the Dance Factory

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 40 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.  Mrs. Deanna had the pleasure of working with South Heights Blazer Island teaching artistic dance to eager 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in 2009.   During the holidays last season, she introduced a special version of the Nutcracker which tells the familiar Christmas classic with a Christian emphasis.  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!

 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 with the Indiana Air National Guard in 2009 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant! Visit www.meeksmartialarts.com)

 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 attended Bodyworks Massage Institute and graduated last year as a Licensed Massage Therapist.  Welcome, Miss Emilee!

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. 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!

Jackie Pruitt (1978-2010)

Ms. Jackie was an assistant instructor at The Dance Factory for 18 years. She had been dancing for 28 years and was also a former Colonelette.  Ms. Jackie was a graduate of the nursing program at Henderson Community College and had been employed at Deaconess Hospital until the closing of her unit in April 2010.  She relocated to Deaconess Cross Point.  Just a few weeks before her untimely death, she was nominated for Deaconess Nurse of the Year.  While we can never understand why she had to be a victim of cancer, we know that her passing was part of God's plan.  We know that Ms. Jackie is now in Heaven with Mrs. Shirley and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We will see her again! We will miss her very much until that time, but our memories, love for her, and our faith will carry us through!