Susan Dellinger
Owner and administrator
Dawn Del Castillo
Owner and Dance Director: Dawn has been dancing for 22 years. She focuses on creating a supportive and encouraging training ground for aspiring dancers. Dawn has enjoyed competing and performing at a young age, she has won several awards including First Place in Sonics. After high school she began volunteering her time to teach dance for under-privileged teens. There she founded the Hip Hop group Next Generation which provided the kids opportunities to perform at schools in hopes to get kids off the streets and into dance. Since then she has taught at several dance studios and choreographed and directed the award winning FLY Dance Hip Hop Company. She also co-founded the hip hop groups Identity and ID both of which performed with other talented Hip Hop Crews in Seattle including Daniel Cruz's Battle of Seattle. Identity and ID also took first and second place for the Best Dance Crew in Tacoma in 2009. Dawn lives by the knowledge that God has given us our talents, and so let us not think we can do things apart from Him.
Simone Peterson
Owner and Dance Director: Simone Peterson has been teaching and choreographing in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor communities for 20 years (studio instruction). In college, at the University of Puget Sound, Simone participated in Repertory Dance Group, a student-choreography and dance group. Simone graduated from UPS with a B.A. in Psychology. She then began teaching at Harbor Conservatory (Harbor Dance’s former name, same location) in 2002-2005, working as an instructor and as a Performing Group Director. Simone then moved on to be the director of Dance at the Lakewood Family YMCA from 2005-2009, where she oversaw a program of between 500-600 students and integrated valuable curriculum. Simone then partnered with Sue Dellinger and Dawn Del Castillo in 2009 to become co-owners of Harbor Dance and Freedom Dance Centers. She continues to teach and choreograph for both studios, as well as participate in various collarborative endeavors with other choreographers and performers when time permits. Simone actively seeks out and attends educational opportunities surrounding dance, movement, instruction, anatomy/physiology, choreography, and holistic health regularly. Simone views dance as a holistic art that incorporates the entire being and benefits the mind, the body, the soul. She believes that dance enhances a person immensely, both internally and externally.
Larieza Leigh Smith
Free Form Company Director: Larieza Leigh started dancing at the age of 15 at Mount Tahoma High School and was apart of their dance/drill team for 3 years (2006-2009). After graduating she stayed to help by becoming the assistant coach and was the choreographer for their WIAA Dance/Drill Competitions they attended (2009-2013). Since then Larieza has taught at different places such as local public schools, YMCA, Westlake Dance Center, The Beat Box, Image, The Surge Dance Center, and other surrounding studios in the area. Larieza started dabbling in choreography when she made Mount Tahoma's Dance Team and has grown to create award winning pieces over the years and is currently the Company Director at Freedom Dance Center. In addition to teaching, Larieza still loves to take classes and perform when an opportunity arises. Places she has consistently trained at over the past few years consist of Westlake Dance Center and Freedom Dance Center and has dropped in to take classes at many other places. In September 2016, Value Village aired a Halloween Commercial that Larieza had the opportunity to be apart of, she also choreographed and danced in SYML - The Bird music video that aired April 15 2019. Larieza wants nothing more than to witness the growth/achievements of her dancers. It is in those moments that she feels the most accomplished and is the reason for her WHY?. "Live to inspire & be inspired."
IAN HOWE
Jazz and Legs, leaps and turns: Ian Howe was inspired to start tap dancing at age 5 when he watched Savion Glover perform on Sesame Street. He started training at a small studio in Woodinville, later moving to what would become his dance home for almost 18 years, Backstage Dance Studio owned by Marty Roberts. While at Backstage, Ian competed regionally and nationally on their competitive dance team. While competing he was able to take classes from greats like Frank Hatchet, Joe Tremaine and Joe Lantieri. In 2004, Ian took the incredible opportunity to travel and perform all over the world as a dancer and singer on Holland America Line, where he remained for almost eight years. Returning to both land (and his roots) in 2011, Ian started teaching again at Backstage, throwing himself into the hip-hop world and choreographing award-winning numbers for four years.
Ian became Owner + Artistic Director of Pacific West Performing Arts, serving two locations in both Snohomish & Lake Stevens in 2018. He continues to teach at various studios around the Seattle area while also traveling around the US setting competitive choreography, running intensives and getting to meet some new and wonderfully inspiring dance teachers and students. In 2021 Ian Co-Founded, The Power of 3 Dance Training Intensive along with Chris Wendorff & Fernando Naranjo. The intent of bringing decades worth of teaching and professional dance experience into the studio setting, helping train the next generation of dancers.
