May 7, 2026, Seward Folly Staff

It isn’t every day that a small town like Seward watches one of its own rise to prominence in the dance world, but that’s exactly what Lola Swanson has done. What began as a childhood passion grew into something much bigger, thanks to years of dedicated training and unwavering family support.

Now, Lola has brought her skills home. Through her teaching and infectious energy, dance in Seward has evolved from an afterthought into a core part of the town’s identity. Just last weekend, the community got a front-row seat to Lola’s influence, as preschoolers to adult tap dancers took the stage at a local recital, inspiring a new generation of dancers.

Together with her mother, Brittany, Lola founded Hive Dance Studio, named after her middle name, Bee, to expand dance opportunities in Seward. Their bee-themed classes pop up in spaces across town, from Apex to Seward Yoga Studio, making dance accessible to kids of all ages.

Lola’s teaching style is welcoming and straightforward. She saw a gap in her hometown and moved to fill it. Thanks in part to her, dance is woven into Seward’s culture.

A family move to Hawaii opened new doors. Lola joined Manoa Dance Studio, and when the owner left, Brittany stepped in to manage the studio, giving Lola a chance to train much more intensively — five or six days a week instead of just one. That’s where she joined her first competition team, started tap and acro (tumbling and flexibility), and experienced the kind of training Seward couldn’t provide.

Remarkably, Lola started teaching at age nine, working with kids as young as three.

“People say I’m a natural teacher, but really, it’s something I’ve learned over time,” she says. “Teaching while still taking my own classes has taught me what students need, and I’m always adjusting. I’m still training now, so I teach from experience, not just memory.”

For Lola, dance is unique. She thrives on expressing emotion through movement, though she’s not sure yet whether her future lies in teaching or performing. “Performing gives me an adrenaline rush like nothing else. One of my favorite things is connecting with the music — hearing a new solo or group piece for the first time is always special.”

As for teaching, she says, “I really enjoy it, but I don’t know yet if I’ll pursue that over a professional dance career, especially with my upcoming move to New York. Right now, I’m focused on both.”

Her next step is a bachelor’s in communications through the University of Alaska’s online program. In January, she’ll move to Manhattan to train at Steps on Broadway Conservatory, one of the country’s top dance schools. The program demands about 50 hours a week across a range of dance styles, culminating in a certificate in professional dance training after two years. She’ll juggle her degree and conservatory training simultaneously.

Photos from Hive Studio’s website.

Seward’s dance scene has more history than some might realize. Brittany recalls how Sylvia Ingram, a longtime Seward pool employee and former professional ballerina, gave Lola private lessons as a child: “We were so grateful.”

Recently, Brittany ran into Sylvia and shared Lola’s acceptance to Steps on Broadway. Sylvia immediately remembered Lola, and, it turns out, had danced at the very same studio in her own New York days. “‘Oh, yeah, I danced there when I lived in New York,’ Sylvia remembered. She knew the address, she described the building. She was like, ‘Yeah, back in my day when I was just, like, hitting the pavement in New York City, going to auditions, training as much as I can,’” Brittany recounted. 

Seward High School sometimes takes heat for a lack of opportunities, but Lola believes the community steps up to help students grow, both inside and outside the classroom. “My family was lucky to support my training, but part of why I started teaching was to give back, to reach kids whose families might not be able to travel or afford classes elsewhere.”

Watching her students grow has been one of Lola’s greatest rewards. Some have been with her since they were toddlers. “The middle group that performed a lyrical ballet to ‘In Case You Don’t Live Forever’ — it’s amazing to see their progress. The little hip-hop group was brand new this year and it was fun to try something different.”

Recitals are a family affair: Lola and her mom backstage wrangling kids, her dad and brother running lights and sound.

Katy Jurney, the mother of one of Lola’s students, loves “how much fun and spirit she brings to the dance studio.” Jurney also appreciates how she incorporates different music into their routines. “What Iris brings home and exposes me to – I love that.” Jurney adds, “I really cannot adequately express how much confidence my daughter has gained from her years with Lola – Iris’s enthusiasm for dance and all the incredible new ways she can use her body continually impress me and I can’t help but grin.” Iris tags on, “I love the extra Monday class where I get to do a lot of barre work.” 

Sisters Sophia and Ruby Hughes are both thankful for the opportunity Lola and Brittany have created.

“Lola is very charismatic and always brings a fun energy to the class,” says Sophia.

Her sister Ruby agrees: “I love the way she teaches, it’s always fun.”

Their mother, Amanda Hughes, adds, “I love Lola’s passion for dance and that she’s chosen to share that passion with our community. Lola and Brittany have provided such a positive outlet for the young people here.”

With Lola heading to New York in December, there’s uncertainty about who will take over.

“I hope there will still be opportunities for consistent technique classes in Seward, since that’s what really helps kids progress,” she says.

Brittany agrees: “Recreational dance is great, but it doesn’t offer the same sense of growth and accomplishment. Consistency and rigor are so important, especially in the middle school years when kids can start to feel self-conscious and are tempted to quit. If they stick with it, by high school, dance becomes part of who they are.”

For now, Lola is in touch with families about the future, even as plans are still taking shape. The goal: keep classes going and give as many kids as possible a chance to experience the joy of dance.