Briley Shanander
Owner/Director
Ms. Briley Shanander has been teaching ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop to students of every age for nearly a decade. She has trained Academy of Dance’s competition team for two successful seasons.
Briley started her career in the performing arts at age 10 and fell in love with dance during high school. She trained at Academy of Dance under Yvonne Cox, Christina Krejer, and Sylvia Trask. Briley is a member of Dance Educators of America and holds a Bachelor of Education from Western Washington University.
Ms. Briley believes in the lifelong value of dance education in her students’ lives from discipline, teamwork, coordination, creativity, and self-expression. She is committed to the family-friendly culture and success of the dancers and staff at Academy of Dance through teaching best practices, open communication, positive role models, clear policies, empathy, and flexibility.
Briley Shanander
Owner/Director
Ms. Briley Shanander has been teaching ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop to students of every age for nearly a decade. She has trained Academy of Dance’s competition team for two successful seasons.
Briley started her career in the performing arts at age 10 and fell in love with dance during high school. She trained at Academy of Dance under Yvonne Cox, Christina Krejer, and Sylvia Trask. Briley is a member of Dance Educators of America and holds a Bachelor of Education from Western Washington University.
Ms. Briley believes in the lifelong value of dance education in her students’ lives from discipline, teamwork, coordination, creativity, and self-expression. She is committed to the family-friendly culture and success of the dancers and staff at Academy of Dance through teaching best practices, open communication, positive role models, clear policies, empathy, and flexibility.
Ms. Abby has been a valued part of our En Avant family for over seven years! She first joined us as a dancer and became a dedicated member of our competition team in 2018. In addition to her passion for dance, Abby has been a friendly and welcoming presence at our front desk, serving as an office receptionist while balancing high school and Running Start. We are thrilled to support her as she pursues her certification at Evergreen Beauty School, and we’re grateful for the kindness and dedication she brings to our studio community!
Abby Cordova
Office Receptionist
Abby Cordova
Office Receptionist
Ms. Abby has been a valued part of our En Avant family for over seven years! She first joined us as a dancer and became a dedicated member of our competition team in 2018. In addition to her passion for dance, Abby has been a friendly and welcoming presence at our front desk, serving as an office receptionist while balancing high school and Running Start. We are thrilled to support her as she pursues her certification at Evergreen Beauty School, and we’re grateful for the kindness and dedication she brings to our studio community!
Bella Schwarz
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Bella coming soon!
Bella Schwarz
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Bella coming soon!
Ms. Branté joined En Avant in September of 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and passion for ballet education. With over seven years of teaching experience, she has trained extensively in the American Ballet Theatre curriculum and studied at prestigious programs such as Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Springfield Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. Branté has taught a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern, and has choreographed for full-length ballets and performances. She holds an AS degree with a ballet emphasis from Utah Valley University and has performed with the Repertoire Ballet Ensemble. Her love for dance is evident in the way she nurtures and inspires young dancers, helping them develop strong technique while discovering the joy of movement. We are thrilled to have her as part of our En Avant teaching team!
Branté Copling
Dance Teacher, Competition Team Instructor
Branté Copling
Dance Teacher, Competition Team Instructor
Ms. Branté joined En Avant in September of 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and passion for ballet education. With over seven years of teaching experience, she has trained extensively in the American Ballet Theatre curriculum and studied at prestigious programs such as Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Springfield Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. Branté has taught a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern, and has choreographed for full-length ballets and performances. She holds an AS degree with a ballet emphasis from Utah Valley University and has performed with the Repertoire Ballet Ensemble. Her love for dance is evident in the way she nurtures and inspires young dancers, helping them develop strong technique while discovering the joy of movement. We are thrilled to have her as part of our En Avant teaching team!
Citori Jones
Dance Teacher, Office Receptionist
Ms. Citori began her dancing career here at En Avant at 9 years old. By age 11, she was on the studio’s competition team, performing in a variety of styles including lyrical, theatre, and jazz. Ms. Citori took a break from dancing during Covid while she finished high school and earned her cosmetology license. She has since returned to the studio, quickly picking back up all her training, and began teaching dance! Ms. Citori is well-loved by all of our tots, pre-k, and kinder dancers!
Citori Jones
Dance Teacher, Office Receptionist
Ms. Citori began her dancing career here at En Avant at 9 years old. By age 11, she was on the studio’s competition team, performing in a variety of styles including lyrical, theatre, and jazz. Ms. Citori took a break from dancing during Covid while she finished high school and earned her cosmetology license. She has since returned to the studio, quickly picking back up all her training, and began teaching dance! Ms. Citori is well-loved by all of our tots, pre-k, and kinder dancers!
