Meet our amazing dancers and get to know more about them in our Dancer Spotlight Series! This month we are putting the focus on our very own Shannon Washington – Company Member, Rehearsal Assistant, and Executive Assistant.

Name: Shannon Washington

Age: 30

Hometown: Lansing, IL

Favorite Color: In general, pink or rose gold. It changes with the seasons, though, so in Fall usually maroon or burnt orange.

Favorite Style of Dance: Contemporary

Favorite Choreographer: That’s really tough, and it has definitely changed over the years. When I was younger it used to be Mia Michaels and Brian Friedman. They were my ultimate favorite and I always wanted to take class from them. Now, I love Travis Wall, Talia Favia, and Lizzie McKenzie.

When did you start dancing?: When I was 3 years old, I was in ballet and tap with my sister in the same class!

College: Pomona College in California. My major was Chemistry and I minored in Dance.

Siblings: My twin sister, Taylor!

Why do you feel passionate about dance?: My passion for dance has evolved over the years. When I was younger, I said I danced for an escape. That’s still true to this day. I’m not the most expressive person and I don’t show my emotions well, and dance is what allows me to do that. From when I was younger to now, if I was mad, frustrated, stressed – dance was it for me and how I expressed that. I also just have a love for how the body works. Looking at it logically and even scientifically. There’s so much that is happening with physics and anatomy and even with chemistry while we dance…it is so intriguing to me.

If you weren’t a dancer, what career would you choose?: I would go into physical therapy, which I am currently working towards! I have an interest in both science and dance, and I feel it comes together with physical therapy. I also feel that most PT’s don’t know much about dancers and our true athleticism and what our bodies need to recover and not hinder our performance. 

If you could do a duet with one person, who would it be?: My best friend who lives in Shanghai now – Elisa Montalvo. We grew up dancing and taking class together and it would be fun to reconnect that way!

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Lima, Peru in college! It was gorgeous and I loved everything about it. I traveled with medical students at the time to serve the people there. They were so humble and appreciative of what we were doing – even if we were just talking to them and providing them with basic needs.

Favorite food: Sushi with salmon or tuna in the roll! But also CHEESE.

One word to describe yourself: Resilient

If you had a dance move that described you, what would it be?: A tour jeté

Fun Facts: I used to be a cruise ship dancer, I rewatch Friday Night Lights each year, I love chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and I’m a published scientist.

 

We are so thankful to have Shannon on SCDT with her many hats and roles throughout the company. You’ve still got two more company members to learn more about…stay tuned and check back!