At Rising Events, our team comprises experienced cheerleading coaches, dance teachers, and musical theatre performers, backed by a group of organisational whiz-kids. All our team members are handpicked and led by our Directors – MJ and Elly – who encourage team members to “own” the task at hand and build confidence in working on successful events that will delight our customers.
Jane “MJ” Usher
With more than 40 years’ experience in event management and artist promotion, MJ began her career organising live music and events in her local village hall at the tender age of 16. (Yes, her dad had to sign the contracts!)
Building on this experience throughout her teens and well into her twenties and thirties, she went on to expand to larger venues and more well-known artists. In addition to an extensive industry network, she has developed a strong legal knowledge and experience of dealing with people face-to-face, by telephone, or via email, working tirelessly to resolve issues and meet customers’ expectations.
Inspired by her eldest daughter’s love of a new sport she had discovered, MJ was lured into coaching cheerleading in 2012. Along with her two daughters, she now runs Phoenix Stars, one of the largest cheer and gymnastics gyms in the South West, as a charity trustee and Programme Director.
Elly Humphries
Elly Humphries has built an impressive career in cheerleading, beginning as an athlete before transitioning into a highly respected coach. She is best known as the Head Coach of Phoenix Stars where she has played a central role in developing and inspiring athletes at all levels. In recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, she was named Wiltshire Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019. Elly’s coaching expertise has been showcased on the global stage, serving as a Worlds Coach for five consecutive years from 2022 to 2026, cementing her reputation as a driving force in the sport both nationally and internationally.
Known for being driven and hardworking, she brings meticulous attention to detail to everything she does, coupled with an unwavering determination to create outstanding experiences and events that motivate and unite her athletes and the wider cheerleading community.