Ms. Kira joined En Avant with a wealth of experience in both dance education and choreography. She holds a B.A. in Dance Education from Brigham Young University, where she was awarded multiple dance scholarships and served as Company President for BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre. Kira has taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary at various schools and studios, including Tuacahn High School and Provo Canyon School, and has choreographed award-winning pieces for studios and dance companies. Her performance experience includes touring with BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre and working with renowned artists such as Kristin Chenoweth and the Limón Dance Company. Kira is passionate about inspiring young dancers to explore movement, artistry, and expression. We are excited to have her share her knowledge and creativity as a substitute teacher to our En Avant dancers!
Kira Larson
Substitute Dance Teacher
Kira Larson
Substitute Dance Teacher
Ms. Kira joined En Avant with a wealth of experience in both dance education and choreography. She holds a B.A. in Dance Education from Brigham Young University, where she was awarded multiple dance scholarships and served as Company President for BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre. Kira has taught ballet, jazz, and contemporary at various schools and studios, including Tuacahn High School and Provo Canyon School, and has choreographed award-winning pieces for studios and dance companies. Her performance experience includes touring with BYU’s Contemporary Dance Theatre and working with renowned artists such as Kristin Chenoweth and the Limón Dance Company. Kira is passionate about inspiring young dancers to explore movement, artistry, and expression. We are excited to have her share her knowledge and creativity as a substitute teacher to our En Avant dancers!
Lena Banta
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Lena coming soon!
Lena Banta
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Lena coming soon!
In addition to teaching classes in a variety of styles, En Avant is so excited to have Ms. Mandy continue for a second season as our teen competition instructor! En Avant is so excited to have Ms. Mandy join our staff! Ms. Mandy began dancing at the age of four in Pullman, Washington at Rising Stars Dance Academy studying every style of dance available to her. Her favorite styles when she was younger were ballet, jazz, and drill team. When she was old enough to go en pointe she attended the Graham Academy of Classical Ballet and began to pursue lyrical/contemporary and hip-hop training at Sanctuary Dance Discipline. She danced on her high school dance team as well as attending these two studios until she graduated. Ms. Mandy attended Washington State University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology. After moving to Western Washington, she got a job with the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation department where she loves to educate all ages of people about movement and run sports programming. If Ms. Mandy is not at the studio or the park, you can find her crocheting a blanket for one of her many nieces and nephews.
Mandy Rovengo
Dance Teacher, Competition Team Instructor
Mandy Rovengo
Dance Teacher, Competition Team Instructor
In addition to teaching classes in a variety of styles, En Avant is so excited to have Ms. Mandy continue for a second season as our teen competition instructor! Ms. Mandy began dancing at the age of four in Pullman, Washington at Rising Stars Dance Academy studying every style of dance available to her. Her favorite styles when she was younger were ballet, jazz, and drill team. When she was old enough to go en pointe she attended the Graham Academy of Classical Ballet and began to pursue lyrical/contemporary and hip-hop training at Sanctuary Dance Discipline. She danced on her high school dance team as well as attending these two studios until she graduated. Ms. Mandy attended Washington State University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology. After moving to Western Washington, she got a job with the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation department where she loves to educate all ages of people about movement and run sports programming. If Ms. Mandy is not at the studio or the park, you can find her crocheting a blanket for one of her many nieces and nephews.
Megan Christianson
Dance Teacher
Ms. Megan Christianson has been dancing for 12 years now, most of which have been here at En Avant! She is on her third year of teaching classes. She is a wonderful teacher for these younger ages and is especially passionate about tap dancing! Ms. Megan is currently going to college with the goal of earning her degree in business and accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA!
Megan Christianson
Dance Teacher
Ms. Megan has been dancing for 12 years now, most of which have been here at En Avant! She is on her second year of teaching classes, including Tots, PreK, and Kinderdance. She is a wonderful teacher for these younger ages and is especially passionate about tap dancing! Ms. Megan is currently going to college with the goal of earning her degree in business and accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA!
More about Ms. Natalie coming soon!
Natalie Rodriguez
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Natalie coming soon!
Natalie Rodriguez
Office Receptionist
Taryn Parker
Office Receptionist, Teaching Assistant
Ms. Taryn began taking dance classes at En Avant just before Covid and said she “always knew this would be a great first job”. While Ms. Taryn primarily works in our office assisting families with registration, shoes, and questions, you may also see her helping out with PreK classes sometimes!
Taryn Parker
Office Receptionist, Teaching Assistant
Ms. Taryn began taking dance classes at En Avant just before Covid and said she “always knew this would be a great first job”. While Ms. Taryn primarily works in our office assisting families with registration, shoes, and questions, you may also see her helping out with PreK classes sometimes!