Ian performed regularly with 3rd Shift Dance under the direction of Xaviera Vandermay and he was also Associate Director for the 3rd Shift Dance Youth Ensemble. With 3SD, Ian has had a plethora of performances, including live collaborative performances with musicians Caela Bailey, The Bad Tenants, Naomi Wachira, and Whitney Mongé, back up dancing for Fly Moon Royalty and Mike Illvester, music videos with Vespera, Naomi Wachira & Whitney Mongé, getting Gooed with photographer Meagan Hall of Blue Cone Studios, became community partners with the Lupus Foundation of America, performing on stage across the Pacific Northwest and Los Angeles.
Ian has choreographed numerous musicals, he works with Platinum National Dance Competition, Platinum Performance Plus Competition & Convention and Empire Dance Challenge as Judge, Emcee & Teacher. Ian & Karyn Tobin started “Apropos Motus” in 2021, their new dance company set to unveil new works in the Summer of 2022. He's worked with artists Lauren Edson, Eva Stone and he has many projects coming down the line! Ian enjoys teaching all over and he hopes to continue to "Motivate & Inspire through Dance" wherever he goes.
Jehrin alexander
Ballet: Jehrin is a director/teacher/performer. She grew up in Detroit and first performed with the Severo Ballet Company. She moved to NYC and danced with Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theater as a soloist and principal dancer as well as performing in Off Broadways Buffo, Syzgy, Yashindah, and other regional companies. Once relocated to the Pacific Northwest she performed with Ballet Northwest.
Jehrin is certified in Pilates, Gyrotonics, massage therapy, developmental movement therapy, creative dance and is a certified master trainer of the Beamish Bodymind Balancing technique. She teaches and coaches dance online to professionals and is part time faculty at The Evergreen State College. She is currently the director of the Northwest Dance Intensive, a summer dance study program.
Her mission as she sees it is to help facilitate students and teachers to have access to techniques that help maintain a healthy body and mind in the field of dance.
Jehrin is certified in Pilates, Gyrotonics, massage therapy, developmental movement therapy, creative dance and is a certified master trainer of the Beamish Bodymind Balancing technique. She teaches and coaches dance online to professionals and is part time faculty at The Evergreen State College. She is currently the director of the Northwest Dance Intensive, a summer dance study program.
Her mission as she sees it is to help facilitate students and teachers to have access to techniques that help maintain a healthy body and mind in the field of dance.
AISAAC GATHWRIGHT
Hip Hop: Aisaac is a talented and passionate hip hop instructor with a strong foundation in dance. With seven years of dedicated training in hip hop as well as dabbling in contemporary, modern and Jazz Funk, Aisaac has honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the art form.
Aisaac started his performing path with his dance team known as “24/7.” It was here he first gained experience in choreographing and performing and fell in love with it. Shortly after, Aisaac began more intense training under various commercial choreographers in and around the Puget Sound Area. Aisaac was also a member of Freedom Dance Center’s award winning Hip Hop company team for 3 years where we was recognized as an influential leader.
Despite having only one year of experience as a hip hop instructor, Aisaac has already made a significant impact in the industry. His commitment to excellence and his ability to connect with students has earned him a reputation for delivering engaging and effective dance classes. He has worked with dancers as young as 6 years of age, all the way to adults. He has taught and represented studios such as Image Studio of Dance, The Beat Box and now a permanent teaching position at Freedom Dance Center!
Aisaac brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and creativity to his teaching style. He seamlessly incorporate his training in dance into his hip hop classes, creating a dynamic and well-rounded learning experience for his students.
Passionate about sharing his knowledge and love for hip hop, Aisaac strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and grow as confident dancers. He has had the joyous opportunity to be a part of so many other stories; he is excited and ready to start his own!
KIALEE DESCHENES
Hip Hop: Kialee began dancing at age 3. When she turned 8 years old, she began training in hip hop. After just one year, she was invited to join the very first mini hip hop competition team at Harbor Dance. She has been competing and performing ever since and has expanded her training to include several styles, but has always had a particular affinity for hip hop.
Kialee began her teaching journey as an assistant teacher at Harbor Dance at age 14 and over time, she began to fill in as a substitute instructor, then as a team coach, and then to teaching her own classes. At age 17, she became the co-coach of the mini hip hop team on which she was once a member.
