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| Shelly |
Shelly is one of the Co-Directors of Skagit Valley Academy of Dance. Beginning at the age of twelve, Shelly fell in love with dance and the stage. She first experienced the theatre while under the direction of renowned director, Philip Tarro during her stint with the Children’s Theatre at Skagit Valley Community College Summer Stock.
Her love of dance became her focus and the driving force behind the desire to purchase, grow and develop Skagit Valley Academy of Dance with Co-Director, and long-time partner, Kelly Fellers at their young age of nineteen. Together, each with their own talents and gifts, they have proudly established the largest and longest running dance academy in the Skagit Valley.
Shelly has taught Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Swing Dance, Musical Theater and Technique classes at all levels in her career at SVAD. Her passion as a student was Jazz with Ballet being her second love. Shelly participated in numerous recitals, held leading roles and attended multiple student intensive summer courses, including Summer Dance Lab. As a teacher, Shelly traveled throughout the United States attending numerous workshops, intensive studies and teachers’ seminars – always striving to learn from, connect with, and be inspired by fellow dancers and America’s Dance Masters.
Focusing on the joy of dance, Shelly aspires to 'touch' the heart of each student while maintaining a technically challenging and disciplined environment.
Dance has been such a blessing in my life, always 'moving' me to a better place. Filled with such enlightened and motivating people, my time at Skagit Valley Academy of Dance has truly been my 'home away from home', my haven and my inspiration.
Shelly has been a member of Dance Educators of America for twenty-two years, and has held the position of Regional Director for twenty-one years. In 2005 at the DEA National Workshop in Las Vegas Nevada, Shelly received the special award of 'Teacher of the Year.'
Shelly is proud to direct, in partnership with Kelly, this outstanding faculty of teachers and strives to inspire and educate our many talented and dedicated students. Our 'family' continues to grow, many dancers attending for 18 years, reaching new students and connecting the Arts with our community.
Shelly’s other passions are of course her family, husband Keefer and sons Connor & Curtis, extended family members and is blessed with inspirational and supportive friends. She is also a co-founder of the Vala Youngquist Guild, supporting Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center. |
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| Kelly |
Kelly is a Co-Director and founding partner of Skagit Valley Academy of Dance. With twenty-five years of teaching and ten years dancing her self, Kelly has a combined experience of thirty-five years of dance in her blood.
Kelly’s vast dance experience and the love she found in dance has been the core of her teaching focus. She trained in Tap, Ballet, Pointe & Jazz. Ballet is Kelly’s first love, reveling in the challenge and the joy of mastering new techniques and steps, while celebrating the grace and discipline of the Art.
The S.S. Azure Seas was the most recent in Kelly’s professional dance career, preceded by performing Bob Fossi’s 'Dancin’' with Stage 7 in San Diego. Throughout Kelly’s teaching career, she has concentrated on reaching out to the community and providing choreography to numerous local theatrical productions including, TAG Theater’s 'Grease' and 'Brigadoon', performed by ACT Theater.
Her exquisite choreography can be appreciated in any of Skagit Valley Academy of Dance’s Recitals, Nutcracker performances and in award winning competition numbers for Dansations Performing Arts Foundation.
Kelly is dedicated not only to her academy, but also to her family which includes husband Kirk and daughters Kayla & Kennedy. She greatly enjoys traveling, camping and creating scrapbooks of precious memories captured on film. She also finds time in her busy schedule to commit many hours raising funds and supporting Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center through the Vala Youngquist Guild. |
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| Donna |
Donna has been on the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance teaching staff since spring of 1993. She enjoys the support and camaraderie at the Academy. She loves to dance because of the way it makes her feel. Donna has performed for several years in the role of 'Drosselmeyer' in the Nutcracker with the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance.
