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Susan started dancing with the Ann Hodge School of Dance in Johnson
City at the age of six. She studied the discipline of pointe under
the direc-tion of Melita Brock-Warmer, tap under the direction of
Debbie Weems-Corpening, jazz/acrobatics under the direction of Kristi
Hodge. At age 11, she began demonstrating for the younger students
and became a student teacher throughout high school.
Susan joined the Paula Duff School of Dance in Cleveland, Tennessee
in 1996 and quickly became an Instructor as well as the Studio and
Dancewear Store Manager. She also implemented a dance fitness program
for children and the elderly at Westwood Baptist Church. Susan was
also active with the Chattanooga Ballet Company's production of
the Nutcracker.
In 2000,
she moved to Knoxville and taught in the Knox County School's dance
program. She is knowledgeable in various styles of West African
Dance and while with Knox County, she had the opportunity to study
under the direction of Danny Hines in the discipline of African
Caribbean. She studied Capoeira under the direction of Erik Murray,
hip hop under the direction of Clyde Evans, Jr., and tap under the
direction of Chester Whitmore.
Her close
relationship with Malaika Guthrie and Nelija Calhoun, owners of
Black Dance Theatre of Tennessee, extended her knowledge of this
dance discipline, and she soon became a choreographer for them as
well and now sits on their Board of Directors.
Susan
started the East Knoxville Performance Troupe/Vine Middle Dance
Troupe. These dance troupes received recognition from all over Knoxville
as well as from the Mayor and were invited to perform at numerous
community functions.
Susan
also contracted with the Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center,
Circle Modern Dance Company, Excel Sports and the YMCA.
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