Kialee has trained at various studios around Washington and has had the opportunity to take classes from some of the top teachers in the area. She also recently traveled to Los Angeles to enhance her training, on a hip hop scholarship awarded to her by the professional dance duo, Randi and Hef. Here, she was able to meet and take classes from some of the most well-known professionals in the industry. Kialee was also featured in the Showstopper dance magazine as a dancer across America which one dancer is chosen to represent their state.
Kialee is committed to providing her students with a positive environment using uplifting and energetic techniques to allow the dancers to grow and explore the art of Hip Hop in a safe and comfortable setting. She pushes her students to reach their fullest potential and wholeheartedly believes in each and every one of them.
Kialee began her teaching journey as an assistant teacher at Harbor Dance at age 14 and over time, she began to fill in as a substitute instructor, then as a team coach, and then to teaching her own classes. At age 17, she became the co-coach of the mini hip hop team on which she was once a member.
Kialee has trained at various studios around Washington and has had the opportunity to take classes from some of the top teachers in the area. She also recently traveled to Los Angeles to enhance her training, on a hip hop scholarship awarded to her by the professional dance duo, Randi and Hef. Here, she was able to meet and take classes from some of the most well-known professionals in the industry. Kialee was also featured in the Showstopper dance magazine as a dancer across America which one dancer is chosen to represent their state.
Kialee is committed to providing her students with a positive environment using uplifting and energetic techniques to allow the dancers to grow and explore the art of Hip Hop in a safe and comfortable setting. She pushes her students to reach their fullest potential and wholeheartedly believes in each and every one of them.
Juwana Hodges
Contemporary/Jazz - Juwana started dancing at the age of 5 or 6 but really started growing a passion for dance when she turned 21 taking classes at Charisma school of Dance, Barefoot Dance studios, Freedom Dance Center, Tacoma City Ballet and Westlake dance Center. She has dance and performed in multiple styles from hip hop, salsa, jazz, contemporary and Jazz funk with Eletriq Dance under Aaron Gordon, and danced with Coalescense Dance Company under Brittany Mattox for 3 years, bellydance with Tribellas for 5 + years and Tahitian studying under Te Far O Tamatoa for 3 years and is currently still performing with Verlaine MCcann productions for the last 11 years. She currently works as a physical therapist assistant, dance instructor, and sub paraeducator and is a mom of Jacob and Jada who also take class at Freedom Dance center.
hunter kennedy
Tap: Hunter Kennedy has been dancing for 19 years. She has trained in many styles, but started her focus on tap at age 14. Prior to her focus on tap, Hunter studied ballet at Pacific Northwest Ballet. Hunter performed in the Seattle Nutcracker for 3 consecutive years at McCall Hall. During her time studying ballet, she traveled to attend many ballet intensives. Following Hunter’s study in ballet, she began her focus on tap. Hunter was apart of the tap competition team with Premiere Dance Center located in Redmond. This is where she began her training with Josh Scribner. Starting 2015, Hunter joined Josh Scribner’s tap company, Alchemy Tap Project. Alchemy Tap Project performs mainly in the Seattle area, but has has the opportunity to travel as well. Alchemy Tap Project also has their annual show, “Beat Science” in the Seattle area.
Hunter started assisting in teaching at the age of 16 and began teaching her own classes following graduating high school. She has taught at various studios in the Tacoma/Puyallup area. Hunter’s main focus is in the style of rhythm tap, but strives to include many different styles of tap. She puts a strong emphasis on the music that we can create as dancers, as well as the visual art form that dance is. She looks forward to sharing her love of tap to the next generation of young dancers.
Hunter started assisting in teaching at the age of 16 and began teaching her own classes following graduating high school. She has taught at various studios in the Tacoma/Puyallup area. Hunter’s main focus is in the style of rhythm tap, but strives to include many different styles of tap. She puts a strong emphasis on the music that we can create as dancers, as well as the visual art form that dance is. She looks forward to sharing her love of tap to the next generation of young dancers.
CHARLES BONTEMPS
Contemporary and Ballet: Charles is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional dancer with a diverse background in various dance styles. Having discovered his passion for dance at a young age, Charles began his journey in southeastern Washington, where he embarked on his training in Jazz. Recognizing his potential, he was encouraged to explore Ballet at the age of 9, which became a pivotal turning point in his dance education.
Throughout his formative years, Charles devoted himself to dance, committing to five days a week of rigorous training in his hometown. In addition to his regular schedule, he eagerly participated in summer dance intensives and summer musicals, further honing his skills and expanding his artistic repertoire.
