Welcome to U&ME Dance

Owner/Director of Dance, Youth Programs, and Special Events

	"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams." My favorite part of the day is when my student gets a step they have been working on, or masters a new technique. It is what brought me into this business and what keeps me here. I began learning dance 26 years ago (yes when I was a little girl) and have never lost my interest in dance. I love all dancing and am always on an adventure to learn more. I began with the traditional Ballet, Tap and Jazz, but later moved to school dance team and hip hop. It wasn’t too long after that when my very good friend introduced me to country dancing. I had my hold ups with knee problems, but nothing really ever steered me away from dance for long. In 1995 I was hired to teach Ballroom dancing and I have been doing that ever since. My favorite part about dance has to be the choreography and creation that comes with our shows. I have a wonderful teaching staff here at U&Me who help to make every show a grand success. My newest endeavors are studying alternative dancing for people with disabilities. I have had my own share of physical difficulties, with arthritis now in both knees, and numerous surgeries. I know what it is like to feel like you can't do something. I have also had the pleasure to meet and teach students with different disabilities: a shattered leg where he needed to use dance as part of his physical therapy, an activity for a man with mental disabilities, a deaf woman, etc.. Dance is used for many reasons by many people, and the impact it has on peoples lives is fascinating and wonderful. I believe everyone can dance, it is something we feel in our souls, and if you want it bad enough I am going to work with you to make it happen! I run a Teachers Academy course for aspiring teachers or those who just want to up the level of their knowledge and understanding of dance. Please see the Teachers Academy Page for more information. I am also available for coaching at other studios for DVIDA testing.
Dances I Teach:
American Style Smooth	Tango Waltz Foxtrot Viennese Waltz
American Style Rhythm	Cha Cha Samba Rumba Mambo Bolero Merengue East Coast Swing West Coast Swing
	Lindy Hop Charleston Balboa Shag (Collegiate and Carolina) Salsa Argentine Tango Dance for Musical Theater (B.A.A.Y) Nightclub Two Step Country (Waltz, Two Step, Ten Step, Cowboy Cha) Line Dancing
International Style Standard	Tango Waltz Foxtrot Viennese Waltz Quickstep

Dance Certification & Experience:

Grand Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2007 Grand Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm High Honors 2007 Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm High Honors 2006 Master of Dance Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2005 Associate Certification through DVIDA American Rhythm High Honors 2004 Associate Certification through DVIDA American Smooth High Honors 2003 Rhythms Certification through NDCA in American Rhythm and Smooth Bronze Level, Double Honors 1997 Owner and Dance Director U&Me Dance 2002-current Studio Manager and Staff Director (and teacher trainer) at Rhythm Dance Studio in Bellevue WA 1997-1999 Choreographer for “All Night Strut” Northwest Washington Theater Group Choreographer for “Annie Jr” Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (B.A.A.Y) Coach various studios in seattle for dance showcases and choreography Independant Coach for teacher training in greater Seattle area. 1999-current Various dance competitions in Northwest with students. 1996-1999 Trained with Buddy Schwimmer, Susanna Gosset, Tony Meredith, Victor Veyrasset, Sylvia Sykes, Frankie Manning, Ron Montez, and many others Continues training every year, as I believe there is always more to learn, especially for a teacher Do you do dance showcase performances with Students? Yes, but I mainly choreograph Do you compete with Students? Yes