Our Legacy
E & D Dance Troupe is proudly rooted in Winter Haven, Florida, and in a family legacy of serving youth that spans more than 40 years. Our story grew from the Martin Wolverines Community Band, founded and led by Earl Williams, whose commitment to giving young people a place to belong, perform, and grow laid the foundation for what E & D is today.
That legacy continues through E & D Dance Troupe, where dance is the tool—but mentorship is the mission. We empower girls ages 5–17 through HBCU-style majorette dance while building confidence, leadership, academic achievement, and positive decision-making. Through performances, competitions, community involvement, and college and HBCU exposure, we are preparing young ladies to lead both on and off the stage.
E & D Dance Troupe inspires girls ages 5–17 using HBCU-style majorette dance as a foundation for mentorship and growth. We foster confident leaders by focusing on academic success, community service, college readiness, and teen pregnancy prevention. While dance creates the spark, our commitment to guidance empowers young women to make positive choices, excel in all areas of their lives, and build bright, successful futures.
Our Mission
Our Lasting Impact
Academic Excellence
Education comes first at E & D. Our dancers are encouraged to maintain strong grades and understand that excellence in the classroom is just as important as excellence on the dance floor. We promote accountability, discipline, and academic achievement.
Leadership & Mentoring
Dance gets their attention—mentorship helps guide their future. Through positive role models, structured activities, community involvement, and sisterhood, we help girls build confidence, leadership skills, self-discipline, and the ability to make positive life choices.
College & HBCU Exposure
We expose our dancers to colleges, universities, and HBCU culture through campus visits, performances, parades, and travel experiences. These opportunities allow our girls to see possibilities beyond their immediate community and envision themselves pursuing higher education.
“Dance is the heartbeat of our mentorship, but the true performance is the leadership these girls show in their lives.”
Dr. DeAnna M. Williams-Smith, Director
Inspired by the legacy of her father and the Martin Wolverines Community Band, Dr. DeAnna M. Williams-Smith continues a tradition of service to youth spanning more than 40 years. A Doctor of Business Administration, educator, mentor, and nonprofit leader, she is passionate about empowering young women through education, leadership, and opportunity. Her own journey as a young mother helped shape her commitment to mentoring girls, preventing teen pregnancy, encouraging academic achievement, and exposing young women to college and HBCU opportunities. Through E & D Dance Troupe, she uses the excitement of dance to open the door to mentorship, confidence, discipline, community involvement, and positive life choices.