Meet Elizabeth Kessous | Dancer, Troupe Leader, and Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Kessous and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business had been on my mind for a while, but the circumstances leading up to it were far from ideal. I was working for a dance troupe at the time, led by a former dancer who had unfortunately started exploiting newer dancers who had moved to Los Angeles with big dreams. She would often delay payments for up to three months and even insist on taking a portion of our tips, which left many of us feeling undervalued and disrespected.

The situation came to a head one week before the Covid quarantine began, when we got into a heated argument, and I made the decision to walk away from the troupe. At the time, I thought I’d made the worst mistake of my life. I had just moved into a more expensive apartment in the Palisades, fully confident that I could afford it even without my former boss. Then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. I was scared, uncertain, and questioning how I would pay my rent or stay afloat without the safety net of that job.

But in that fear, I found a deeper motivation. I realized I no longer wanted to work in an environment that didn’t align with my values. It was time to create something better—not just for myself, but for other dancers who deserved to be treated fairly and with respect. Starting my own business allowed me to build an empowering and supportive space, where artists could thrive without exploitation.

The challenges of that time ultimately fueled my creativity, resilience, and passion, and I’m so proud of what has grown from that leap of faith. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—it taught me to trust myself and pursue my vision, no matter how uncertain the circumstances might seem.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is about bringing beauty, culture, and connection to life through dance. What sets us apart is our authenticity and professionalism—creating performances that honor the roots of each dance style while leaving audiences inspired.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built: talented dancers who give their all and clients who treat us like family. Starting during Covid was far from easy, but the challenges taught me resilience and the importance of valuing people.

What I want the world to know is that our brand is built on heart. Every performance and class reflects a deep passion for what we do and a commitment to creating something extraordinary.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In addition to cultural experiences, I am a huge fashion fanatic so I would definitely have to my best friend to Rodeo Drive. I love Long Beach actually and I feel it’s totally underrated, so we could also go jet skiing down there and enjoy a Southern restaurant (I’m originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and I love southern cooking!). There are so many amazing Mediterranean and Brazilian places to eat here as well like Carousel, Terrace Encino and Glendale, Bossa Nova. I also am obsessed with South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa! We would have to go down there and then head to Laguna Beach. It’s so posh!

Don’t forget that my friend would 100% have to come to my Bellydance Zoom class on Wednesdays at 7;30pm PST and my Brazilian samba class that I teach at Lumina studios in Pasadena every Thursday at 8:30pm PST and also on Zoom!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported me along the way. First and foremost, I want to recognize the dancers who have stood by me, believed in my vision, and worked tirelessly to help bring my company to life. Their passion, creativity, and trust inspire me every day, and their collaboration has truly been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to our amazing clients, who not only value the work we do but treat us like family. Their kindness, generosity, and appreciation mean so much, and it’s because of them that we’ve been able to grow and thrive in such a meaningful way. They remind us that what we do isn’t just about performances—it’s about building connections and creating unforgettable moments.

And of course, MY HUSBAND. He makes me feel every day like I’m his most valued prize, and his unwavering love and support have been my anchor through every challenge and triumph. Whether it’s encouraging me after a long day or celebrating even the smallest victories, he’s always there to remind me of my worth.

To the dancers, clients, and my husband, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without your belief in me. I’m so grateful to have such incredible people in my corner.

Website: https://www.QueenshipEntertainment.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/QueenshipEntertainment

Image Credits
We own all rights to these photos and all dancers in the photos are aware that their images have been shared!