SHAWNTEL MCDONALD

Shawntel began dancing recreationally at the age of four, later competing regionally and nationally under the direction of Nancy Giles at The Southern Strutt and winning a regional scholarship with New York City Dance Alliance.

She trained with renowned choreographers Dee Caspary, Ray Leeper, Mia Michaels and Wade Robsen, and danced alongside Justin Giles, each of whom have appeared on So You Think You Can Dance.

After high school, she taught jazz technique to underprivileged children at Epworth Children's Home in South Carolina and attended Brigham Young University on a dance and academic scholarship.

While there, she performed with the Dancensemble and Kinnect performing groups.

She taught a jazz class as a student faculty member on campus and performed at the 2002 World Winter Paralympics' Opening Ceremony.

She transferred to the University of North Carolina and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a baccalaureate degree in Dance.

Performing and competing have been an integral part in Shawntel's dance experience, but her heart has always been turned towards teaching.

While living in North Carolina, she was the competition director, choreographer and costume designer for two studios and received awards including Platinum National Dance Competition Regional Top Choreography Award and Encore Dance Competition Grand Finals Judges Choice Best Choreography Award.

Shawntel then lived in South Carolina and owned her own dance company, Tilt Dance, where she continued to foster a love for teaching.

In 2014, she moved to Texas with her husband and four kids.

She is the music and movement instructor at Tomorrow's Promise Preschool, where she works with two to five year olds on developing gross motor skills and coordination through creative movement.

She has also become a certified instructor for HIGH fitness.

Shawntel is excited to open the doors to Flex Dance and Fitness where she will offer dance technique, conditioning and other fitness classes for all ages, kids and adults alike!