Donna started dancing in Hollywood California at the age of 4. Her early training was from Megland Kiddies and then from the Ward Sisters. She then studied Ballet from Mmd. Katherine Ettienne. Under Mme. Ettienne she performed with the Wilshire Opera Ballet and various other charitable performances. Through her High School years she studied at the American School of Dance from, Eugine Loring, Joe Bennett, and Joe Tremaine. She has also studied with Paul DeRolfe and Tianne Saunders. She attended College at Los Angeles City College and College of the Desert in Palm Springs. While living in Palm Springs she and her family performed 'The Red Shoes' Ballet for two consecutive years. Donna also performed in the 75-76 bi-centennial celebration parade for Disneyland.
She was a dancing 'extra' in the movie 'Grease'. As a dancer and singer on the Dom Deluise road production of 'An Evening with Dom Deluise' , Donna traveled in the US and Canada. She performed with a disco group 'Commotion', which performed in Los Angeles Discos. Donna was a member of the 'Funk'Y' This' dance group which performed in the Playboy Clubs in Los Angeles and Chicago, and was a choreographer for the Japan production of 'Funk'Y' This'. Donna performed in a Joy Healey production for Dinner Theatre in Los Angeles. She was a choreographer and dancer in the Disco performing group 'Commotion' in Los Angeles.
Donna has choreographed numerous local productions including 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat', and the 'Wizard of Oz with TAG and 'As the River Flows' for Skagit Valley College. She choreographed 'A Christmas Carole', 'Wonderful Life, and '7 Brides for 7 Brothers' with SCAT and Several productions for the Shakespeare Festival at Edgewater Park. She was the choreographer for the Skagit Opera production of 'The Pirates of Penzance'.
Donna is an advocate for the arts in the community. She also enjoys painting, interior design, scrap-booking and spending time with family.
'To live without dancing is like ...mmm ...there is no life without dancing.'
*From the Directors -
Donna is such an asset to the Academy! With her vast experience and her captivating teaching style, Donna raises her students’ technique and enthusiasm to great heights. Her love of the disciplined and her dedication to education has made Donna our in-house Curriculum Director. |
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| Jennifer |
'I see dance being used as a means of communication between soul and soul - to express what is too deep, too fine for words.' (Ruth St. Denis)
Jennifer has been dancing with Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, Inc. since 1983, and joined our teaching staff in 1994. Her performance repertoire includes nine recitals and two Nutcrackers with SVAD, multiple regional and national competitions -- all receiving high marks, Festival of Trees, and Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center fundraisers with Dansations Performing Arts Foundation. She also performed in 'Moulin Rouge' at the Skagit Valley Casino.
Jennifer received the coveted 'Best Choreography' award from Dance Educators of America for her piece titled 'Wind Cries Mary'. She has choreographed and instructed numerous dances performed by Dansations Performing Arts Foundation members for many regional and national competitions that have won numerous Platinum, High Score and Specialty Awards. She has provided choreography for numerous performances and classes including 'Snow Queen' with META, 'Annie' with TAG, and several dance workshops at local elementary schools.
One of the best experiences of Jennifer’s life was the wonderful Joey Dowdy’s choreography to an African rendition of 'Amazing Grace'. The movement was so free flowing and spiritual that it created an emotional uplifting that brought her to tears.
'The essence of all art is to have pleasure in giving pleasure.' (Mikhael Baryshnikov)
* From the Directors -
Jenn brings so much to her classes. She inspires, motivates, and challenges her students from Tots - to - Honors. Jenn has a unique and innovative teaching style that her students grow and benefit from, appropriately entitling her 'Master Choreographer.' |
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| Michelle |
Michelle has danced with Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since she was five, and began teaching in 1995. She enjoys dancing because of the 'release' she feels when she walks into the studio.
'It’s as if nothing else matters for the duration of the class.'
Michelle’s love is Classical Ballet. For, to her, it is the most beautiful of dance styles and dance lines.
Michelle has performed in and choreographed numerous recital productions and Nutcracker performances with the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance. She performed in the Nutcracker with the Nancy Whyte School of Ballet, and two productions with the Milwaukee Ballet and South Carolina Dance Conservatory.
