By Jerriline Cisco

Lowell, MA- “Dance is the hidden language of the soul,” according to American choreographer Martha Graham.  

One talented LHS teacher embodies this language in her daily work.

“When I’m dancing especially on stage, after all the hours of rehearsal and I don’t have to think–it’s in my body, time stops…I am extremely present where my mind and body are one and my spirit takes over,” said Ms. McHugh who began teaching dance at LHS in 2014.

She is a dedicated dancer and teacher who helps her students interpret movement.

The “balance between technique and authentic movement” is the main idea behind dance, said Ms. McHugh, who wants her students to find that “language of the soul” as described by Graham.

Ms. McHugh started dancing early in life but she started teaching much later.

Before coming to teach at LHS she danced professionally with Sesame Street Live and also at the Jody Weber Dance company.

She attended college in Buffalo, New York, and ever since then she’s been dancing in some capacity.

Ms. McHugh came to the City of Lowell more recently and taught creative movement on the side at the YMCA studio.

LHS seems to be the right fit for her now.  It’s a place where one can share dance and help others share dance within a diverse community.

“If I were in another school it wouldn’t be at the right place, I think I am at the right place,” she said about LHS.

Being a dancer whether you are a teacher or student there’s always that one song or dance movement to get you sane, she continued.

“I think every dancer can relate that it’s the physical mental and emotional expression it brings people,” said Ms. McHugh.