UK Dance Team Announces Cara Terry Purcell as Assistant Coach

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky dance team head coach Janet Brock has announced the hiring of Cara Terry Purcell as the team’s new assistant coach.

Purcell comes to UK having served as the head coach for the Lafayette High School Dance Team in Lexington for the last 14 years, where she has led her team to multiple state championships. Purcell was named the NFHS Coach of the Year for Kentucky in 2023.

“I’m very excited to add Cara to the UK Dance staff,” Brock said. “Her experience, energy and history with the program will be huge assets to us as we move forward.”

In college, Purcell was a four-year member of the UK Dance Team from 2004-08. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in accounting, from UK.

Purcell is the owner and director of Limelight Dance Company in Lexington. Limelight is an award-winning studio that competes both regionally and nationally and is known for its talented staff, innovative choreography and influence in the Lexington dance community.

“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the University of Kentucky Dance Team once again,” Purcell said. “I look forward to working alongside Janet for the 2024-25 season to carry on the tradition of this prestigious program.”