The daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Coleman, pioneer residents of
Port Arthur, opened her first dance studio in the old Elks Theater at the corner 
of Fourth Street and Austin Avenue. After that, she taught in studios in the old
Weller Building and the Linn Building. Her last studio was located in a large, 
modern studio centrally heated and air conditioned at 2423 Stadium Road. Later 
the owner of the building sold and a newer but smaller studio was built in the back.

A native of Port Arthur, Miss Coleman started formal dance training at the age of
five under Miss Ann Sproule of Beaumont and later studied under Lucy Crossland,
wife of the British vice consul to Port Arthur. Mrs. Crossland received her training 
from the famous ballet dance "Ann Pavlova."

After graduating from high school in Port Arthur, Miss Coleman went with her mother 
to New York to study at the "Ned Wayburn School of Dance." Only a minor incident
brought her back to Port Arthur. She had been selected by a Broadway dance director 
for a new show -- but the company was to tour the West Coast before opening in New York, 
and Miss Coleman's mother was not permitted to accompany the group. It was then that 
she gave up her New York ambition and returned to Port Arthur to inspire others to get
to New York as dancers. 

Miss Coleman was a charter member and past president of the South Texas Association
of Dance Teachers and the National Dance Masters of America. Each summer she continued
her studies with noted instructors at the National Dance Masters of America conventions.
She also took part in instructing other dance teachers at state and regional dance teacher
meetings. I believe that this was Miss Coleman's true calling in life, to teach others to
realize their dreams of becoming dancers. She unselfishly gave up her career to give 
countless others a chance at greatness.

Note: Text provided by Harry Fitzner. Thanks again Harry!