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 Jeanne
This year represents Jeanne’s 12th year with the Lake Washington High School Dance Team. Prior to joining the coaching staff, she was a judge for the Washington State Dance/Drill Judges Association for 15 years. Dance team has been in her life since her freshman year of high school when she made her own high school's dance team.
The memories she has made during her tenure with the team are something she will always treasure watching the dancers grow from tweens to young adults. It is her hope that all members leave the program with maturity, confidence, and the determination to pursue their goals.
Outside of dance team, Jeanne is married with two little boys, Raymond and Russell. She has an MBA in Finance and by day is a bank vice president.
The memories she has made during her tenure with the team are something she will always treasure watching the dancers grow from tweens to young adults. It is her hope that all members leave the program with maturity, confidence, and the determination to pursue their goals.
Outside of dance team, Jeanne is married with two little boys, Raymond and Russell. She has an MBA in Finance and by day is a bank vice president.
Coach Michelle
Coach Michelle brought her six years of coaching dance with her when she moved from Chicago to Seattle in 2018. Upon getting hired as an English teacher at Lake Washington High School, Coach Michelle expressed her desire to support the LW dance team as a volunteer. After being invited to Drea's Dream in 2018, Coach Michelle fell in love with LW Dance's culture and covenants. Her volunteer position quickly transitioned into a full-time coaching position as she supported the 2018-2019 squad to a State Championship.
Coach Michelle's favorite part about being an LW Dance coach is continuing the legacy of this squad. She strongly believes in the team covenants and supporting each dancer to reach their full potential.
In addition to being an English & CTE Teacher and Dance Coach, Coach Michelle is also a mother to her daughter Evelyn and a part-time student at South Seattle College. This will be Coach Michelle's last season with the squad, for she is moving back to Illinois before the new year.
Coach Michelle's favorite part about being an LW Dance coach is continuing the legacy of this squad. She strongly believes in the team covenants and supporting each dancer to reach their full potential.
In addition to being an English & CTE Teacher and Dance Coach, Coach Michelle is also a mother to her daughter Evelyn and a part-time student at South Seattle College. This will be Coach Michelle's last season with the squad, for she is moving back to Illinois before the new year.
Coach Kate
Coach Kate is a Science teacher at LW. After teaching science overseas in China, she returned to her home state of Washington to join the Lake Washington High School faculty in 2014. Having grown up a student of many styles of dance, and being a member of her own high school’s dance team, she fell in love with LW Dance Team from day one. Coach Kate has been with the LW dance team since 2020.
Coach Kate’s favorite thing about LW Dance is witnessing the development of students through the joy and discipline of dance. She looks forward to being an advocate for students’ growth and building community through trust.
Coach Kate’s favorite thing about LW Dance is witnessing the development of students through the joy and discipline of dance. She looks forward to being an advocate for students’ growth and building community through trust.
Coach Shay
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Coach Shay comes to us as a fifteen year WA State HS Dance Team Judge, a NDCA Judge/Member, a five year WA State High School Dance Coach, and a ninth year Troupe Director of The Seattle Storm Dance. She led the 3A 2022 Hip Hop State Champions to their first title in over twenty years! She teaches Acro, Jazz, Hip Hop and Team Dancers at Backstage Dance Studio. She is a social media content creator and is obsessed with dogs and dance! She recently moved to the Eastside where she shares her life with her husband Aaron Levine, Sports Director at Fox 13, and her five year old son, Kaden! Shay loves staying active in the dance community and continues to challenge herself learning new styles and seeking educational opportunities!
Coach Shay has always admired LW Dance Team's professionalism and passion. She loved the LW Dance Team culture as a consultant and was beyond honored to be asked to join the phenomenal coaches team. She looks forward to helping dancers technique and teamwork! |