Michelle performed in the production 'Moulin Rouge' at the Skagit Valley Casino and 'As the River Flows' at the Skagit Valley Community College. She has also provided choreography for the Northwest Ballet Theatre and taught ballet at Dimensions of Gymnastics.
As well as dancing, Michelle enjoys water sports, boating, inner tubing and hiking.
Michelle enjoys being a part of the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance for the relationships that are formed over the years, days and long hours being together.
*From the Directors -
Michelle has brought such energy and discipline to her students. Her class work is structured & disciplined, challenging her students to achieve great ballet technique. She herself still performing, is a terrific role model to both young and older ballet students. |
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| Kelli |
Kelli Perry is our 'Senior Employee', having been employed by Skagit Valley Academy of Dance for over 16 years. She began her dancing career as a young child and quickly fell into the roll of teacher while still in high school. Teaching, for Kelli, has been a blessing that she so affectionately shares with her students. Well aware that she makes a difference in the lives of the young dancers she teaches, Kelli nurtures and protects the souls of her students while maintaining discipline and structure in her classes.
'I love my kids!' - Kelli eagerly shares with any who ask why she has stayed with teaching dance for so many years, as well as her other part-time employment and family commitments.
Kelli held a lead roll in Shelly & Kelly’s first recital as directors of SVAD, performing as the Scarecrow in the 'Wizard of Oz.' She is also an original member of Dansations Performing Arts Foundation and, as a young member in her day, received numerous awards for her competition pieces.
Kelli now choreographs for this prestigious performance group, and has received multiple awards for her work, along with providing creative choreography for all SVAD recitals and Nutcracker performances. Kelli is a versatile instructor who teaches Tap, Ballet, Jazz & Lyrical to some of our youngest students through our 'senior' students. She consistently provides a challenging environment for beginners through advanced dancers. Her style is unique, reflecting lyrical influence with strong technique.
Kelli’s other areas of interest and passions are her family, husband Steve, son Reed, and daughter/student Jenna Lee. They keep her very busy as she tries to attend all of their events. Kelli is also an original member of the Vala Youngquist Guild supporting Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
*From the Directors -
Kelli has remained a dedicated, well respected and genuinely loved employee and co-worker with all at Skagit Valley Academy of Dance...a true asset and blessing to all who are fortunate to work with her, or have her as an instructor. |
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| Lynn |
Lynn has been dancing with the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance for over twelve years and is a 'veteran' instructor, teaching for the past eight years. She has performed in six recitals and seven Nutcrackers. In addition to Skagit Valley Academy of Dance recital and Nutcracker performances, she has done choreography for two regional and a national competitions with the Dansations Performing Arts Foundation.
Lynn’s favorite dance style is ballet. She has had the most experience with ballet, however, she also loves other styles, especially Lyrical and Tap. When she 'grows up' she’d like to take more Tap classes!
Lynn enjoys dancing because it makes her feel good.
'There is something about taking a beautiful piece of music and adding dance movements that goes beyond what words can express.'
Lynn spends her time that she is not dancing with her family, photography, running, playing tennis, knitting, quilting, playing piano and singing.
The best part about being on staff at the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance for Lynn is the people.
'I not only have co-workers, but friends.'
*From the Directors -
Lynn has been a large part of our 'family' here at the Academy, having two daughters that dance, as well as being a dedicated student and devoted instructor herself. Lynn provides a loving and nurturing environment while instilling structure and focusing on strong, basic technique in all dance styles. |
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| Colleen |
Colleen has been dancing with Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since 1995 and began teaching in 1998. She has performed in numerous Nutcracker and recital performances. She performed in 'Moulin Rouge' at the Skagit Valley Casino. She was a member of the Dance Company with Foothill College in Los Altos, CA and performed in their 'Dance Rap' performance.
Colleen loves to dance because of the way it makes her feel. She can go into her own world and forget about everyday life. Her dance style of preference is Jazz, as it integrates such varying styles and genres, allowing more freedom of expression.
