However, personal strife and limitations hindered her dreams of pursuing a life on stage performing ballet: and nearly caused her to quit dancing forever. However, with the support of family and a strong determination, she regained her commitment to dance and transitioned to new avenues of expression.
Although professionally trained for many years in various forms of dance, including classical ballet, modern, lyrical and hip hop: it was not until 2001, at the age of 21, that she emerged onto the LA salsa scene. Her style quickly garnered her recognition as one of the top female dancers in Southern California. Although she desires to present an elegant style of salsa as her trademark: her dancing has also been referred to as a fusion of graceful motion and explosive energy.

She went on to capture her first major salsa dance championship at the Mayan World Salsa Championships in the summer of 2002. 9 More World Championships and 15 Salsa & Latin National Championships. Along with many other competitions: her itinerary also included performances on the international stage, including appearances in her beloved Bolivia, South Korea, Canada, Spain. Turkey, China, Guatemala, Mexico, Italy, Germany. Switzerland, Australia, Finland and Japan.
The momentum of her early success lead to commercials and music video appearances, as well as opportunities to choreograph for television and motion pictures.

Liz has had the honor of choreographing the semi-finals and finals routines for Mark and Shawn, the first-place winners of Dancing With the Stars, Season 8. She assisted in choreographing the group hustle routine for Dancing With the Stars Season 9. Liz was the choreographer for the 1st place winning couple, Derik and Nicole. In addition, she has been placed as the featured salsa
choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance for Season 7, Season 8 and Season 9. She was also choreographer and principal dancer for the feature film: The Ugly Truth, starling Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl. Feature lead dancer with Liz Lira Dance Academy in Marc Anthony's “Valio la Pena". Principal Salsa and Argentine Tango artist in 10th Anniversary SKYDANCE European Tour. Choreographer for upcoming movie Friendsgiving with Jane Seymour and Ryan Hansan.

Although Liz is still invited to teach workshop, perform as the principal dancer of the Salsa, Latin and Argentine Tango genre around the world, she is also asked to judge World Competitions for all her experience and expertise. Liz has been invited to judge the Acediki World Salsa Championship in Hong Kong.