Bio

Since 2003, Miss Chipman has been committed to bringing world class dance instruction and JOY to the International Academy of Dance. She strives to nourish dancers of all ages and abilities in a multitude of styles and provide a safe and healthy environment with the best training possible. From the age of three, Shannon’s shoes in the closet were always in first position and ballet has been her life ever since. She began serious ballet studies in Santa Cruz with Diana Rose (IAD instructor) and continued under the tutelage of Jean Dunphy, Vicki Bergland (IAD instructor) & Madame Valentina Belova. She went on to attend the Royal Academy of Ballet in London, the San Francisco Ballet and the Juilliard School. Miss Chipman choreographed and performed from coast to coast before settling back home in Santa Cruz. She always dreamed of having a dance studio and ballet company of her own. She lives that dream every day as Director of International Academy of Dance and the Santa Cruz City Ballet.