Shawn Nerdahl brings 20 years of experience as a ballroom dance instructor, competitor, choreographer, and coach. Certified through Gold teaching standards, he has worked with students of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners taking their very first steps to experienced competitive dancers.

His approach to teaching is highly individualized. Shawn believes there is no single “right” way to learn to dance, and he is known for thinking outside the box to find the explanation, exercise, or approach that makes movement click for each student. Whether someone is learning for a wedding, preparing for competition, building confidence socially, or simply wants to feel more comfortable on the dance floor, the lesson is built around their goals and the way they learn best.

Over his career, Shawn has taught children, adults, couples, competitive dancers, and differently abled students. He also helped develop and teach Dancing for Stroke Survivors, a program created with Dignity Health that used ballroom dance to help stroke survivors reconnect with movement, confidence, and community.

His experience includes extensive ballroom competition, wedding dance choreography, performance choreography, instructor training, and coaching. More than anything, Shawn believes learning to dance should feel approachable, personal, and fun, even when the goal is serious.