Shannon Ward is a Maryland-based salsa dancer and educator. She has been a movement artist most of her life – initially through figure skating and then eventually through dance. She has trained extensively in various styles of dance, including contemporary, Afro-Latin dance (salsa/mambo, casino, and bachata), and West African dance. She has trained with and performed works by Michael Leon Thomas, Megan Minturn, and Djoniba Mouflet. Shannon is also a passionate dance educator committed to cultivating inclusive and accessible dance environments. She has taught individuals of all ages at community events, dance festivals, summer intensives, and within school wellness programs. Most recently, she served as a teaching artist at the 2024 Baltimore Black Choreographers Festival. She recently completed a summer intensive with AXIS Dance Company and is currently completing a teacher certificate program with the Dance Education Laboratory (DEL).