Susie Thompson, Five Time U.S. Rhythm Champion, has been one of the most successful professional competitors in the United States, and is a highly sought teacher, coach, lecturer and adjudicator.
She started dancing on a dance team for the University of Texas, seizing the opportunity to do something she always loved…dancing.
Even though she had no formal dance training, Susie proved to be quite the natural in the ballroom. The team traveled to Blackpool, England to compete in one of the most prestigious competitions in the world and placed 2nd. A year and a half after turning professional, Susie teamed up with Forrest Vance, due in no small part to Shirley Ballas referring to her as one of the best raw talents she had seen in the United States.
In less than 4 months, Susie and Forrest placed 2nd in the United States Championships in the American Rhythm and won the U.S. Rising Star Latin title. Two years later, they won the American Rhythm division. They kept the title for 5 years and within that period, added many other championship titles such as Ohio Star Ball, Texas Challenge, the Canadian Championship, and the Emerald Ball to name a few. Susie and Forrest were also the Fred Astaire Champions for 11 national competitions. During their reign, they traveled to Europe doing shows and lectures. After this run, Susie and Forrest retired undefeated.
A few years later, Susie returned to the competition scene with Michael Neil and won many more competitions in American Rhythm throughout North America as well as adding many theatrical and show dance titles. She remained a strong United States finalist in the American Rhythm division for another 5 years and also was a world mambo finalist during those years.
In addition to being a top flight competitor and quality performer, Susie is a prominent teacher and coach. She has developed students who have won U.S. titles and placed in many major finals. Although now retired from professional competition, Susie continues to teach and offer private coaching, and travels around the country to coach, lecture, and judge. Susie resides in Lake Worth, Florida and is available for teaching and coaching of students at Goldcoast Ballroom.
Susie’s philosophy and belief is that first and foremost, you must dance for yourself; second for your partner; third for your audience. Forget the judges and JUST DANCE…..
