Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Lilly.
Hi Jackie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started line dancing for fun because I love to dance. Been dancing since I was 3 years old, danced and twirled flags in high school and continued to dance as an adult at parties and family events. One day in 2013 I went to a line dance class with a friend and fell in love with the Elusive Ladies line dance group. After about 5months of going to class I was asked to join the group and became an active member. In 2014 I started Choreographing line dances for our group. 2018 I won my first award with the group and as a Choreographer. I am a 3 ZBT award winning line dance instructor and choreographer. The Elusive Ladies was honored this year to have our anniversary day awarded to us as Elusive Ladies day in the city of Houston by Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Here is a little about the group:
The Elusive Ladies was founded by Martha Allison May 31, 2011 to empower women to get and keep fit through dance. The Elusive Ladies organization help to promote healthy living to their community through dance, while also promoting a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and race. We are all about having fun, staying active, and loving every minute of our lives. The Elusive Ladies have given back to the community by sponsoring back to school supply/ backpack drives since 2016. The Elusive ladies also held a clothing drive with Lavish for the victims of hurricane Harvey and has donated and volunteered with Yay4Life since 2018. The Elusive Ladies has also participated in walkathons for breast cancer & March of dimes. The Elusive Ladies Held their first 5k Walk June 26th to raise money for the Robinhood Project that service the homeless in the community. The Elusive Ladies is not only an inspiration for everyone to get and stay healthy through dance but, are also a preforming group that has choreographed and danced with various artist such as Nellie Tiger Travis, New Cupid, Jeter Jones, Audi-yo, Big Pokey, Big Salty, Coldrank, Tucka, Sanerica, Lady Q, Sweet Nayee, The Songbird Jinda Harris, Derrick Salter aka Son of Jody(RIP), Mose Stovall, Royal D, Enjolee, Itz Karama, Choppa Law, Big Yayo, and Dorian Williams of the gap band.
Our Mission: is to help Everyone get into the best shape of your life through dance.
Vision Statement: We believe that anyone can get healthy and fit with a regular program of exercise and good nutrition.
Our Motto: “We Dance 4 the Fun of it!”
Founding Date: May 31, 2011
Founder: Martha Allison- Instructor / CuRobix Trainer (2014-2016)
Members:
Jackie Lilly-Co-Instructor/ CuRobix Trainer (2015-2016),
Andria W
Demetria S
Laurin M
Rhonda T
Fontella T
Barbara H
Danyta F
Gina S
Honorary Members:
Duann’e H
Iris
Antoinette M
Lynn J
Wanda “Sweets” I
Ericka L
Debora L
Clevetta Y
Gina S
Ardie J
Gilda M
Regina W
Rose R
Jinda H
Marian J
Shannah H
Tamisha H
Our DJs:
James Coleman aka DJ J Lamar (RIP)
Charles Young aka DJ Swagger (2021 ZBT DJ OTR Nominee)
Victor Bryant Sr. aka DJ No Sleep (2021 ZBT DJ OTR Nominee)
Caterer- Lisa Ross of Ultimate Creations & Design
Awards:
May 31, 2022 offically marks Elusive Ladies day in Houston
2021,2020 & 2019 ZBT (Zydeco, Blues, & Trailride) Best Line Dance Instructors
2019 UC Star Award nominee for Choreographer of the South (Jackie) & 2019 UC Star Awards Dance of the South Nominee for the line dance 100% / Don’t Take Me Lite
2018 SGH award for “Up & Coming Line Dance Group”, “2018 SGH Video/Choreographer Award for the line dance ‘Who You Are “, & Group Appreciation Award.
2012 TSU 66th Annual Homecoming Parade, third place winners for walking unit
Featured in Videos:
2021- Dance Floor by Royal D
2020- The Git Up by Hisyde ft Big Mucci & Rico
2020 – GiGi Stole Your Man by Choppa Law
2020- Salt Shaka by Big Salty
2014- 2X4 by New Cupid
2022- I Came to Party by Elusive Ladies
I am a mother of 2 daughters Laurin 26 who is an Elusive Lady and my son Bryson 22.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not hard until covid hit and everyone had to stay home and now everyone is hesitant about coming out to do anything, which I understand. I love to dance.so I dance every chance I get even at home to stay in shape, line dancing is a great way to stay in shape.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a line dance instructor with the award-winning Elusive Ladies. Our motto is “We Dance 4 the Fun of It.”
We promote health living& getting fit through dance. We also love to give back to the community. I am so proud of our group for all our awards and help that we provide to our community.
Our character and willingness to help others.
We are a sisterhood and people can believe that our group has been together for 11 years and still together (For a group of women).
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We like to surround ourselves with people that have positive energy and that have the same outlook with the willingness to help others. One of our mentors is Wanda Idlebird she is always giving back to her community and others.
Pricing:
- Free class every Wednesday night at Pizz’azz Grill
- $50 hr for events per instructor minimum 2 hrs
- $10 per person for private parties minimum 10ppl 2 hrs
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elusiveladieslinedancing.yolasite.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/EL4L
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theelusiveladies/?ref=share
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCGNDc4MtctOVYzBXOrDmxnw
Image Credits
Jackie Lilly
