickly growing to over 85 members ranging from ages 7 to 18. These dancers compete in solos, duets, trios, and group routines throughout Texas and beyond. Over time, Body Lab has expanded to include specialized companies such as Kick Lab, Velocity, Lab Ratz, and an Aerial Company, giving students unique opportunities to grow and perform.
Body Lab also partners with Lake Travis Jiu Jitsu Club, owned by Heather’s husband, offering martial arts training as part of the studio’s diverse programming. This collaboration brings an exciting new layer of movement education to the Lake Travis community and allows students to explore strength, agility, and discipline across multiple forms.
In December 2021, Body Lab hosted its 5th annual Christmas Spectacular at Lake Travis High School, featuring dancers from LTMS Jazz Co, BCMS Raider Royalty, HBMS Pom, LTHS Red Rubies, LTHS Cavalettes, and JBHS Silver Stars, performing for an audience of over 500. Events like these highlight the studio’s dedication to community and the incredible spirit of its dancers.
With a rich foundation in performance, training, and innovation, Body Lab continues to be a place where dancers of all levels and ages can thrive. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or a competitive performer reaching for new heights, there is something for everyone at Body Lab and Lake Travis Jiu Jitsu Club.