ABOUT MAE BET

Mae Bet, full name Elizabeth Sorenson, is a Dancer on Canvas who transforms choreography into art. Each brushstroke is a literal translation of the dance movements she creates, transferred directly onto the canvas—nothing more, nothing less. With no formal background in art or classical "Western" dance training, she relies on innate movement and trust to merge her two worlds as an emerging painter and dancer.

Since co-founding All The Way Up, a community-based dance studio, in 2018, Mae Bet has searched deep within herself to find a new passion project that reflects her personal journey. Learn more about All The Way Up Studio—Iowa’s only non-traditional, inclusive dance studio for all ages, body types, and genders, offering classes in hip-hop, K-pop, jazz funk, heels, and chair dance—[click here].

"What is Art but Dance in Color?"

  • Those who know Mae Bet know she pours her heart and soul into others. In January 2025, she discovered a creative outlet that feeds both her inner child and soul through art and dance. Mae Bet is a Lao and Tai Dam American artist whose Tai Dam father and family affectionately gave her the nickname "Mae Bet." With 'Mae' roughly translating to 'little girl' in Tai Dam and 'Bet' being short for Elizabeth, she has embraced this identity as part of her artistic journey.

  • In Lao, 'Mae' also means 'Mother,' a beautiful coincidence that aligns perfectly with the heartwarming title "Studio Mama," given to her by her local dance community. Growing up without many opportunities to express her creativity, she has now found a way to heal and grow—both her younger and older self—through play. Inspired by the free-flowing movements of abstract artists and dancers alike, and uplifted by the love and support of her community, she is ready to shine and share her work with the world. Because, after all, “what is Art but Dance in Color?"

  • Thank you for following Mae Bet’s journey as a movement artist and for helping her redefine what it means to be a multifaceted creator. She never claims to be the best—only an appreciator, lover, and practitioner of all things art. Dance is art, and art is dance. Watch as Mae Bet blends her two worlds and explores the limitless possibilities ahead!

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