Professional dancer, instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator Chelsea Mae Shump brings nearly 30 years of experience to VVDA.

She began her career at Theatre 8:15 under Richard Moore. Several years after his passing, the theatre group reorganized as Spotlight Theatre Company, where she served as the Assistant Director until its dissolution. She trained locally in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, acting, and singing while traveling for tap instruction.

Professionally, Chelsea danced with MorrisonDance in collaboration with NASA. She later joined RED Company real.edge.dance where she performed and choreographed innovative modern dance works across the country.

Since 2010, Chelsea has been teaching in studios, public schools, private schools, and universities. Her award-winning choreography is both fun, technical, and entertaining. She has successfully created three tap programs locally and is now creating the fourth!

Chelsea loves to teach because she loves to dance and share her passion. She values her life lessons and lifelong friendships she has made through dance. 

Dance has always been a meaningful part of my life, and I’m passionate about sharing that love with my students. As a dance teacher, my goal is to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where every dancer feels confident, supported, and excited to learn.

I believe dance is about more than just technique. It’s a way to build confidence, express yourself, develop discipline, and create lifelong memories. I love watching my students grow—not only as dancers, but also as individuals—and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of their dance journey.
 

With over 15 years of dedicated dance training, Raven Leigh has a deep passion and refined technique in ballet, contemporary, and lyrical styles. As an artist and emerging choreographer, Raven is a national champion recognized for original choreography that blends emotional storytelling with technical excellence. Throughout her competitive career, she has earned multiple titles and accolades that reflect both her performance strength and creative vision.

Miss Ava.

Shananne Lewis started dancing in fifth grade and knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dance, which she accomplished at The
University of Akron.

Immediately following college graduation, Shananne toured Switzerland during the summer with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a Christian mission’s program and one of the largest Christian organizations supporting dance as a ministry. Upon returning to the
United States, she became a daycare teacher while pursuing opportunities in
professional dinner theater. She eventually performed eight shows a week for two months at a time at The Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron and the Jupiter Carousel Dinner Theatre in Florida. She was featured as a Can-Can dancer in Oklahoma! and as a chorus dancer in Brigadoon, performing both productions in Akron and Jupiter.

Shananne taught dance for 26 years at studios, YMCAs, churches, and schools. During those years, she developed and directed a Christian dance program for six years at Lake Center Christian School and taught for one year at Chapel Hill Christian School. She also served as a substitute teacher at Lake Center Christian for five years.

Shananne is an administrator for the Facebook groups Avid Dancer Book Club and Akron Canton Ohio Dance Instructor Community. DanceLife Magazine, an online platform, recently welcomed Shananne as a regular contributor following the publication
of her debut story, “The Mystique of a Ballerina Life,” in Volume 1, Issue 3 (2025).

Shananne has lived in Uniontown for 21 years, and she considers raising two children with her husband to be her greatest accomplishment. She is beginning her fourth year
as an Educational Specialist at The University of Akron and is excited to be teaching
preschool dancers at VVDA.