Suzanne Ellis

Suzanne Ellis is the daughter of Barbara Ellis, so not only is dancing in her genes, but she was also destined to be a performer.  Growing up in the studio beside her mom, Suzanne watched classes… then took classes… assisted with classes… and then started teaching classes before she was even out of high school.  Suzanne believes her solid dance background combined with the undying support of her mom and dad is what has helped to shape her successful professional dance and teaching career for more than 30 years and counting…

Her dance abilities proved unique very early on when she was chosen to be a “Caravan Kid” with Hoctor’s Dance Caravan at the age of 15.  She traveled the nation for an entire summer as an on-stage assistant to a revered staff of teachers. Following that, she also traveled nationally as an assistant to world renowned choreographer and teacher, Scott Benson.

After high school, Suzanne attended Oklahoma City University on a dance scholarship. This led her to explore professional dance opportunities at amusement parks, in on-stage productions, and in shows around the world.  Stateside, she performed in shows such as 42nd Street, Anything Goes, Sweet Charity, Chicago and Pippin… just to name a few.  Internationally, her dance career afforded her the opportunity to live abroad and perform in industrial shows in Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia and Aruba.

In 2001, Suzanne moved back to Colorado Springs.  After living and working in Los Angeles for many years, coming home meant coming back to her first passion – teaching – and she joined her mom as a dance educator at the Barbara Ellis Studio of Dance.