Elizabeth Edwards is the owner/operator of four local businesses and events which are her set of dreams come true. Omaha Ballroom is a dance studio that teaches adults swing, ballroom, latin, and country dance techniques and offers group classes, private lessons, and hosts studio parties for our students to practice. She operates a self-titled DJ company that provides entertainment for weddings and parties outside of her studio. “Dancing with the Omaha Stars” is an event that Edwards plans for the span of an entire year, including organization of the full project and its reach and teaching local celebrities how to dance just like the television show. All the proceeds from the event are donated to charity. Her newest business venture is “Glam Tans” which is located inside Omaha Ballroom. Glam Tans offers spray tans with the highest quality solution on the market, because it is all-natural, has no smell and is very popular among celebrities.
How did you get started in the business? – I started teaching ballroom dancing while I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I thought it would be a fun job through college. The studio I worked for was not right for me so I decided to venture into radio and worked in the promotions department at Journal Broadcast Group. As I was setting up a remote location, I saw the first commercial for the television show “Dancing with the Stars” and my jaw dropped. I was a trained dancer and knew the dance business inside and out, but never thought the “Foxtrot” would be something people wanted to do anymore. I knew this show was going to make dancing popular again, and it certainly did so I started Omaha Ballroom in 2004.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being the founder of “Dancing with the Omaha Stars” charity event. It grew from a little idea in my head to being a sold-out event for 4 years in a row. It feels so good to show people who would never imagine dancing how much fun and easy it really is. The best part of the event is that we raise money for a charity that has something to do with kids in need. I have donated the proceeds to local charities such as “Angels Among Us,” “The Ronald McDonald House” and “The Sunshine Kids.”
Tell me a little about your family. – I am blessed to be a single mother with an amazing 9 year old son, Ethan. He is so smart and outgoing! I am terrible at sports, but my son is an amazing baseball player. He plays for a select team called “The Pacesetters.” My parents and my sister are here in Omaha and they do so much for me including helping me so much with my son and I am very lucky to have their support.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love the outdoors. I am perceived as girly but I love to go fishing and camping.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Be a leader not a follower.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To sing like a pop star!
What is your favorite movie? – Dirty Dancing
What is your favorite TV show? – The Girls Next Door
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lo Sole Mio
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can visit our website for contact information at www.omahaballroom.com or call me…maybe!