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 dancer "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!