Greenville dancer Anneclaire Nelson twirls her way home
Anneclaire Nelson’s heart picks up a beat as her car leaves I-26, sliding onto I-385. She’s that much closer to home. The 43-year-old has traveled the US, pursuing her dream to dance. But after two decades of sharing the hardwoods with A-listers, including Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Wilde, she’s returned to South Carolina.
Her newest workout studio in Charleston is in high demand, as are Upstate pop-up sessions like last month’s event at Hotel Hartness. She recently took time out of her busy schedule to chat with TOWN.
Q&A with Anneclaire Nelson
TOWN: Welcome home! How old were you when you moved away?
Anneclaire Nelson: I started going to LA to dance during summers when I was in high school. When I was 19, I moved there for good. To a Southern girl from Taylors [South Carolina], LA was a big culture shock.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to Wade Hampton High School and the Fine Arts Center. That changed my trajectory as a dancer, with amazing ballet and modern dance. It propelled me to take my next steps.
How did things go out West?
I was auditioning and started working for an agency, which eventually led to me to doing choreography for hair shows for Paul Mitchell. I traveled all around the country and then moved to New York when I was 22.
New York!
Yes! In high school, my senior superlative was “Most Likely to be on Broadway.” I auditioned for the Rockettes, but my path went a different way. During my dance training, I got a little lost and was trying to find myself and what felt right for me.
Where did you land?
I was teaching dance but wanted a real job. I started managing a gym, which introduced me to the whole fitness world. I only knew the dance world. It was interesting for me to learn management, holistic health counseling, yoga training, and the world of fitness instruction.
That led you to work with some big names. You were Jennifer Lopez’s trainer during her Vegas residency. Who was the best dancer you trained?
Oh, that would be Gwyneth Paltrow, but don’t tell J.Lo I said that! (laughing). Jennifer was one of the best athletes, she’s a dancer first, but a great athlete. Robert Downey Jr. is also a good dancer. An amazing mover and so impressive. He’s the nicest man I’ve ever met.
What brought you back to the Carolinas?
My brother planted the seed to move to Charleston and open my own place. He passed away in 2020, but my family is still in Greenville, and I knew it was time.
Tell us about ACE: The Anneclaire Experience.
It’s a heated, dance-modality-based workout with functional movement and dynamic stretching. I like to have high-energy and movement that delivers lean lines, a strong core and improved flexibility. There is some kneeling mat work.
How did the pop-up event happen at Hartness Hotel?
It was my first pop-up! I have a friend who works with Hartness and thought it would be a good fit. I would love to have that become a consistent event. I come home about once a month.
If you could go back to your 6-year-old self, what would you tell her?
I remember mom taking me to dance camp, and I sat in the car crying because I didn’t want to go. By the end of the class, I knew I wanted to pursue dance for the rest of my life. I want to tell that little girl, if you walk through it, there’s something on the other side. One more step. One more repetition. You feel that sense of accomplishment, joy and confidence. Keep on moving.
For more on Anneclaire, go to AnneclaireExperience.com.