Ms. Yvonne Cox has more than 25 years experience teaching tap/ballet/hip-hop/jazz/lyrical & pointe to ages 2 years-adult. Yvonne knew from an early age that she wanted to own her own dance studio. She has had formal training in the greater Seattle area in dance since childhood, including Cornish Art Institute. Yvonne is a long time member of Dance Educators of America. Ms. Yvonne is a successful and experienced choreographer. She participates in domestic and international dance conventions and competitions, which feature many industry leaders and innovators. Due in part to her vast creativity, AOD competitors have received Special Judges Awards, Cash Awards, and National and Regional Titles.
Ms. Yvonne’s 3 most inspiring teachers were, Anne Reinking (a mainstay in Musicals and Chorus Lines), Frank Hatchett (the King of VOP Hip Hop and Jazz), and Charles Kelley (The Tap legend known as Chuck/Chaz). Reiking, Hatchett and Kelley leave their legacy to teachers like Yvonne to continue instilling a passion of the Arts to new generations of dancers. While at Western Washington University and The Houston Ballet, Ms Yvonne continued to build on her dance education and knowledge. Yvonne was an Orchesis honorary company member and has run Choreography for the Eugene Ballet, “Nutcracker” as well as Lyric Light Opera’s “Beauty and the Beast”. Ms. Yvonne has a B.A. from Washington State University.
Yvonne Cox
Dance Teacher
Yvonne Cox
Dance Teacher
Ms. Yvonne Cox has more than 25 years experience teaching tap/ballet/hip-hop/jazz/lyrical & pointe to ages 2 years-adult. Yvonne knew from an early age that she wanted to own her own dance studio. She has had formal training in the greater Seattle area in dance since childhood, including Cornish Art Institute. Yvonne is a long time member of Dance Educators of America. Ms. Yvonne is a successful and experienced choreographer. She participates in domestic and international dance conventions and competitions, which feature many industry leaders and innovators. Due in part to her vast creativity, AOD competitors have received Special Judges Awards, Cash Awards, and National and Regional Titles.
Ms. Yvonne’s 3 most inspiring teachers were, Anne Reinking (a mainstay in Musicals and Chorus Lines), Frank Hatchett (the King of VOP Hip Hop and Jazz), and Charles Kelley (The Tap legend known as Chuck/Chaz). Reiking, Hatchett and Kelley leave their legacy to teachers like Yvonne to continue instilling a passion of the Arts to new generations of dancers. While at Western Washington University and The Houston Ballet, Ms Yvonne continued to build on her dance education and knowledge. Yvonne was an Orchesis honorary company member and has run Choreography for the Eugene Ballet, “Nutcracker” as well as Lyric Light Opera’s “Beauty and the Beast”. Ms. Yvonne has a B.A. from Washington State University.
Sylvia Trask
Ms. Sylvia Trask has been dancing since she was 8 years old. She acknowledges the kindness of people on all side of the country, that have allowed her to be able to experience training in a vast variety including Jacob’s Pillow, American University in Washington DC. At Dance Lab in Seattle, WA she studied under Ray Bussey in Jazz for 4 years. Sylvia’s inspiration to teach came from her hometown instructor, Klara Koenig. She taught Sylvia to follow her passion for dance, in spite of Sylvia not having that perfect turn. This encouragement is what lead Sylvia to 40+ years of quality instruction. She continues training today at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Western Washington University.
Ms. Sylvia Trask has been dancing since she was 8 years old. She acknowledges the kindness of people on all side of the country, that have allowed her to be able to experience training in a vast variety including Jacob’s Pillow, American University in Washington DC. At Dance Lab in Seattle, WA she studied under Ray Bussey in Jazz for 4 years. Sylvia’s inspiration to teach came from her hometown instructor, Klara Koenig. She taught Sylvia to follow her passion for dance, in spite of Sylvia not having that perfect turn. This encouragement is what lead Sylvia to 40+ years of quality instruction. She continues training today at Pacific Northwest Ballet and Western Washington University.
Sylvia Trask
Kerry began dancing at Liberty Bay Danceworks where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. Several summers have been spent studying with the Joffrey Ballet Dance Lab at Whitman College. In addition, Kerry has studied with Dance Ensemble Northwest, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the University of Washington, and Bellevue College. She has won numerous dance scholarships and awards. At a young age, Kerry was a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) dancing and singing in a nationwide commercial, and local television commercials thereafter. As a mother of 4, Kerry is very excited to return to teaching dance.
In Memory Of
Ms. Christina Krejer trained with New York Ballet dancer, Lynda Yourth, Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich and continued with California Ballet’s Paul Koverman and Maxine Mahon. She was in programs with Pennsylvania Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Washington Ballet in D.C. Most of Ms. Krejer’s professional dance experience was with California Ballet Company where she performed roles from corps to soloist from most major classical and contemporary ballets including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Cinderella, Balanchine’s Serenade and Francisco Gella’s Suite Vivaldi. Ms. Krejer also guested with San Diego Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre and Connecticut Ballet Theatre. In addition, she performed with Maui on Stage and Maui Song and Dance. Christina taught dance both nationally and internationally.
