Ellie Grimmett

Ellie Grimmett is a West Virginia native now living in Asheville, NC—just down the street from her only daughter and three beloved granddaughters. A lifelong dancer, Ellie began her journey at age 5 and never looked back. She started teaching in high school and went on to open Ellie Grimmett’s School of Creative Dance in Smithers, WV, in 1977 after earning her certification from Dance Educators of America, awarded in front of the Board of Directors at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

While attending that very convention, Ellie was approached by none other than Bob Fosse, who offered her a role in his Broadway show Cats. Newly married and just 19 years old, Ellie—unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—declined, a decision that has only added a fascinating chapter to her story.

Throughout her career, Ellie and her students attended and excelled at numerous national conventions including Showstoppers, Dance Caravan, and Dance Masters of America. Her choreography was celebrated and honored with many awards, including a Creative Concept Award crafted especially for her by Joe Tremaine’s faculty of judges. Ellie also served as a Vogue International Pageant judge and a regional judge in West Virginia for the show Star Search.

In 2004, Ellie made the heartfelt decision to close her studio to care for her parents and later supported her daughter in opening a new studio in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 2017, she embraced a new path—yoga and healing arts—and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Randy Boyd and Todd Norian. She is currently working toward her 500-hour certification at Asheville Yoga Center.

Ellie has spent much of her life as a caregiver, which has deepened her connection to holistic healing. She is a Grand Master Belvaspata practitioner, certified Reiki I, II, III, and Master/Teacher, and certified in Kolaimni I.

In her free time, Ellie cherishes moments with her grandbabies and her furry family, spending time in nature, gardening , practicing yoga, and enjoying the many waterfalls and lakes of WNC and Surrounding beaches.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to share my love of dance with children of all ages at Momentum Dance Project. Dance is a blessing all its own. I’ve witnessed the joy and transformation it brings—how it connects movement, emotion, and music in a way that’s electrifying and soul-soothing. I’ve truly missed it, and I’m so excited to be back in the dance world. Let’s dance!”