Aimed with Purpose: Amy Elizabeth on Leading Through Dance

Knowbox dance
Oct 1
2 min read

#149: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, Martheya talks with Amy Elizabeth (Smith) — dance maker, arts administrator, educator — about dance as a practice of connection and change. Amy shares how she navigates interdisciplinary collaborations, balances artistry with institutional demands, and builds supportive spaces for artists. From questions of identity and belonging to the impact of technology on creative opportunities, this conversation spotlights Amy’s vision for reimagining what it means to be an artist today.(45:33)

Chapters

00:00 Amy Elizabeth (Smith)

00:44 Introduction to Dance Behind the Screen Podcast

01:07 Meet Amy Elizabeth: Dance Leader and Educator

02:09 Defining Purpose in Dance

03:10 Strategic Shifts and Community Engagement

04:12 Challenges and Resources in Southeast Texas

07:18 Building a New Board and Starting Over

17:20 Programming and Community Impact

20:32 Funding and Sustainability

26:09 Cultivating Individual Donors

36:41 Mentorship and Radical Curiosity

41:48 Flash Four Segment and Conclusion

45:03 Outros

Actionable Takeaways with Practical Tips

Stay Rooted in Purpose
“In order to stay purposeful, we’re constantly asking the question ‘why?’”
- Tip: Regularly revisit the “why” behind your projects to keep your work aligned with your mission.
Lead with Community in Mind
“Our programming is designed to be community-centered — we want people to feel like they belong.”
- Tip: Build initiatives that respond to the needs of your community, not just your own artistic vision.
Balance Creativity and Strategy
“It’s about bringing together artistic integrity and strategic thinking.”
- Tip: Treat your artistry like entrepreneurship — plan for sustainability while protecting your creative core.
Mentorship Creates Momentum
“I wouldn’t be where I am without people who mentored me and showed me what was possible.”
- Tip: Seek mentors and pay it forward by mentoring emerging artists.
Redefine Leadership in Dance
“Leading through dance means showing up with purpose, not perfection.”
- Tip: Focus on impact over image — authentic leadership fosters trust and long-term growth.

Bio

Amy Elizabeth - a dance creative, arts administrator, and educator - holds an M.F.A. from Sam Houston State University and an M.B.A from Lamar University. Amy is currently on faculty in the LU Department of Theatre & Dance teaching movement technique, composition, and history. As founder and artistic director of Aimed Dance, Amy has presented work and/or participated in workshops with ACDA, Brazos Contemporary Dance Festival, Houston Fringe Festival, Dance Gallery, Barnstorm Dance Fest, Austin Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, American Dance Festival, and Dance/USA. She has taught and/or set choreography with Lamar High School, Tarrant County College, San Jacinto College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Rice University, the Governor's School at Radford University, Dance Source Houston Artist in Residence, and the Tainan University of Technology in Taiwan. Amy has been on faculty at Lone Star College, Houston Community College, as well as an instructor at SHSU and Rice University.