Tracy Cottrell

Instructor

Classes Taught: Foundations Acro, Acro I, II, III, Preschool Combo, Preschool Tap/Jazz Combo

Tracy Cottrell began teaching dance classes at the age of 15, with a focus on preschool and acrobatics instruction. She taught classes at a local dance school for 6 years, while attending Morgantown High School and West Virginia University.

After graduation from WVU with a degree in Business Administration, Ms. Cottrell moved to Pittsburgh where she worked for KPMG Peat Marwick and became a Certified Public Accountant. While living in Pittsburgh, she taught tap and jazz at the Pittsburgh Dance Academy. Ms. Cottrell returned to Morgantown and opened her own dance school, Tracy’s Dance Company, in 1993. She operated her own studio for 6 years, teaching all genres and age levels. In 1999, she sold her dance school and became a 4th grade teacher at Easton Elementary in Morgantown.

She says, “Owning a dance school was my dream job, and I was so blessed to be able to work with so many wonderful dancers during that time. It also led me into elementary education, which led to becoming a school administrator.”
Tracy is now the Assistant Principal at Eastwood Elementary School. Now in her fourth year of teaching at Morgantown Dance, she says says, “I joined Morgantown Dance as a substitute teacher when my daughter started taking ballet at the studio. I was given the opportunity to teach classes three years ago. It has been so wonderful being able to teach dance again.”

As for her personal teaching philosophy, she says, “I believe in working hard and encouraging those around me to do their best work, as well. Be kind to everyone, have difficult conversations when needed, and be honest. This influences my instructional style because we work hard in class and treat one another kindly.”

She encourages students to work hard and enjoy class, adding, “Acro is a great base for all activities. It promotes flexibility, balance, and strength.”
Ms. Cotrill enjoys spending time with her children, weightlifting, running, hiking, kayaking, dance fitness classes, and traveling.