Elise Werchan is from Arlington, Texas. She attended and graduated from Indiana University Bloomington B.F.A. Contemporary Dance program, where she performed original works by Elizabeth Shea, Beatrice Capote, Stefanie Nelson, Maya Orchin, and DeEun Jung. At IU, Elise was a member of the Student Ambassadors program, was listed on the Dean’s List, and received the highest distinction for her degree. Elise started her dance training at a local dance studio, United Performing Arts Company. In addition, Elise trained at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy in high school and attended summer intensives at Joffrey Ballet School New York, Joffrey Ballet School Las Vegas, Zion Dance Project, and many master classes. 

While at IU, Elise had the privilege of performing in and choreographing for student-produced works and shows. Most recently she choreographed and produced “Nourishing Resilience (2024)”, her senior capstone project about the effects of eating disorders on one's self-image. Elise has training in styles such as Horton, Limon, Graham, contemporary, ballet, musical theatre, house, Afro-Cuban, Capotechnique™, and SomaLab™. She has also been lucky enough to have professional experience dancing with Relevations Dance Company and Blockhouse Studios in Indiana during her college career. 

Elise is so excited to join 6 o’Clock Dance Theatre as a Company Member in August 2024. Outside of dance, Elise is pursuing her nutrition certification and helping dreams come true as a wedding coordinator with Eventfully Designed. She is also lucky enough to have the title of wife, recently getting married to her college sweetheart.