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  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, Jennell Moranto, Gary & Lisa McIntyre, Toby Monroe, Yanna Kunitz, Tom Slater, Decho Kraev, Bree Watson, Radomir Pashev, Devorah Kastner, Marcus Johnson, Yuki Haraguchi, and Christine Daughenbaugh.  She has performed and competed extensively with student as well as professional partners. 

       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 Master of Dance in American Smooth and American Rhythm.  She is also certified in Bronze International style.

      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: John Keyes

        We are pleased to announce that after five years of amateur status, John has turned pro.  He has competed extensively as an amateur with fellow students and with his mother, American Dance owner Elizabeth Keyes.  Most recently he competed with Elizabeth at the summer Expo held at Lowe's Ventana Canyon.

        John is a talented musician and vocalist.  He is accomplished at the guitar and piano.  He enjoys many sports including golf and skiing.  John is also a Journeyman, having completed a five year apprentice program.

Instructor: Sarah Austin

        American Dance welcomes new instructor Sarah Austin.  Born in Torrance, California Sarah has been dancing since her pre-teen years including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and most recently ballroom.  Her talent and enthusiasm make her a great addition to our dance family.  Sarah is also enrolled at Pima Community College working towards her degree as a Registered Nurse.

Instructor: Rene Celaya Jr.

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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