Coaches' Mission
The Lake Washington High School Dance Team (“LWDT”) will be an exceptional group of athletes who understand the privilege and honor of being a Dance Team member. It is our intention as coaches, to build a quality program which will reflect the school and community in a positive light. We will strive to assist members in building team and school spirit, dedication, personal responsibility and pride. The LWDT will be unified as a team, respectful of one another and focused on performing and practicing with a high level of excellence. To achieve these goals, the team will maintain a culture that is both fun and beneficial to every member through strict adherence to the following philosophies and standards. In every instance, we will attempt to act in fair and consistent ways. It is our hope that members will learn skills that they will take with them into future endeavors.
Coach Amy
With over 15 years of experience coaching high school dance, Amy brings a deep-rooted passion for movement, discipline, and team development. She has a strong foundation in ballet, tap, and jazz, and serves as the team’s technique coach, helping dancers refine their skills and build confidence both on and off the floor.
Outside of the dance world, Amy has dedicated more than 30 years to public service in the fire department and currently serves as the Battalion Chief of Emergency Medical Services. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in high-pressure environments seamlessly translate into her coaching style—supportive, focused, and growth-minded.
She is proud to work alongside a wonderful team of coaches and feels truly humbled to be part of such an inspiring program. Watching student-athletes grow individually and as a team throughout the season is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
Outside of the dance world, Amy has dedicated more than 30 years to public service in the fire department and currently serves as the Battalion Chief of Emergency Medical Services. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in high-pressure environments seamlessly translate into her coaching style—supportive, focused, and growth-minded.
She is proud to work alongside a wonderful team of coaches and feels truly humbled to be part of such an inspiring program. Watching student-athletes grow individually and as a team throughout the season is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
Coach Jeanne
Celebrating her 15th year with the Lake Washington High School Dance Team, Jeanne brings a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and heart to the world of dance. Her journey began as a freshman on her own high school’s team, sparking a passion that has never faded. Before stepping into coaching, she spent 15 years as a judge with the Washington State Dance/Drill Judges Association, shaping the sport from the sidelines with precision and integrity.
In recent years, Jeanne has continued to lead with distinction—serving as President of the Coaches' Association in 2024 and earning the title of Washington State Coach of the Year in 2023. Known for her technical expertise and unwavering support, she treasures the opportunity to watch dancers grow from tweens into confident young adults. Her hope is that every team member leaves the program with maturity, self-assurance, and the determination to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the dance floor, Jeanne is a proud wife and mom to two spirited boys, Raymond and Russell. She holds an MBA in Finance and serves as a bank vice president by day—proof that passion and professionalism can dance in perfect harmony.
In recent years, Jeanne has continued to lead with distinction—serving as President of the Coaches' Association in 2024 and earning the title of Washington State Coach of the Year in 2023. Known for her technical expertise and unwavering support, she treasures the opportunity to watch dancers grow from tweens into confident young adults. Her hope is that every team member leaves the program with maturity, self-assurance, and the determination to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the dance floor, Jeanne is a proud wife and mom to two spirited boys, Raymond and Russell. She holds an MBA in Finance and serves as a bank vice president by day—proof that passion and professionalism can dance in perfect harmony.
Coach Kate
Kate is thrilled to be entering her 6th year coaching the Lake Washington Dance Team! She brings a wealth of experience and passion from her background in the military category of dance, where she developed a strong foundation in precision, discipline, and performance quality.
A dedicated educator, Kate has been teaching science at Lake Washington High School since 2014, where she has loved helping students grow both in the classroom and on the dance floor. Her coaching philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing each dancer’s individual potential, encouraging athletes to challenge themselves while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of dance. Outside of teaching and coaching, Kate enjoys spending time with her loving husband Evan and their two dogs, Rebel and Ace. Kate looks forward to another amazing year with the Kangs, filled with hard work, spirit, and unforgettable performances!
A dedicated educator, Kate has been teaching science at Lake Washington High School since 2014, where she has loved helping students grow both in the classroom and on the dance floor. Her coaching philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing each dancer’s individual potential, encouraging athletes to challenge themselves while fostering confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of dance. Outside of teaching and coaching, Kate enjoys spending time with her loving husband Evan and their two dogs, Rebel and Ace. Kate looks forward to another amazing year with the Kangs, filled with hard work, spirit, and unforgettable performances!
Coach Mariah
Mariah is excited to officially step into a coaching role with the Lake Washington Dance Team. Coach Mariah is a proud Kang Dance alum and graduate of Lake Washington High School. As a team leader, she was part of the group that won the program’s first state championships in Military and Pom—an experience that sparked a lifelong love for dance team.
After high school, Mariah stayed connected to the dance world as a Washington State Dance/Drill Judge for 14 years, serving 8 of those as President of the Association. She was honored twice as Judge of the Year during her time with the organization.
For the past 13 years, she has choreographed for the Kang Dance Team, helping lead them to many accolades and memorable performances. After closing her chapter as a leader in the judging community, Mariah is thrilled to begin the next as a coach—working even more closely with the dancers, sharing her love of the program, and helping them grow both on and off the floor.
After high school, Mariah stayed connected to the dance world as a Washington State Dance/Drill Judge for 14 years, serving 8 of those as President of the Association. She was honored twice as Judge of the Year during her time with the organization.
For the past 13 years, she has choreographed for the Kang Dance Team, helping lead them to many accolades and memorable performances. After closing her chapter as a leader in the judging community, Mariah is thrilled to begin the next as a coach—working even more closely with the dancers, sharing her love of the program, and helping them grow both on and off the floor.