She began dancing and performing at a young age, studying tap, jazz and ballet until her teens in Spring, Texas. Susie then became a four year member and two year officer for the national champion Klein Oak High School Strutters drill team, directed by Cathy Arellano. While attending Texas A&M University, Susie was a four year member of the nationally ranked Texas Aggie Dance team, captain of the team for two years, and twice elected member of the year. Upon graduation, Susie returned to Houston and worked for Ernst & Young LLP for seven years, first as an auditor, then as an organizational development consultant, specializing in communications, teaming, feedback, and executive coaching. She danced with Plant Funk Houston, The Houston Comets Team NRG, and the Rockets Power Dancers, eventually becoming a Power Dancer co-captain and choreographer while still a team member. At the same time, Susie continued to teach dance at local studios and provide award winning jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and pom choreography at dance camps and competitions. Professional highlights include U2's Astrodome Stuck in a Moment video shoot, the 2000 Games of Texas, hosting the 2006 NBA All Star Weekend at Toyota Center, live performances with various recording artists, and seven overseas tours with the Rockets throughout Europe and Asia. Susie was the inaugural inductee into the Texas Aggie Dance Team Hall of Fame and is a board member for Dance Houston, the city's premier presenter of local dance companies. On a side note, she's also married to Clutch, "The Rockets Bear". |