Shawn Lent

Shawn Lent (she/her) has a Masters of Arts Management with a concentration in Arts in Youth & Community Development from Columbia College Chicago, a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a major in Theatre and a minor in Dance from Millikin University, She is a Certified Instructor of Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Youth Arts Development from University of London, and is Certified in First Aid/CPR and Mental Health First Aid.

Teaching Philosophy: I teach from a foundation of trust: trust in one’s own body and voice, trust in the educators guiding the work, and trust in the community of dancers learning together. My approach prioritizes wellbeing—physical, mental, emotional, and artistic—woven through technical development. I believe the dance studio is a place of connections beyond words, differences, isolation, and division, allowing dancers to grow individually and collectively. I welcome your ideas, observations, ideas, and feedback. My typical style is to work in collaboration with families.

Student Age Range: 8-14

Notable Teaching Experience: I have designed and led dance programming at 57357 National Children's Cancer Hospital of Egypt, the U.S. Embassy Cairo, a field in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina, a safe house in Kenya, and many more life-changing experiences.

Notable Performing Experience: Performing front row in Twyla Tharp's "The One Hundreds" at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. I am a first generation college student. And 14 years after graduating, I returned to my alma mater university as the Commencement Speaker.

Favorite Dance Style: Integrative Dance