After a year of college, Charles realized that his true calling lay in pursuing a professional dance career. Determined to follow his dreams, he made the bold decision to temporarily pause his academic pursuits and fully immerse himself in the world of dance.
In 2016, Charles relocated to Seattle, where he actively sought opportunities to showcase his talent. Through his network of friends and training at Pacific Northwest Ballet, he was fortunate to collaborate with two esteemed ballet companies: Ballet Bellevue and later Olympic Ballet Theatre. During his tenure at Olympic Ballet Theatre, Charles distinguished himself as a soloist for two years, captivating audiences with his exceptional artistry and technical prowess.
Not only a remarkable performer, Charles also possesses a deep passion for choreography. He finds immense joy in creating captivating dance pieces that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Furthermore, Charles has embraced the role of an educator, sharing his knowledge and expertise as a Ballet and Contemporary teacher at Olympic Ballet Theatre and now for Freedom Dance Center. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers is a testament to his dedication and love for the art form.
With an impressive background and a wealth of experience, Charles continues to inspire and captivate through his artistry. He eagerly looks forward to the future, where he can continue to push boundaries, create meaningful choreography, and inspire dancers to reach their full potential.
Throughout his formative years, Charles devoted himself to dance, committing to five days a week of rigorous training in his hometown. In addition to his regular schedule, he eagerly participated in summer dance intensives and summer musicals, further honing his skills and expanding his artistic repertoire.
After a year of college, Charles realized that his true calling lay in pursuing a professional dance career. Determined to follow his dreams, he made the bold decision to temporarily pause his academic pursuits and fully immerse himself in the world of dance.
In 2016, Charles relocated to Seattle, where he actively sought opportunities to showcase his talent. Through his network of friends and training at Pacific Northwest Ballet, he was fortunate to collaborate with two esteemed ballet companies: Ballet Bellevue and later Olympic Ballet Theatre. During his tenure at Olympic Ballet Theatre, Charles distinguished himself as a soloist for two years, captivating audiences with his exceptional artistry and technical prowess.
Not only a remarkable performer, Charles also possesses a deep passion for choreography. He finds immense joy in creating captivating dance pieces that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Furthermore, Charles has embraced the role of an educator, sharing his knowledge and expertise as a Ballet and Contemporary teacher at Olympic Ballet Theatre and now for Freedom Dance Center. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers is a testament to his dedication and love for the art form.
With an impressive background and a wealth of experience, Charles continues to inspire and captivate through his artistry. He eagerly looks forward to the future, where he can continue to push boundaries, create meaningful choreography, and inspire dancers to reach their full potential.
Aundrea Gresham
Contemporary Hip Hop: Aundrea has been an active member of Freedom Dance Center since 2015, joining their company in 2016. With a strong passion for teaching dance, Aundrea embarked on her teaching journey at the age of 13 as a teacher's assistant. In 2019, she expanded her dance repertoire by enrolling in contemporary hip hop classes, and in 2022, she further honed her technique through ballet training.
Aundrea's love for competition is matched by her deep affinity for contemporary hip hop, where she has discovered her true passion. She attributes her inspiration to her esteemed instructors, Jazzy Kilcrease and Larieza Smith, who have not only provided guidance but also entrusted her with the opportunity to assist and substitute classes, eventually leading to her own teaching role.
Aundrea's ultimate goal is to shape the next generation of exceptional dancers, just as her coaches did for her. Embracing the motto "Dance like no one's watching," which she adopted from Freedom Dance Center, she strives to integrate this philosophy into her teaching methods consistently. Her aspiration is to follow in her instructors' footsteps and eventually instruct the same teams she was once a part of as a child, perpetuating the strong bond within the Freedom Dance Center Family.
Aundrea's love for competition is matched by her deep affinity for contemporary hip hop, where she has discovered her true passion. She attributes her inspiration to her esteemed instructors, Jazzy Kilcrease and Larieza Smith, who have not only provided guidance but also entrusted her with the opportunity to assist and substitute classes, eventually leading to her own teaching role.
Aundrea's ultimate goal is to shape the next generation of exceptional dancers, just as her coaches did for her. Embracing the motto "Dance like no one's watching," which she adopted from Freedom Dance Center, she strives to integrate this philosophy into her teaching methods consistently. Her aspiration is to follow in her instructors' footsteps and eventually instruct the same teams she was once a part of as a child, perpetuating the strong bond within the Freedom Dance Center Family.