Shay Levine

Shay Levine is a dynamic and influential leader in the dance community, currently serving as the WNBA Seattle Storm Dance Troupe Director for an impressive 10 seasons. Under her guidance, the Hip Hop Dance Team has flourished, growing from 35 dancers in her first season to over 100 auditions this year for just 14 coveted spots. This remarkable surge in interest reflects Shay’s talent for inspiring and nurturing dancers, many of whom have pursued professional careers in Los Angeles or toured with renowned musical artists. A true testament to her influence, one former dancer recently shared the stage with Gwen Stefani and has appeared in multiple music videos for famous artists.

Shay’s commitment to her dancers goes far beyond choreography; she ensures they are compensated for their hard work, including payment for practices and all home games. She skillfully coordinates over 40 performances throughout the Storm season, showcasing her exceptional organizational talents and dedication to her team.

As a passionate dancer herself, Shay actively trains across various styles. She participates in audition groups, Heels programs, and Hip Hop intensives, regularly attending workshops such as the Ladies of Hip Hop event in New York and advanced classes in Los Angeles with industry professionals like Galen Hooks. Her extensive training also includes mentorship from renowned Bboys and Bgirls, and she is currently involved in an audition-based advanced Heels program. Recently, she showcased her love for dance by appearing in a professional music video for an up-and-coming artist.

Shay's impact on youth dance extends well beyond her work with the Storm. With two decades of experience coaching junior high and high school competitive dance teams, she has helped countless teams achieve remarkable success, including multiple WIAA State Titles. Notably, she led Gig Harbor High School to its first WIAA Hip Hop State Champion title in 2022, where they achieved the highest score out of 101 routines, surpassing teams across all performance categories.

With 16 years of experience as a WA State WIAA Dance Judge and teaching at various dance studios, Shay has made significant contributions to the dance community. Her professional background includes performing for the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth, and John Elway's Arena Football League, as well as being featured in a commercial for Seattle's Fox 13 and dancing in music videos for artists like Ali Diane.

Shay finds great empowerment through Heels dancing, which brings her strength, confidence, and a sense of self-expression she had never experienced before. Her passion extends to helping others step into their own divine power. Committed to continuous growth, she actively trains in street-style hip hop and choreography through a variety of programs, intensives, and private sessions with industry leaders. She believes in the importance of being a lifelong student in dance, as there is always more to explore and express within our own bodies and passions. Importantly, Heels classes are inclusive, welcoming all genders, abilities, and experience levels, with safety as a priority.

Above all, Shay Levine's true passion lies in dancing and inspiring others. Her primary goal is to make dance fun and accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and cultivate confidence through movement. Shay firmly believes that everyone can and should dance, and her enthusiasm is infectious, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of learning from her.