Elizabeth Sturgis

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Minnesota native and began dancing at the age of 6. She performed with Children’s Dance Theatre (Rochester, MN) and her high school dance team through high school.  She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.A. in Dance and has danced with At Marah Dance Theatre (Philadelphia, PA) Inlet Dance Theatre (Cleveland, OH), Timothy Martin Choreographies (NYC), Caroline Calouche and Co., Christian Von Howard, E.E. Balcos, and Plexus Dance (Charlotte, NC). Elizabeth began her fitness career with STOTT Pilates in 2002 and has taught Pilates in various locations in Rochester, MN, Philadelphia, Charlotte, NC, and Franklin, TN.  While dancing for Caroline Calouche and Co., she learned the craft of aerial dance and integrated aerial fitness into her teaching career via AIR Aerial Fitness, for whom she developed the teacher training program. She began teaching for Pure Barre in 2010 and has been a Master Teacher Trainer for Pure Barre since 2015.  She currently teaches at Pure Barre-Franklin and Pilates Franklin, and across the country as a Master Teacher Trainer for Pure Barre. She is currently going through NASM’s training program to become a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist.

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit — skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Beyond the Steps: Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to dance education goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your technical skills and artistry, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the steps and choreography.

Our dance mentors are passionate about nurturing your movement abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that dance is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of movement. Whether you're mastering ballet technique or perfecting your jazz performance, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning choreography and refining your technique takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend dance and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through dance by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you nail that challenging turn sequence or master a complex combination, you'll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a dance journey with ROOTS, you're not just gaining proficiency in your chosen style. You're also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it's not just about the dance classes. It's about the profound impact our dance mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the dance community. They're not just teachers; they're performers, choreographers, and artists who live and breathe dance. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the studio.

In the heart of Music City's vibrant arts scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as professional dancers and educators. While their occasional commitments with dance companies or performance tours may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any class changes. In the rare event of an unmissable performance opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

Join us today to embark on an artistic and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where performing arts education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

questions?

If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
JEN BURNS – Musical Theatre & Dance Systems Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Program Development Manager
MEG DEARMIN – Preschool Manager
HANNAH SEE – Competition Coordinator