Staff

he Dance Factory

Daniel Meeks

Mr. Meeks is the head instructor of Meeks Martial Arts, which holds classes upstairs of the Dance Factory.
He is a certified instructor of taekwondo and kickboxing and is a member of the Amateur Athletic Union
(AAU). In addition, he assists with the tumbling classes. Mr. Meeks is a graduate of the Security Forces
Training Academy at Lackland Air Force Base and IVY Tech. He just finished his enlistment as a member
of the Indiana Air National Guard and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant! (Visit www.meeksmartialarts.com)

Jackie Pruitt

Ms. Jackie is the assistant instructor at The Dance Factory. A Dance Factory alumnae, she has been
dancing for 27 years and is certified to teach ballet, jazz, tap, and tumbling. Also a former Colonelette,
Ms. Jackie is a graduate of the nursing program at Henderson Community College and is employed at
Deaconess Hospital. We're glad to have Ms. Jackie on our staff!

Shirley Williams (1943-2009)

Mrs. Shirley served as the Dance Factory's Office Manager for 17 years. She had a way of making
everything run smoothly even when things were terribly hectic. She had a smile for everybody and loved
talking with all of the students, parents, and visitors. She will be missed terribly. It is going to take us a
long while to adjust to life without her, in and out of the studio. She was one-of-a-kind and loved by all her
knew her! She is in Heaven now and we are going to see her again someday. Until then, I'm sure we'll
miss her everyday. We have many wonderful memories of Mrs. Shirley as office manager, but even more
as our mom. She was truly the best and we love her more each day!

Deanna Williams Meeks

Mrs. Deanna is the head instructor for the Dance Factory. She earned a degree in Elementary Education
from Western Kentucky University, has been dancing for 38 years, and is certified to by Dance Masters of
America and Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.

A former Colonelette, Mrs. Deanna has taught Kentucky Standards for Dance at various schools throughout
the Henderson County School System. She has served as the host teacher and local dance coordinator
for the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker and has choreographed specialty pieces for several
schools. Other choreography credits include the Henderson Community Theatre's productions of
Oklahoma, Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, and Once Upon a Mattress. Most recently, Mrs. Deanna had the
pleasure of working with South Heights Blazer Island teaching artistic dance to eager 3rd, 4th, and 5th
graders. She is so thankful that God has allowed her, called her, and gifted her to do something she loves
so much for her profession! To God be the glory!

"Let them praise His name with dancing!" Psalm 149:3

Emilee Norvell

Miss Emilee attended Murray State University and University of Evansville. She is a Physical Therapist
Assistant employed by Owensboro Medical Health System. Another Dance Factory alumnae, she was part
of the Murray State University Dance Company and served as vice-president of the group. A former
Colonelette, she served as choreographer during her high school years and has since served as their
technique instructor. She has worked with Henderson County Schools on their dance standards as well as
worked with Holy Name Dance Team during their summer camps. Miss Emilee is currently a student of
Bodyworks Massage Institute. She will graduate in December as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Welcome, Miss Emilee!

Liz Carlisle

Mrs. Liz is our cousin, but mom always said she was more like her sister! They were very close and I know
mom would be so happy that Liz was able to help us so much! Liz is married to Tommy Carlisle and says
he is a wonderful man! They have two beautiful daughters and three loving grandkids. She has worked for
the County Clerk’s Office, Gold’s Tax Office, and Gold’s Law Office, as well as many volunteer jobs. She
stays busy helping with Carlisle Photography when they are in town. Mrs. Liz loves people and feels that
God has been and is so good to her and her family. Liz will be with us for a couple more weeks and then
she’ll be returning to sunny Florida! We love and appreciate you, Liz!