Meet our Team
ELIZABETH
Founder & InstructorElizabeth “Magnolia Myra” is the founder and director of Kickin’ Roots Line Dancing, powered by Magnolia Dance Company, LLC, the organization behind its programming, instructor development, and community partnerships across Central Mississippi.
A paralegal by day and a Louisiana-born, Mississippi-raised creative at heart, Elizabeth has loved dance since childhood. Largely self-taught through MTV music videos, she developed her own style through curiosity, creativity, discipline, and a deep passion for movement. That journey fuels her belief that dance should be accessible, welcoming, and empowering for anyone.
Since beginning her teaching journey in 2001 with Ballroom Dancing, she has helped build communities where people can connect, grow confidence, and have fun. Under her leadership, Kickin’ Roots continues to expand through classes, workshops, private and corporate events, and large-scale community dance experiences - all rooted in a mission to bring people together through movement and shared passion.
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok @magnolia_myra
DJEARL
If there's a party happening, DJ Earl is the reason it doesn't stop. As the man behind the music and lights at Kickin Roots, Earl brings the kind of energy that turns a room of strangers into a dance floor full of friends, because at the end of the day, hospitality really is his middle name.
Earl's ear for music started long before Kickin Roots, back at Stetson's on The Moon, where a line dance floor introduced him to the woman who'd become his wife (and business partner). These days, he's the one curating the perfect mix of country, hip-hop, rock, and everything in between. He knows how to read a crowd and make sure the lighting matches the mood of the night.
By day, Earl works as an operations manager in the technology field, which explains why every event runs like clockwork: sound checks handled, playlists queued, not a detail missed. Outside of work and Kickin Roots, he's a devoted father, a true car enthusiast (if it's got a motor, he's interested), and the guy you want running the smoker at any backyard gathering. Whether it's a low-and-slow brisket or a packed dance floor, Earl believes good things take time, care, and the right playlist.
Come see DJ Earl behind the booth and feel the difference a true mister good time makes.
Instructorchristie
Christie's love affair with line dancing started long before Kickin Roots. Back in her college days at Florida State University, Friday nights meant one thing: Stetson's on The Moon, the campus's go-to line dance haven. Christie was a regular, then a leader on the floor, and eventually an instructor herself teaching fellow students the steps she couldn't get enough of. It was also at Stetson's that she met her now-husband... who happens to be Kickin Roots' DJ. Some love stories start on a dance floor, and theirs is one of them.
Years later, that same pull toward the dance floor led her to a pop-up line dance lesson at Cypress Pointe in May 2026. One class in, and it was clear: this was home. Christie joined the Kickin Roots team and has been teaching, dancing, and building community ever since.
Off the dance floor, Christie is a mother to three children you may see bopping around and works in brand and marketing strategy: a skill set that's found its way into Kickin Roots' content and event packaging too.
Come take a class with Christie and see where the dance floor might lead you. Follow her on instagram @cclarkyo 
Instructorcheyenne
Originally from Vicksburg, MS, Cheyenne now calls Terry, MS, home, where she spends time with her two Labrador Retrievers and four cats.
With over 13 years of dance experience, movement has always been a part of her life. After stepping away from ballet and other formal dance styles, she discovered a passion for line dancing and has been actively dancing and teaching for the past 2 years.
By day, Cheyenne works as a medical receptionist, but evenings and weekends are reserved for what she loves most - being on the dance floor. Known for her personality, quick wit, and a little bit of Southern sass, she brings energy, encouragement, and plenty of smiles to every class.
Whether you are a seasoned dancer or taking your very first steps, Cheyenne is ready to help you learn, laugh, and have a great time.
So, grab your boots and let’s dance!
Follow her on Facebook @Cheyenne McCullough
Instructor
Darlene
With over more than 30 years of line dancing experience, Darlene has been helping dancers find their confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the dance floor for decades. Many local dancers know her from the legendary “Rodeo’s”, one of Mississippi’s favorite country dance destinations, where she helped share her passion for dance with countless students over the years.
One of Darlene’s greatest joys is watching dancers grow from their very first steps as beginners to becoming confident improvers and regulars on the dance floor. Her patient teaching style, encouraging spirit, and genuine love for people make every class feel welcoming and fun.
Beyond the dance floor, Darlene and her Dixie Darlings enjoy giving back to the community through performances and instruction at assisted living facilities and other local organizations, sharing the joy of music and dance with others.
For Darlene, line dancing is about more than learning steps; it is about friendship, community, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Instructorshelby
Shelby brings over 20 years of dance experience, including 10 years of line dancing. By day, she is a special education teacher; by night, a fitness instructor leading everything from dance-based workouts to HIIT training. Dance has always been her passion, and it is her goal to bring positive, high-energy vibes to the floor—creating fun, motivating spaces where everyone can move with confidence.
Follow her on Instagram at @51blessed39
InstructorAmy
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Amy moved to Jackson to chase her dream of earning her doctorate in occupational therapy. When she’s not studying, you can find her line dancing, exploring new places, curled up with a good book, or hanging out with her cat.
Follow her on Instagram @dancewithamy_ or TikTok @amyl22749
