Elizabeth’s profound journey in dance began not on a traditional stage, but on the spirited sidelines of cheerleading, or as she fondly recalls, “cheer-dance,” during her middle school years. This initial spark ignited a lifelong dedication, propelling her to captaincy of both her high school and college dance teams, each achieving State Championship titles. Her passion extended beyond academia, as she graced two adult semi-professional dance teams, honing her skills and deepening her love for the art form.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Elizabeth earned a degree in Biology and Natural Science with a focus on education. She channeled this academic foundation into teaching science at Pulaski High School from 1999 to 2007, simultaneously leading the school’s dance team to State Championship glory. In 2007, Elizabeth, alongside her sister Theresa, took a leap of faith and passion, establishing Power Of Dance, a testament to their shared vision and commitment to dance education.
Elizabeth’s dedication to excellence is unwavering. She consistently engages in professional development, immersing herself in coaching and teaching methodologies, choreography innovation, music mixing techniques, strength and conditioning practices, skill enhancement strategies, and mastering diverse dance styles. This commitment reflects in the countless Regional, State, National, and World titles her teams have secured. Her influence extends beyond her studio, as Elizabeth is recognized nationally as a distinguished coach, earning accolades such as numerous best choreography awards, the UPA National Dance Coach of the Year in 2004, induction into UPA’s National Coaching Hall of Fame in 2006, recognition in Who’s Who of US Dance Directors, and multiple presentations at WACPC Conferences. She is also a WACPC Coaching Hall of Fame inductee and a two-time DX National Dance Coach of the Year. Furthermore, Elizabeth and Theresa have guided two teams to Dance Worlds Gold Medals in HH and Kick, along with two silver and one bronze medals in Kick and Pom, solidifying their position as leaders in dance education. Elizabeth’s expertise is further validated by her state certification as a judge in pom, hip-hop, jazz, and high kick.
Yet, amidst her impressive accomplishments and accolades, Elizabeth’s core passion remains rooted in teaching children. While her career has largely focused on teenagers and young adults, she cherishes the opportunity to nurture the youngest dancers at her studio, viewing it as a precious gift. Elizabeth’s belief in community engagement is evident through her active involvement in the HSSD school district, where her three children attended school, demonstrating her commitment to giving back and fostering the power of dance within her community.