Colleen has choreographed for many Nutcracker and recital performances as well as for the Burlington Edison Cheerleading Squad. She also enjoys tennis, swimming, racquetball, ice skating and gymnastics.
She has appreciated the friendships she has made through Skagit Valley Academy of Dance, not only with the other teachers, but with the parents of the children she has taught over the years.
*From the Directors -
Colleen has a unique position in our academy, wearing the 'hats' of student, dance mom, and instructor. While teaching varied ages, Colleen particularly appeals to the 'Tweens'. She manages a funky & fun style of Jazz and Tap for her students while reinforcing basic technique in all classes. |
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| Amanda |
Amanda has been dancing with Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since 1990. She has performed in seven dance recitals and eleven Nutcracker performances with several lead roles including 'Ice Princess', 'Snow Queen', 'Sugar Plum Fairy' and 'Clara'.
'Skagit Valley Academy of Dance is my home away from home.'
She has been a member of Dansations Performing Arts Foundation for over 4 years, and has competed in both regional and national competitions, winning numerous awards and scholarships, based on her performances both on stage and in the classroom.
Amanda dances because she enjoys the 'happy feeling' of performing. Her favorite style is Lyrical as it is 'a beautifully emotional style of dance'.
Amanda is also on the Burlington Edison High School’s track team and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
*From the Directors -
Amanda is definitely a great addition to our academy. Amanda has a 'glow' about her when she is dancing and it shines through to her students in her instruction. |
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| Lauren |
Lauren has been dancing with Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since 1992 and joined our staff in 2003. She has danced in six recitals and twelve Nutcracker performances, with the prestigious role of Clara in 2005. Lauren has competed with the Dansations Performing Arts Foundation in multiple national and regional venues. She has assisted with choreography for several local school plays.
Lauren enjoys dancing because she loves the way it makes her feel. It’s an outlet for stress and keeps her active. She also plays tennis and enjoys acting and stage work.
Lauren loves her co-workers, her students and their parents and the people she dances with. She feels like Skagit Valley Academy of Dance is her 'second family'.
*From the Directors -
Lauren has proven to be a dedicated and responsible student and instructor. Her 'new found' love of teaching shows in her students’ work. She brings to her classes her understanding of commitment to the Arts and shares her love of dance. |
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| Bethany |
Bethany has danced with the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since 1993, and has been on our staff since 2003. She has performed in six dance recital productions and seven Nutcracker performances. She has been a member of the Dansations Performing Arts Foundation, and participated in several regional competitions.
She really enjoys performing on stage. She loves the variety of people found at the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance and has made some very good friends over the years.
Bethany also is on the Burlington Edison High School Swim Team, and enjoys snowboarding and wakeboarding.
From the Directors -
Bethany came on board both as an assistant instructor and as part of our office team. Bethany has a great comforting, warm approach that her young students feel and is a 'Joy to deal with', our customers share. |
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| Amy |
Amy has been dancing with the Skagit Valley Academy of Dance since 1996. She has performed in numerous recitals and Nutcracker performances. She has been a member of the award winning Dansations Performing Arts Foundation for over 2 years, participating in regional and national Competitions. She also performed in 'A Wonderful Life' at McIntyre Hall in 2004.
Amy dances because she likes expressing herself through movement. 'I have realized that music is all about keeping time and rhythm through dance.' Her favorite style is Ballet, because it has helped her work hard and set the foundation for all other dance styles.
Besides Dancing, Amy enjoys reading, playing piano and 'antiquing'.
In regard to Skagit Valley Academy of Dance and her teachers, Amy states,
'They give me so much inspiration to keep dancing...and do it well!'
* From the directors -
We are excited Amy has joined our staff! It is such a delight when our young dancers discover the joy in learning, and so then wish to pass-it-on and enter the world of teaching. Amy brings her sheer love of dance and self-discipline to her classes in which she assists. |
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