Holly Elizabeth Thiele: Dancing Beyond the Spotlight

When Holly Elizabeth Thiele steps onto the stage, the world sees a dancer—graceful, powerful, and precise. But to Holly Elizabeth, dance is much more than movement; it’s a language, a vessel for storytelling, and a reflection of the journey that shaped her.

"Something about me that a photo could never capture is the depth of what it means to be human," Holly Elizabeth shares. "There is so much more behind the façade someone presents. Being human means navigating the complexities of emotion, protection, and love—things that overwhelm us in our everyday lives."

A Dancer Defined by Passion and Independence

A senior at Northland Preparatory Academy (NPA), Holly Elizabeth describes herself in three words: independent, passionate, and compassionate. Each word holds deep significance, shaped by the challenges she’s faced and the values she has cultivated.

Her father, Joah Thiele, describes her impact on their family in one word: "Inspirational." He elaborates, "Elizabeth focuses on her goals and goes about them with a never-say-die, take-no-prisoners, no-holds-barred approach."

That determination is evident in every facet of her life. While many dancers thrive on external validation, Holly Elizabeth focuses on her own expectations. "I block out others’ expectations of me, which allows me to focus completely on myself and my desires rather than worrying about others' opinions," she says. Her mentor, Gianna Wiggins, calls that one of her most defining traits. "She keeps showing up for herself, again and again, even when things get tough. She never lets her struggles turn her sour, jaded, or selfish."

Her mother, Cassandra Caird, describes Holly Elizabeth as "majestic, honest, and hardworking." She adds, "Elizabeth’s story is about a young woman who loves deeply, cares for others, and has the motivation to be the best she can be in whatever she wants to accomplish."

Her best friend, Juno Keller, has seen firsthand the influence Holly Elizabeth has on those around her. "She is grounding. She is consistent and down-to-earth," Juno shares. "She has influenced me by teaching me to be self-reliant."

That mindset extends to her artistry.

"When I am on stage performing, I feel incredibly vulnerable yet free," Holly Elizabeth says. "This show was especially personal for me, as I decided to share a side of my story that few know about—I shared my journey with bipolar depression through movement. The creation of this piece had me stunted for a while until it finally hit me: I didn’t want a perfectly set piece. I wanted raw emotion and my true experience to shine through."

Her performance this year was more than just a routine; it was a moment of healing. "This year, performing that piece on stage was the healing I have long been looking for. It was such an incredible relief to be able to share my story and know that, in some way, it may have helped others begin to share theirs."

Leading with Purpose

"One lesson I’ve learned from dance that has helped me in life is that striving for perfection will destroy you," Holly Elizabeth said. "You define your own limits. Don’t set such unreasonable expectations that you make yourself miserable when you don’t meet them. Learning this through my physical capabilities has allowed me to apply the same philosophy to other aspects of my life. It has opened up the opportunity to find peace in the journey and take pride in small successes."

Holly Elizabeth is not just a performer—she’s a leader, a mentor, and a creator. She spearheaded the launch of NPA’s Dance Line, finding advisors, choreographing routines, and securing uniforms. She also teaches younger dancers, guiding them through their first steps in the program.

"Elizabeth started the NPA Dance Line herself," Wall notes. "She spearheaded that—found counselors to help her, got advisors, got the team going, choreographed routines, secured uniforms. She’s really just taken on this whole other level of responsibility that is so adult, and she’s done it all without any prompting. She had a dream, and she made it happen."

Her dance teacher, Cori Wall, admires her initiative and drive. "Elizabeth is a go-getter. She doesn’t have the same family support that many of her peers do, yet she has achieved an incredible amount in her life. She works her butt off in school to get scholarships, holds multiple jobs, and still finds time to teach and create."

Wall believes Holly Elizabeth’s influence extends beyond her technical skills. "She is helping foster an environment of kindness in our program. She talks to younger students like they matter, she encourages her teammates, and she sets an example that makes others want to work harder."

A Team That Feels Like Family

Holly Elizabeth credits her teammates for shaping her into the dancer and person she is today. "My teammates have taught me the importance of passion, perseverance, and enjoying the moment," she says. "I am so grateful to have worked with such talented, kind, and powerful dancers. They remind me every day to breathe and appreciate the journey."

Her experience as a teammate, choreographer, and captain has only deepened her love for dance. "I have had the incredible honor of being with these girls as a friend, a teammate, a choreographer, and a captain. I’d like to believe I have inspired them in some way—or so they tell me—to be the best dancer they can be, no matter what that means for them."

She has also learned a valuable lesson in perseverance. "Dedication is hard work, but it pays off. If you want something, go get it."

Owning Her Story and Embracing Vulnerability

As she reflects on her final season, Holly Elizabeth sees this year as a personal breakthrough. "What I am most proud of about myself this season is my ability to focus and be vulnerable," she shares. "I tackled quite a few pieces and remained committed to each one's intention and power. I’m proud of myself for opening up and allowing myself to share my experiences with others because, for so long, my biggest fear was letting people see the hidden parts of me."

She has come to embrace the full spectrum of her experiences and emotions. "I’ve learned that we are all human, and every part of our lives shapes us into the beautiful souls we are."

Holly Elizabeth’s love for psychology matches her dedication to dance. After graduation, she plans to study psychology and minor in criminal justice or political science at Colorado State University. She hopes to dance for CSU’s Golden Poms team while continuing to teach and inspire young dancers. Her long-term dream? To own a dance studio where students are encouraged to dance for themselves rather than for validation.

Her teacher, Cori Wall, is confident that she will succeed. "Elizabeth’s story is about independence. She’s an entrepreneur, a leader, and a dancer who creates her own path. She genuinely cares about others and takes action to make things happen. That’s rare."

And could she tell her younger self anything?

"Perfection is not the goal. Dance from your heart. If your heart isn’t in it, you’re doing it wrong. Have faith in yourself and defy your limits—because, after all, they are only what you make them."

In Their Words: Holly Elizabeth Thiele & Those Who Know Her Best

• "Striving for perfection will destroy you. You define your own limits." – Elizabeth Thiele.
• "I dance for the 10-year-old girl who dreamed of being like the older girls." – Elizabeth Thiele.
• "A photo could never capture the delicate nature of uncertainty, desperation, and peace I hold inside." – Elizabeth Thiele.
• "Passion will take you far. That is something my teacher, Cori, taught me." – Elizabeth Thiele.
• "My teammates remind me every day to breathe and appreciate the journey." – Elizabeth Thiele.
• "Elizabeth is not just a talented dancer; she is an incredible role model." – Cori Wall.
• "She never lets her struggles turn her sour, jaded, or selfish." – Gianna Wiggins.
• "The word I would use to describe Elizabeth is inspirational." – Joah Thiele.
• "She has influenced me by teaching me to be self-reliant." – Juno Keller.
• "Elizabeth’s story is about a young woman who loves deeply, cares for others, and has the motivation to be the best she can be in whatever she wants to accomplish." – Cassandra Caird.