Elizabeth Williams, aka "Miss Liz", brings over forty years experience in dance instruction and performances. Elizabeth began her dance study with the Assiff Studio of Dance, while attending master classes with Stuttgart Ballet Company, George Zorich, Daniel Nagrin, Gus Giordano, Paul Taylor, and Alvin Ailey. Elizabeth received the Award for Superior Achievement in 1971 with the Cecchetti Council of America for performance. In 1972 she continued her dance study at the Hartford Ballet School where she received her Teachers Certificate of Dance in 1974 with an emphasis in Russian ballet technique, Martha Graham technique, and modern. Beginning in 1979, Elizabeth studied in New York City with the Joffrey School of American Ballet, Dance Theater Harlem, Phil Black Jazz Center and Alvin Ailey Dance Center. In 1981 Elizabeth returned to Michigan continuing her teaching at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and beginning her directing experience with the Lansing Ballet Company as the assistant to Stan Godfrey. During the early 1980's she travelled to California to expand her teaching at the California Ballet School (San Diego). In the late 1980's Elizabeth returned to her dance home with Assiff Studio of Dance and became involved with the Children's Ballet Theatre, Young Michigan Dances, and other area dance organizations further expanding her teaching experience. In 2002 Elizabeth was honored for 30 years of contribution to the Young Michigan Dances in Coldwater Michigan, and then in 2004 she received professional recognition for her involvement with the Children's Ballet Theatre in Lansing Michigan.
Throughout her dance instruction as well as the companies Elizabeth has performed with she has had the opportunity to perform in well known ballets such as Les Sylphides, Coppelia as a principal, La Fille Mar Gardee as a soloist, Nutcracker as a corp and soloist dancer, Carmen as a lead soloist, Pas de Quatre which Elizabeth directed as well as performed as a soloist, Peter and the Wolf as a soloist, Les Patineurs as a principal, and La Boutique as a lead. This love and appreciation for dance expanded her interest to perform in musicals such as Little Mary Sunshine, Mame, Tommy, Mikado, Orpheus and the Underworld, Oklahoma, Showboat, Annie, South Pacific, and Cinderella.
In 1992, Elizabeth founded the Elizabeth Williams School of Dance offering ballet, tap and jazz classes to dancers ages three to adult. She has had the opportunity to direct incredible productions which showcase the dance talents of her students thru such presentations as The Nutcracker for 21 years, Steadfast Tin Soldier, Sorcerer's Apprentice, Hansel and Gretel, Little Princess, Christmas Carol, and Camelot. In 2006 stage combat was introduced and has been a focus in winter productions. She is always excited and eager to share the art, beauty, and technicality of dance with the Williamston community and surrounding areas.
Elizabeth Williams School of Dance students have gone on to attend at the Blue Lake Arts Camp and International Ensemble, American Ballet Theatre apprentice, and colleges and universities as dance majors at Grand Valley State University, Oakland College and Alma College.
June 2015 Elizabeth has expanded and founded a premiere ballet company, the Elizabeth Williams Dancers, which will offer extensive performance opportunities. The ballet company is focused on offering the experience student's look for in a dance company as well as incorporating the entire family in the arts allowing each family member to experience it in their own way whether it be as backstage crew, event planner, or dancer. Elizabeth Williams Dancers produce annual Winter holiday productions under the artistic direction of Elizabeth Williams, in addition to a variety of performances in the spring, summer, and fall seasons within the Williamston community, outlying towns, festivals, and community centers. The company's repertoire includes classic story ballets, concert pieces, and the holiday classic "The Nutcracker Ballet.".