Lisa Marie, originally from the Tampa Bay area of Florida, began her dance training at the age of three with tap, jazz, and ballet classes. She continued to sharpen her dance skills throughout school with regular classes in a variety of genres. When she began college in Atlanta at Emory University however, Lisa Marie decided she would take a break from dancing to focus on her studies. It was during this “break” that Lisa Marie realized how much of a passion dance really was for her. She quickly joined a university sponsored organization, Emory Dance Company and performed with the group during her remaining time at school. After she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a focus in Primatology (the study of monkeys and primates), Lisa forayed her love of dance into a career.

As Ballroom Dance Club’s Media Director and the Co-Director and Instructor of the newly opened East Tennessee Ballroom Dance Club, Lisa thrives on sharing her passion with others. She most enjoys seeing people’s lives transform through the numerous benefits of ballroom dance. Not only does she enjoy seeing people become more physically fit, but also appreciates the boost in self image and the enhanced relationships many of her ballroom students are able to gain from ballroom dance group lessons and private dance lessons. Though she began in more solo-oriented styles of dance, Lisa Marie’s favorite style of dance remains all forms of partnership dancing. Lisa Marie’s knack for sharing her talents is evident from her numerous teaching awards; the first of which, Top Overall Female Teacher, she received her very first year in the field.

Lisa Marie and her husband, Chris Woodin, have two small children. When she’s not on the dance floor, Lisa Marie enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and exploring the roots of her Latin American heritage.