IMDC Faculty

Shannon Willard, a Southern California native, began dancing at age 4, training extensively in all styles at competitive dance studios, as well as a ballet studio and a Pilates studio. She also attended numerous summer intensives and conventions during her youth. As a teen, she developed a passion for choreography, creating her own pieces and collaborating with peers and mentors.

She continued her dance education at UC Irvine, earning, with honors, a B.F.A. in Dance Choreography, a B.F.A. in Dance Performance, and a B.S. in Mathematics, Cum Laude. At UCI, she performed with Donald McKayle’s Etude Repertory Ensemble, participated in various thesis projects, and choreographed numerous works, culminating in a forty-minute BFA Honors Thesis concert.

After graduation, Shannon completed her Pilates certification at Studio du Corps in Costa Mesa and taught there for four years. She incorporates Pilates principles into her teaching to improve dancers’ alignment and strength. In 2018, she became a certified barre instructor and taught at EverBarre in Irvine, combining her love for dance and fitness.

Shannon spent 14 years at FOCUS Dance Center in Irvine, teaching and choreographing across styles including contemporary, jazz, ballet, dance conditioning, and more. She played a key role in the studio’s Competing Program, officially becoming Competing Director in 2021. In this role, she also managed social media and administrative tasks, gaining extensive creative and managerial experience.

Shannon’s teaching style is marked by clarity, detailed instruction, and a warm, supportive environment. Her intention is to provide the student with enough information and understanding to truly master each concept introduced. Shannon is committed to nurturing dancers of all ages, guiding them toward their full technical and artistic potential while striving to be a positive role model inside and outside of the dance studio. She aims to share all she has learned from her incredible teachers and mentors, while also providing the kind of training she has come to recognize as essential through her own journey. Shannon is excited to bring her experience and passion to the IMDC family, continuing to foster strong, healthy, and inspired dancers.