Pati Lara is an experienced dance coach and leader from El Paso, Texas, with over 20 years in dance instruction and team development. She began dancing at age four, training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and poms under Laine Johns at the British Ballet Academy, and attended intensives with renowned choreographer Patsy Swayze during her teen years.

Pati owned and directed the Elite Academy of Dance in El Paso for over two decades, training dancers from beginner to pre-professional levels. She joined IU Columbus in 2023 as Head Dance Coach and was later named Senior Women’s Leader for Athletics, where she advocates for women in sports and fosters a positive team culture.

She also serves as Head Coach of the Fishers Freight Pro Indoor Football Dance Team. Known for her innovative choreography and strong technical focus, Pati builds confident, coachable, and performance-ready dancers.

Pati is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where dancers can thrive both as artists and athletes.