Betsy Graves
DECEMBER'S MONTHLY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!
"I joined NDEO because it is vital as dance professionals and educators that we are actively elevating our community, ourselves and the dance profession. This is done through collaboration, advocacy, rigor and innovation. I believe being a member of the national organization puts you at the table. You have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, empower others and teach your students what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself. In addition, I want to give back to our profession and this organization allows for that."
Her Story
Betsy Graves began her teaching career at Broughton High School in January 2013 as the Director of Dance. Betsy graduated from Meredith College in 2012 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Dance Education with a K-12 Licensure. Betsy was the first Meredith College student to have her choreography selected for the American College Dance Festival Gala. Betsy is the teacher for all levels of dance at Broughton along with the Dance Team Coach and NHS Dance advisor. Outside of dance, she serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, BHS Senior Events Coordinator, Queen of Hearts Chair, Pantry Coordinator, and the Musical Choreographer. Betsy serves on the teacher retention, leadership team and the PLT reset committee. Outside of Broughton High School, Betsy Graves is a member of NCDEO and NDEO, serves on the IDEA committee for NDEO, has served on the Board of Wake Ed Partnership, and NCASA and is a WCPSS curriculum writer. Betsy has presented Arts programs across the state on virtual learning, editing, building a program and recruitment. She travels as a guest choreographer and instructor. She spends her summers in New York City and Los Angeles studying at studios. Ms. Betsy Graves was named the 2017-2018 Wake County Teacher of the Year, 2016-2017 Broughton High School Teacher of the Year, a 2017 WRAL Teacher of the week, and 2018-2019 National Magnet Regional Teacher of the Year. In 2021, BHS dance was named best dance studio of the decade in Raleigh by Broadway World and last year was named the K-12 North Carolina Dance Educator of the Year through NCDEO.
"I am a product of a North Carolina public school program. The trajectory of my life changed because of my high school dance program. What I love about NCDEO is that it creates space for programs to impact students across the state like I had through high quality instruction. The collaboration of all forms of dance programs creates visibility for all movers throughout the state and a community to support, celebrate and lean on."