Liberty teacher and Director of Dance, Leslie Williams, was honored recently for her work in creating and nurturing one of the most unique dance programs among high schools nationwide. Leslie is a lifelong dancer and shares her love for the art with her students. She has been dancing since she was three years old, studying many different styles. She received a BA in Theatre and Dance Performance from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. She has an MA in Dance Education from the University of Colorado, Greeley.
Leslie started the dance program at Liberty in 2008 with a single class. Now, over 150 students take dance classes across all levels each year. While the program grew, classes were taught on Liberty's stage, in the band, choir, wrestling, commons, Rocky Mountain High, and yoga rooms. Leslie rented a space off-site for four years, and dancers traveled to take classes. With finances from the District 20 bond, a 1900-square-foot studio was added to the performing arts wing with a custom sprung wood and marley floor, built-in ballet barres, and 8-foot mirrors. The program now offers six levels of classes, three lunch clubs, an after-school performance company, and a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.
There are two big concerts each year at the end of each semester, which include all dance classes, clubs, performance companies, and the winner of the student choreography competition. Student choreographers can compete once each semester, to practice their craft and get great feedback from local dance educators. The dance program presents a youth dance clinic once a semester for K-8th grade students from our community schools. Dancers also perform at assemblies, games, and at local elementary and middle schools. Since 2013, Liberty Dance has been invited to perform at Colorado Dance Education Organization’s annual conference as part of the opening ceremonies. In 2023, Liberty Dance was invited to perform at the National Dance Education Organization’s annual conference during their Student Sharing Showcase.
Leslie describes her passions in this statement: "My philosophy about dance is that everyone can dance. I love the opportunity to teach at Liberty because it allows me to reach so many students and get them up and moving as part of their day."
