Podcast Episodes

Episode 79: Betsy Heathcock [Positive Team Culture – Part Three]

by Rachel Caldwell

What does it look like to have a healthy and thriving team? Throughout the month of November, we are bringing you a mini-series focused on developing and cultivating a Positive Team Culture! The context of this series is dance team culture, but the content is applicable to all teams and relationships.

I am so excited and honored to be joined by my former dance team director, Betsy Heathcock, for part three of this series! Betsy and I talk about what it looks like to intentionally develop a positive team culture and bring light to those around us. We also cover topics such as the power of empathy, practical tips for being a safe person for students, and what it looks like to continue learning and growing as a leader.

Betsy has been actively involved in Dance Education since 1978. During her career she taught dance and directed at three premier high schools. She was the choreographer for the Tournament of Roses “Music for All Honor Dance Team”, Dance Team Directors of America’s “All Star Dance Team” and was the United State Olympic Festival Assistant Dance Director/Choreographer in 1986.

Betsy has served on the Texas Dance Educators’ Association Executive board in six different board positions. She oversaw the inception of the Texas State Dance Assessment, D.E.A.L -“Dance Educators’ Assessment of Learning” and continues to Coordinate and adjudicate for this Assessment. Betsy has earned numerous accolades including being named to the Texas Dance Educators’ “Hall of Fame” in 2005, “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2000 and “Dance Team Director of the Year” in 1995.

Betsy was a Clinic Director for MA Dance Officer Camp and continues to be a Camp Director at MA Dance line camps and an adjudicator for MA Dance as well as with several companies throughout the country. She continues to mentor and provide guidance to Dance educators throughout the state. Betsy has been one of the most impactful mentors in my life, and I have watched her live out the wisdom she shares in this episode.

You can listen to the show HERE, and you can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app (ie. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher).  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!

About Betsy:

Betsy Heathcock has been actively involved in Dance Education since 1978. During her career she taught dance and directed at three premier High Schools, Dulles, Memorial and Austin Fort Bend. She had the distinct honor to choreograph for the 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017 Tournament of Roses “Music for All Honor Dance Team”, Dance Team Directors of Americas 1994 “All Star Dance Team” and was the United State Olympic Festival Assistant Dance Director/Choreographer in 1986. Staying involved is so important and Betsy has done this by serving on the Texas Dance Educators’ Association Executive board in six different board positions. She oversaw the inception of the Texas State Dance Assessment, D.E.A.L -“Dance Educators’ Assessment of Learning” and continues to Coordinate and adjudicate for this Assessment. Throughout the years Betsy has earned numerous accolades including being named to the Texas Dance Educators’ “Hall of Fame” in 2005, “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2000 and “Dance Team Director of the Year” in 1995.

Betsy was a Clinic Director for MA Dance Officer Camp and continues to be a Camp Director at MA Dance Line camps and an adjudicator for MA Dance as well as with several companies throughout the country. She continues to mentor and provide guidance to Dance educators throughout the state. Her passion is creating unique choreography in both Pom & Military genres and providing leadership workshops for both Dance Officers and Dance Teams through team building workshops and creative crafting for both Directors and students. Betsy and her husband Ron teach leadership/crafting workshops that focus on taking time for you and emphasizing the importance of giving from the heart. As a Dance Educator it is important to remain current within the industry and MA Dance & T.D.E.A. have always been instrumental in making this happen. She is thankful each and every day that she is aligned both professionally and personally with so many amazing companies, organizations, dance educator’s and schools that continue to pursue excellence in dance.

Connect with Betsy:

Email: betsyheathcock1@gmail.com

Phone: 281-785-5437