Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Ms. Shannon Chapman-Watson is a passionate dance educator and performer with over a decade of experience, specializing in early childhood education. She holds a Master’s degree in Dance Education from NYU and is an ABT-certified teacher, blending technical expertise with a nurturing, student-centered approach.

After earning her degree from SUNY Binghamton, Shannon trained at Broadway Dance Center under award-winning choreographer Tracy Stanfield. In 2012, she co-founded the Connecticut Dance Center in Stamford, CT, where she directed students in productions including The Nutcracker NYC, the NYC Dance Parade, and the CT Walk for Wishes, and showcased student work at the Children’s Museum of Movement in NYC. She also helped launch ABTtots in 2019, expanding access to dance for young learners.

Since moving to South Carolina in 2021, Shannon has become a key figure in the local dance community. She created the First Steps Division at Ann Brodie’s Center for Dance Education and designed the innovative My Dancer and Me program. She also contributed to the facilitation of Unboundies, the youngest division of the Unbound Dance Company intensive, and earned an honorable mention from Best of South Carolina for Best Dance Instructor.

As a performer, Shannon has appeared with Columbia Repertory Dance Company, Moving Bodies Dance, DanceKerr & Dancers, and Roza Dance Company, performing at venues including Radio City Music Hall, Alvin Ailey CitiGroup Theater, and The 92nd Street Y. Her career reflects a vibrant commitment to cultivating excellence in dance—on stage, in the studio, and in the community.

Artist Statement

Two mantras guide everything I do as a teacher and artist: “Dance is for Everyone” and “Come as You Are.” These ideas live at the heart of my work and remind me that dance is more than just movement—it’s a language that speaks across boundaries, expresses what words cannot, and helps us connect more deeply to ourselves and each other. I believe everyone deserves access to that kind of expression and belonging, whether they identify as a dancer or not.

In my classes, I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and full of possibility. I want students to feel free to take risks, explore, and discover their own unique voices through movement. To me, dance is an inclusive practice—one that celebrates all bodies, backgrounds, and abilities, and honors the artistry that already exists within every person. My role is to guide and support that discovery while nurturing discipline, curiosity, and joy along the way.

My background in ballet and contemporary dance gives me a strong technical foundation, but I love blending structure with creativity—technique with play. I encourage students to refine their skills while also thinking critically, collaborating, and expressing themselves in ways that feel true to who they are.

More than anything, my hope is that my students leave class with more than choreography or steps. I want them to carry forward confidence, empathy, and a lasting appreciation for how movement can heal, connect, and transform.