Shaunna Vella

I have been a educator for over 20 years and the Program Director for LEAP for 10 years. I teach Dance Studies and Performance Theory courses for both undergraduate and MFA programs, and facilitate trainings for DEIA, Operational Leadership, and Strategic Vision.

I teach in diverse communities with the intention of learning together in community about Social Justice, Embodiment, Performing Studies, Somatics, and different movement styles. I believe all movement practices and cultural expressions are of equal value and I work diligently to eliminate hierarchical classifications between different styles of dance and performance practices. I teach modern release technique, Vaganova ballet with Somatics, Jazz and Musical Theatre, Improvisation and experimental practices, Choreography, Dance and Social Justice, Performance Studies and Writing in the Discipline, Dance History: World Cultures, Production and Arts Administration, and Compositional Methodologies. I teach open adult classes at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center Thursdays 6:15-7:45pm.