08/28/2026
Lori Woods has dedicated her life to dance education, performance, and arts leadership. She served as the head of the dance and drill team program at Lamar High School in Arlington for 24 years and holds the distinction of being the first dance educator hired by Arlington ISD. Lori earned an Associate Degree in Musical Theatre from Mountain View College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University.
Lori began her teaching career at the age of 15 at Miss Persis Studio of Dance, where she first developed her passion for inspiring young dancers. Around the same time, she began performing professionally at Six Flags Over Texas in the Southern Palace Theatre, launching a successful career on stages throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Her professional credits include performances at Bass Hall, Casa Mañana, Theatre Arlington, Theatre Three, and Stage West.
Some of Lori’s favorite stage roles include Charity in Sweet Charity, Velma in Chicago, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Paulette in Legally Blonde, and Lorraine in 42nd Street.
Throughout her career, Lori has shared her expertise with students of all ages, teaching dance and musical theatre at Dallas Summer Musicals School of Musical Theatre, TCC College for Kids, JTM School of Performing Arts, Granbury Opera House, and Casa Mañana.
In addition to her educational and performing accomplishments, Lori spent more than 20 years with Eclipse Entertainment as a choreographer and casting director, producing award-winning custom theme entertainment for corporate and private events.
Lori’s mission is to develop well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals through the art of dance. She believes dance is a powerful vehicle for teaching artistry, empathy, dedication, discipline, integrity, and performance excellence. Her greatest joy is helping students discover their potential both on and off the stage.