Briley Shanander
Owner/Director
Ms. Briley Shanander became owner/director of En Avant Academy of Dance two years ago. She has been teaching ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop to students of every age for nearly a decade and 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 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 became owner/director of En Avant Academy of Dance two years ago. She has been teaching ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop to students of every age for nearly a decade and 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 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.
More about Ms. Bella coming soon!
Bella Schwarz
Office Receptionist
Bella Schwarz
Office Receptionist
More about Ms. Bella coming soon!
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!
More about Ms. Emily coming soon!
Emily Walsh
Teaching Assistant
Emily Walsh
Teaching Assistant
More about Ms. Emily coming soon!
Jillian Orwin
Dance Teacher
Ms. Jillian has been dancing since childhood, training for over 15 years at Village Dance Arts in California, where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. She completed multiple Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams, earning high marks up through Advanced levels, and also gained experience as a teacher’s assistant, helping young dancers build focus, confidence, and joy in the studio. Jillian is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Dance at Western Washington University, where she continues to perform and expand her artistry.
Beyond her own training, Jillian has developed leadership skills through years of Girl Scouts, theater tech, and teaching roles, bringing creativity, organization, and compassion to every community she joins. She values dance as a space where students can grow in both skill and self-confidence, while also forming meaningful friendships.
We are excited to welcome Jillian to En Avant, where her dedication to education, creativity, health, growth, and community will inspire and uplift our dancers.
Jillian Orwin
Dance Teacher
Ms. Jillian has been dancing since childhood, training for over 15 years at Village Dance Arts in California, where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. She completed multiple Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams, earning high marks up through Advanced levels, and also gained experience as a teacher’s assistant, helping young dancers build focus, confidence, and joy in the studio. Jillian is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Geology with a minor in Dance at Western Washington University, where she continues to perform and expand her artistry.
Beyond her own training, Jillian has developed leadership skills through years of Girl Scouts, theater tech, and teaching roles, bringing creativity, organization, and compassion to every community she joins. She values dance as a space where students can grow in both skill and self-confidence, while also forming meaningful friendships.
We are excited to welcome Jillian to En Avant, where her dedication to education, creativity, health, growth, and community will inspire and uplift our dancers.
Ms. Josie grew up dancing in Skagit Valley and our surrounding communities, where she trained and danced competitively, building skills in a wide range of styles including ballet, tap, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. She gained experience as a teaching assistant at a local performing arts school, which gave her a strong foundation in guiding students and supporting families.
As a teacher, Josie believes in fostering growth through both discipline and joy, helping dancers develop confidence, artistry, and strong technical skills.
We are thrilled to have Josie on our En Avant team, where she shares in our commitment to education, creativity, health, and friendship through the art of dance.
Josie Mills
Dance Teacher
Josie Mills
Dance Teacher
Ms. Josie grew up dancing in Skagit Valley and our surrounding communities, where she trained and danced competitively, building skills in a wide range of styles including ballet, tap, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. She gained experience as a teaching assistant at a local performing arts school, which gave her a strong foundation in guiding students and supporting families.
As a teacher, Josie believes in fostering growth through both discipline and joy, helping dancers develop confidence, artistry, and strong technical skills.
We are thrilled to have Josie on our En Avant team, where she shares in our commitment to education, creativity, health, and friendship through the art of dance.
Kaylyn Gutierrez
Dance Teacher, Teaching Assistant
More about Ms. Kaylyn coming soon!
Kaylyn Gutierrez
Dance Teacher, Teaching Assistant
More about Ms. Kaylyn coming soon!
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
Ms. Lena has been dancing since the age of 2½ and has grown up immersed in the beauty and discipline of ballet. While she has explored lyrical in the past, ballet has always been her greatest passion, and she began her pointe training in July 2024. With dreams of pursuing a career in ballet, Lena is dedicated to her training and loves continuing to challenge herself as both a dancer and an artist.
In addition to her dancing, Lena is one of the friendly faces you’ll see at our front desk, where she helps create a welcoming environment for families. She values the sense of community and connection that En Avant provides and enjoys being part of the growth and creativity that happens both in and out of the studio. Outside of dance, Lena enjoys photography and finds joy in capturing the world through her lens.
We are so proud to have Lena on our En Avant team as both a dancer and receptionist, sharing her love of ballet, artistry, and community with those around her.
Lena Banta
Office Receptionist
Ms. Lena has been dancing since the age of 2½ and has grown up immersed in the beauty and discipline of ballet. While she has explored lyrical in the past, ballet has always been her greatest passion, and she began her pointe training in July 2024. With dreams of pursuing a career in ballet, Lena is dedicated to her training and loves continuing to challenge herself as both a dancer and an artist.
In addition to her dancing, Lena is one of the friendly faces you’ll see at our front desk, where she helps create a welcoming environment for families. She values the sense of community and connection that En Avant provides and enjoys being part of the growth and creativity that happens both in and out of the studio. Outside of dance, Lena enjoys photography and finds joy in capturing the world through her lens.
We are so proud to have Lena on our En Avant team as both a dancer and receptionist, sharing her love of ballet, artistry, and community with those around her.
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.
