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DANCER
CHOREOGRAPHER
EDUCATOR
Picture taken by Amanda Van Meter Burch
Picture taken by Sorcha Augustine
BIOGRAPHY
Shianne Akers is a graduate from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Dance, with an emphasis on dance pedagogy, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. She has performed with Tampa Supreme Showgirls, Tampa and Orlando based theme parks, and Monica Bill Barnes and Company. She has choreographed for educational shows at The University of Tampa, multiple numbers at studio recitals, Hallmark’s Enchant, and a dance film project with Central Florida Choreographers Collaboration. Shianne has had the privilege to study under Orange Grove Dance, Axis Dance Company, and Jon Lehrer.
When performing and choreographing, I try to find what it means to be human and challenge how humans react to words, environments, and emotions. I find it interesting how my body reacts to words and sensation, and how that is translated in to choreographed movement. I often write things down to not forget them and dance them to understand how words feel. I believe in also challenging the definition of words and giving them a new context or perspective. One word I often challenge is “awkward” and how it’s negative connotation is not it’s denotation. I have recently found a new inspiration of combining my love of psychology and dance in order to find movement that explains the sensations humans experience.
Picture taken by Sorcha Augustine
Teaching Philosophy
I want to help create thoughtful and engaging movers that find a sense of acceptance not only in the studio, but also towards their mind and body. I want to encourage students that it is intelligent to dream and problem solve with creativity, no matter what age. I want to create a classroom that provides a new level of mechanics of movement and vocabulary, but yet makes soul searching easy. I hope to create such a spark in students that they never fear growing, exploring, and learning. I want all students to feel as if they are understood and I am not just hearing or seeing them. Class will always be taught, not just given. There will always be safety and love in the classroom.
Picture taken by Amanda Van Meter Burch
Picture taken by Sorcha Augustine
CONNECT WITH ME
INSTAGRAM: @SHIANNEXAKERS
I am now booking for private lessons, choreography, classes, intensives, and performances. I am based out of the Tampa and Orlando area, but offer virtual options, as well. Please email me for any questions and inquires.
Akersshianne99@gmail.com