Education Program Manager
Shawna J. Williams began dancing at age five with Mrs. Davis at LaRue Montessori Academy. She received the majority of her training at The Russell School of Ballet, home of the Fairfax Ballet in Chantilly, VA, where she was a member of both the Junior and Senior Companies under the direction of Thomas and Ilona Russell. She subsequently received a BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. Some highlights of her dance education include participation in workshops and summer programs with prominent artists such as The Dance Theatre of Harlem, Suzanne Farrell (former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet), Nicholas Leichter, Ronald K. Brown, and Gus Solomons, to name a few. On a number of occasions, she has also participated in the annual Black College Dance Exchange and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference.
Williams has taught in various settings that include dance studios, after-school programs, summer programs, dance ministries, private lessons and corporate fitness gyms. She currently resides in Washington, DC with her husband and their three boys. She teaches dance at Angels of Hope and now has a new addition to her repertoire, Zumba, which she teaches in a number of locations throughout the metropolitan area. Her desire is to teach and create work that will educate, uplift, and promote health and balance for all.
Photo by XMB Photography.