Kyle Garrison Shawell
JUNE MONTHLY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!
"I joined NDEO right after I received my BA in Dance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I was starting a new position at a public school where I was building the dance program. Before this, I had taught in the private sector for a long time, honing my skills and gaining valuable experience. Being in the school system was a completely new experience for me. How was I going to teach and build a curriculum? I got a mentor, Ms. Gina Spears, who was instrumental in my success as a public school teacher. NDEO has also helped me with the different journals and articles they have listed, which helped me receive my Master's in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro just last month. Being a part of NCDEO has brought many bright moments, each a unique opportunity for growth and learning. One of the most memorable was teaching a master jazz class at North Carolina State several years ago. Connecting with fellow NCDEO members here in Charlotte has been especially rewarding. This community is full of incredible dance educators across public, private, and community sectors, and I’m genuinely grateful to be a part of it!"
His Story
Kyle Garrison Shawell is a versatile artist with a diverse movement style that intrigues and inspires. His specialization in choreography, performance, and dance education is a testament to his broad skill set. He honed his craft under the guidance of renowned teachers such as Milton Myers, Ronen Koresh, and Ruth Adrien. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance: Performance, Choreography, and Theory from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His recent completion of a Master of Arts in Dance Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro further solidifies his expertise.
During his twenty-year tenure on the Charlotte Ballet faculty, Kyle developed a jazz dance curriculum consistently engaging students from primary through advanced levels. His current role on the faculty at Open Door Studios, where he teaches various jazz styles and the Lester Horton Technique, is a testament to his ability to enrich students with a unique and dynamic movement vocabulary, leaving a lasting impression on his students.
Kyle's dedication to dance education is also reflected in his choreographic work, which spans jazz, musical theatre, contemporary dance, and Horton technique. His notable credits include Once on This Island, The Wiz: The Golden Road, and Annie at the Children's Theater of Charlotte.
Kyle's commitment to arts education and community engagement is unwavering. He has left a lasting impact as a guest teaching artist across North and South Carolina. His recent recognition as an A+ Fellow for North Carolina Schools and the North Carolina Arts Council is a testament to his dedication. It is sure to inspire and garner support from the community.