Carla P. Watson, M.D., a native of Chicago, began studying dance in 1975 at The Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre, under the direction of the late Shirley Hall Bass. She continued her study of dance at Howard University as a dance minor and a member of the HU Dance Ensemble. In Washington, Dr. Watson trained in classical ballet at the Dance Institute of Washington. This opportunity afforded her to study and perform with the Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Kennedy Center. Dr. Watson received her medical degree from Howard University. She currently practices physical medicine and rehabilitation. A part of her practice includes dance medicine, where she treats dance-related injuries. She was the co-founder and artistic director of LeCor Dance Academy in Homewood, IL.

She is currently on the board of the Nashville Children's Dance Theatre and teaches master classes for various schools around the country.