Expert Instructors
Expert Instructors » Shannon Knauss
Shannon Knauss
Registered Certified Instructor & Judge with the National Dance Council of America
Member of The Seattle Swing Dance Club
Available for Private Lessons, Parties, Group Classes, Special Events, Church or Schools, Birthday Parties, Bat Mitzvahs
Outgoing and people friendly personality perfect for beginners, singles, couples,
Entertainment style lessons available for parties.
Lesson style and humor suitable for all ages, children to senior
Professional Master of Ceremonies for Auctions, Benefits, Galas, or Competitions
Voice-Over Actress available for Book,TV & Radio
Announcing
Schools I have taught at: University of Washington, North Seattle Community College, Bush, Madrona, Overlake, B.F. Day, Nathan Hale, Ballard, Bear Creek, Lakeside, Seattle Pacific University, Cascade Christian, Shorewood, Renton High, Chief Sealth, St. Benedict's, St. Alphonsus, Shoreline Christian, St. Lukes.
Clubs I have taught or performed at: Harbor Club, WAC, Seattle Tennis Club, Columbia Tower Club, Seattle Golf Club, Lake City Elks, Everett Elks & Eagles, Ballard Eagles, Swedish Club, Tyee Yacht Club, Queen City Yacht Club, Seattle Yacht club, Mercer Island Shore Club, Argosy Cruises, Skansonia, Hollywood Schoolhouse, Salish Lodge, Safeco Field, Quest Events Center, Washington Dance Club.
My corporate client list includes: Microsoft, T-Mobile, Sonsational Events, Unigard, Solomon Events, Hart's Fitness, Seattle Athletic Club, Prudential Realty, Shea Homes,
I have cast dancers for Movies ( The Ring) and TV Shows, (Screaming Flea Productions & Me VS Me)
and Stage. ( Benaroya Hall, The Showbox,)
Professional Achievements:
- Registered Pro/Am Competitor with the National Dance Council of America 15 years
- Certified Instructor with the National Dance Council of America.
- Certified Associate Degree in International Standard with Terpsichorean Society.
- Certified Member's Degree in American Style Ballroom with The Terpsichorean Society of Dance Teachers
- Certified Member's Degree in American Style Rhythm with The Terpsichorean Society of Dance Teachers
- Coach of The University of Washington Ballroom and Latin Team 1997-1999
- Official Judge for USABDA Northwest Regionals 1999,2002
- Official Judge for USABDA Northwest
- Quest for The Best Competitions 2003,2004,2005,2006,2007
- 2000 Approved Dance Instructor for Seattle School District ,Background Check performed, Identification Verified
- Coach of 2000 & 2001 1st Place team in Dance BF DAY elem., Seattle School District Athletic Challenge, 72 teams
- Master of Ceremonies for The Oregon Fall Festival for ten years.
- Master of Ceremonies for The Crystal Ball and Northwest Dance Extravaganza 10 years
- Official Judge at 2000 Pacific Northwest Lindy Hop Championships 2001,2003
- Master of Ceremonies for the Pacific Northwest Lindy Hop Championships 2001,2003
- My students placed in the Top five & Top 10 in 2001 Lindy Hop Championships!
- 8 time 1st Place Winner OPEN PRO/AM West Coast Swing, Crystal Ball, Northwest Dance Extravaganza, City of Roses, Holiday to Dance :with partners
Kay Kinnish, Rick Jorgenson, Ramadan Zeinu, Brian McNatt, Joe Vasquez
Special thanks to these awesome professionals most influential in my dancing and teaching:
- To Sheila Sloan, Your knowlege of dance endless and your technique timeless. Lessons with you affected me greatly.
- To Beth Knoll, thank you for teaching me the standard and for being a great friend!
- To Olga Forponava, thank you for expanding my creative thinking in smooth dancing, for being a great friend and for my wedding dress!
- To Buddy Schwimmer, thank you for my beginnings in West Coast Swing. You taught me so much about musicality and chorographing, it is in all of my dances.
- To my inspiring competition coaches, Thank you! Nadia Eftedal, Ron Montez, Rick Valenzuela, Debbie Avalos, Pierre Allaire & Mirelle Veillieux, Bob Powers & Julia Gorchakova
- To Peter my husband, Thank you for for sharing your knowlege with me whenever I ask!
Special thanks owed to my past professional partners:Scot Board, John Yantis, Alex Samorano, Patrick Garcia, Dan Gibbons
