Owner/Instructor:  Elizabeth Keyes

     Elizabeth has taught Ballroom dance for over a decade.  She began her dance career in Buffalo, New York and continued after moving to Tucson in 2002.  In July, 2006 she opened American Dance.  She is a Master of Dance certified with high honors through Pro-DVIDA.  She is a member of the National Dance Council of America. Elizabeth has coached with such notable figures as Ron Montez, Julia Gorchakova, Bob Powers, Gary & Lisa McIntyre, Toby Monroe, Yanna Kunitz, Tom Slater, Decho Kraev, Bree Watson, and Christine Daughenbaugh.  She has performed and competed extensively with student as well as professional partners. Currently she is preparing to compete with her partner, David Davis, in the Open Professional category at the People's Choice competition in Phoenix this May.  Dancing the Cha Cha, they placed 2nd at Sunburst in December, 2009.

       Elizabeth is also a choreographer and dance coach.  Most recently, she choreographed six dance routines for Dancing with the Stars of the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce, a gala event attended by over four hundred people.  She also coached the dancers and performed in the event.  Elizabeth is preparing to test at the Grand Master level.                                                  

      A life-long lover of sports Elizabeth enjoys golf, tennis, and skiing.  She is a Registered Nurse and has practiced critical care nursing in Buffalo and Fredonia, New York.  She is a summa cum laude graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia holding a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Elizabeth has volunteered and held office for many organizations including the Brooks Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she held the office of President for two years, the Shorewood Country Club Women’s Association where she held the office of President for two years, Fredonia High School PTA where she held the office of President for two years, and the Fredonia Shakespeare Club where she was a member for seven years.      

Instructor: David Davis

    David Davis, a native Tucsonan, is a life-long dancer and an artist.  He came to American Dance with a background in competitive Hip-Hop dancing and well-developed, natural, skills as a ‘street dancer’.  David has said that he was raised listening to dance music and dancing, and found dancing to be the most encouraging and positive way for him to deal with situations that were not always very positive.  He brought his positive attitude and passion for dance to our studio and, after intensive training in Rhythm, Smooth, Country, and Argentine Tango,  David has evolved into a polished dancer and an excellent dance instructor. He is preparing to earn his Pro-DVIDA certification in May.  David and his partner, owner-instructor Elizabeth Keyes, are preparing to compete together in May.  Dancing the Cha Cha, they placed 2nd at Sunburst in December, 2009.   David performed with three stars at Dancing with the Stars of the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce.  He and student Keri Ruffel won the event with a fabulous Bolero.  David is still taking new students, but his schedule is filling-up fast.  Call soon.

Instructor: Sarah Lorenzini

     Sarah Lorenzini attended the Hartford Conservatory for Dance where she received her diploma in Dance Pedagogy and Performance. Teaching for ten years, with a focus on Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Tap and Ballet, she became involved with Ballroom when she did an East Coast Swing Routine for her wedding! Sarah has danced in various performances, such as Once on this Island, and murder mystery dinner theater in New Haven, Ct. and most recently Return of the King for Faith Church.  She was also on the Dance Team for the Connecticut Pride.  Over the past ten years she has choreographed multiple dances for recitals every year for children through adults, beginners through professionals.  She has run backstage and produced DVDs of the Recitals.

     Sarah joined the National Guard in High School.  She came to Ft Huachuca for Intelligence Training and fell in love with the area.  She remained in the National Guard for eight years during which time she worked as a realtor and eventually got into the family construction business.  She has donated her time and dance knowledge to non-profit organizations to bring the love of dance to those who may not become exposed to it otherwise.  Sarah and her husband Brian are extremely involved in helping returning veterans reintegrate into civilian life,  having helped co-create a Veterans Art Foundation, and speaking to local law enforcement agencies regarding the needs of returning veterans.

Staff Coach: Christine Daughenbaugh

     American Dance is pleased to introduce our staff coach Christine Daughenbaugh. Christine works weekly with our instructors so that we continue to grow and develop as dancers. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality instruction.

     Christine Daughenbaugh has been a dance professional and dance instructor for more than 20 years.  She competed for 13 years in American Smooth categories in both the Rising Star and Open divisions. She placed high in many competitions.  Christine has performed internationally in places such as South Africa and the Philippines.  Christine is one of the few Full Gold level and above Instructors in Tucson.  She currently choreographs and coaches professionals at American Dance and other studios as well as designs dance attire. 

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