Acrobatics & Tumble Instructor | Dance Instructor | Acrobatic Arts Certified

Shawnie Tollefson has dedicated her life to the study of dance, training with some of the industry's most respected educators. She began her dance education at Dance Precisions in Orange County, California, where she trained under an exceptional faculty including Shannon Mather, Francisco Gella, Leslie Kenfield, Eddie Strachen, and other nationally recognized choreographers and educators. This early training established the technical foundation and passion for excellence that continue to shape her teaching today.

She continued her dance education at Appalachian State University, where she studied dance from 2011–2016 while expanding her knowledge of technique, artistry, and performance. Committed to lifelong learning, Shawnie regularly pursues professional development and, in 2019, attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas, where she participated in advanced training in jazz, ballet, acrobatics, and dance education alongside industry-leading professionals.

Shawnie holds accreditation in dance technique, jazz progressions, ballet, and leaps & turns, in addition to being an Acrobatic Arts Certified Instructor. She continues to advance her education through the Acrobatic Arts curriculum to ensure students receive safe, progressive, and technically sound instruction.

For the past three years, Shawnie has been an integral member of the faculty at Lake Norman Dance Gallery, where she primarily leads the studio's recreational acro and tumbling program while also sharing her passion for strong technical dance training. Her classes emphasize proper technique, discipline, confidence, and consistent progression, helping every student build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Shawnie believes that great dancers are built through excellent technique, purposeful training, and a commitment to continuous growth. She is passionate about helping every student develop not only as a performer but also as a confident, disciplined individual.