MOVE EVERY BODY.

Dance Educators Association of Washington envisions equitable access
to quality dance education for all people regardless of
gender, age, race, religion, culture, socio-economic status, or ability.

DEAW stands in solidarity with our Black community members.

We encourage you to read through our resources and identify ways you can help and stand with us. We realize that this is only the beginning of the work and we will continue to ask how DEAW is actively and continuously working to uphold antiracism within the board and through our event offerings.

Samantha Weissbach was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and has been dancing since the age of 2. She has trained at various establishments but received her primary training through Cornerstone Studio, Ballet Bellevue, and Emerald Ballet Theatre. Samantha has worked with many local Seattle companies and choreographers such as CarliAnn Forthun, Ethan Rome, Diana Cardiff, Inlay Dance, Relay Dance Collective, Pitch+Roll Productions, FAUNIX, and Sixth Day Dance. Currently, she is both a Company Member and Executive Director of Intrepidus Dance.

In addition to dancing professionally and teaching in the Seattle area, Samantha is also the Owner & General Manager of Dancewear Center: a local dance retailer offering expert pointe shoe fittings and supporting our community through quality, integrity, and education.

Samantha's scientific and evidence-based approach to her ballet classes facilitates a learning environment that focuses on excellence in artistry, anatomically-accessible technique, and a passion for ballet while cultivating dancers who are self-aware, curious, and brave. Her desire is to support the development of empowered dancers that will lead the way in shaping our world into one that is diverse, inclusive, and empathetic.

Her nominator writes:

She is funny, tenacious, honest, a true empath, and wants to actually make a difference in the dance community while also serving the dancers in it. She is dedicated to continuing education and bringing the best we can to our local community, and changing the dance world starting with educating and fostering the next generation of dancers and educators.

Samantha also provides great support for dancers and dance educators through her business Dancewear Center, which goes beyond retail to provide educational opportunities for the dance community. She is loud and proud about the mission that Every Body is a Dancing Body. She also understands how her position in the dance community as a pointe shoe fitter impacts dancer’s health and safety, and has received extensive training to become an expert fitter as well as being a member of DanseMedica. She has also begun building relationships with dance medicine providers all around Washington State to refer her customers to. She is a real example of how dance education extends beyond the classroom and continues in all areas of a dancer’s life.

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DEAW is a proud affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization.