Shawn Gardner

Shawn Gardner began dancing in Tillamook, OR in 1990. She's now a professional dance instructor with over 24 years teaching experience and specializes in sharing the joy & benefits of dance with people of all ages and skill levels. Shawn has studied a wide variety of dance styles throughout her life including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, Character, Contemporary and Hip hop. She's performed in numerous stage productions and was a member of a Professional Modern dance company. Shawn has both co-directed and directed multiple dance shows in Oregon and Washington. She has received national recognition with her work in youth dancing and volunteered for 6 years as Director of a Teen partner dance start up non-profit and social dance.  

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Shawn's Ballroom career began in 2005, studying under Sunnie Page of The Ballroom Dance Company and just two years later, she was crowned National Champion in both Bronze & Silver International Standard at the 2007 USA Dance National Championships. Shawn has taught in various dance studios, recreation centers and studios since 1997.

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Her professional career outside of dancing includes 25+ years of extensive administrative, hospitality, marketing and management experience.  She has been a long time and dedicated employee including 8 years in restaurant management and 6 years gym management with the YMCA. Her professional work experience combined with dance has led her to many wonderful opportunities in life.  Her most recent accomplishment has been transitioning into studio ownership at the beautiful Ballroom we've all come to love on Commercial street in Tigard.  Her future goals include community collaboration and outreach for growth of dance, fitness, events and nightlife at The Ballroom. She strives each day to find new connections and opportunities of partnership and teamwork and continues to have a faith driven approach to the success of her goals. 

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On top of studio ownership and management, Shawn still teaches as well.  She is available for private lessons of all ages & skill levels including Pro/Am, singles & couples competition, wedding dances, show dances and more.  Shawn specializes in International Ballroom & Latin dances and also teaches social partner dances, kids classes and coaches performances teams.