Owners and Instructors
Owners and Instructors » Elizabeth Knoll
Elizabeth Knoll
Ballroom dancing was a far cry from Slavic Languages and literature at the University of Southern California; that's what Beth Knoll quickly found out.
Beginning with her first dance competition in 1985 (the prestigious United States Championships), this young dancer was captivated by the energy and excitement of a career most people can only dream of. After turning professional in 1985, Beth (with her then husband Stephen Cullip) went on to become the 1991 United States National Champion in the Professional Open Standard Division.
Among her other many accomplishments are the titles of 5 time U.S. representative to the World Championships, 8 time undefeated International Grand Champion, and featured performer on the popular PBS show, "Championship Ballroom Dancing" as the 1989 and 1991 International Standard Champion at the Ohio Star Ball.
During her carreer as an International Standard Champion, Beth travelled the world garnering praise and respect from coaches, dancers, critics, and audiences worldwide. After Stephen's retirement from his long and illustrious carreer, Beth began a new partnership with Tom Newby, and went on to become an American Style Smooth Champion; a finalist in all the major U.S. Championships.
Although you might think that this competitive spirit would be satisfied with trophies and titles, for Beth, it was not! She counts other things just as (if not more!) important than her gilded accomplishments. She was instrumental in the opening of two of Seattle's top studios: the Washington Dance Club (original owners Marge Hinshaw, Rick Pride, Stephen and Beth Cullip, and Christa Hinshaw), which remains a great place to dance, and the Lake City Institution Dancesport International (currently under the direction of Rob and Monique Hrouda). These were early testaments to Beth's dream of bringing dance to the Northwest. In addition, during Beth's 10 years in Seattle, ballroom dancing in the Northwest gained the notice and respect of the entire country. Many of today's Northwest Professionals can trace connections to Beth and her training.
More important to Beth, however, are the accomplishments she has gained as a teacher, coach, and adjudicator. In 1998 she was one of the top teachers in the U.S., garnering 2nd place for the entire year as a Pro/Am teacher and competitor. In her extensive teaching carreer, she has trained Professional, Amateur, and Pro/Am champions. She has Championship certifications (with Honors) from two teaching societies.
As an adjudicator, she is fully certified in all branches and registered as a "World Class Judge" with the NDCA and the WD&DSC. As a judge, Beth is very sought after by competition organizers.
"Always follow your dream!" And so she has. The dream of dancing became reality for Beth. Now she is following another dream and has returned to her home base of the Pacific Northwest.
Beth is now available for both private and group lessons. Dance Fit Oregon- Ballroom Parkrose is very happy and proud to be home to this phenominal teacher, dancer, and friend to the Ballroom Dance community.
To arrange private lessons, or for more info, you can contact Ms. Knoll directly by going to the 'Contact Center' page, and scrolling down to the e-mail links that you'll find there. Or: beth-knoll@comcast.net
