Ian Howe

co-Owner + Artistic Director

Instructor

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 WA state while also traveling around the US setting competitive choreography, running intensives and getting to meet some new and wonderfully inspiring dance teachers and students. 
 

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 as Director Judge, Emcee & Teacher. Ian & Karyn Tobin in 2021 started the dance company Apropos Motus, he has also started other various companies, in|flux (@in.flux.dance) and Dance Meets The Eye (dance photography). Ian enjoys teaching all over and he hopes to continue to "Motivate & Inspire through Dance" wherever he goes.

Sydney Arango

co-Owner + Executive Director

Sydney Arango began gymnastics and dance at three years old. Growing up she also did competitive soccer, figure skating, high diving and colorguard. Sydney graduated from FAU in 2015 with a Bachelors in design for technical theater and has been performing, stage managing, directing, choreographing and much more for over 15 years.

She joined PacWest in 2018 and became co-owner in 2020.

Sydney is passionate about sharing the arts with all communities and is looking forward to ever growing PacWest programs!

Kim Barth

Studio Manager, Tiny Twos, Ballet, Tap, Jazz

Kim Barth grew up locally in Woodinville, and started dancing at age 4.  She studied tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical. 

From ages 10-18 she competed in Northwest dance competitions and conventions like “I Love Dance” and “Dance Magic,” as well as trained under the direction of accomplished tappers like Al Gilbert.  She has been a member of “The Moving Dance Company” at Bellevue College; participated in Western Washington University Theater productions; and has taught and assisted dance instruction at both WWU and Washington State University. 

Kim now has over 10 years of teaching dance locally.  She instructs both children and adults in tap, ballet, jazz, and musical theater.  Kim currently has several dancers actively involved in productions at the 5th Avenue Theater and Village Theater.  She contributes a total of 29 years dance experience. 

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and graduated Summa Cum Laude. 

Kim is also a wife, mother of two wonderful children, and enjoys spending time with her family camping, gardening, playing sports and during the day works as a Para Educator.

Ellie House

Administrative Assistant

Tiny Twos, Ballet, Circus, Tap, Jazz

Ellie House began dancing locally at age three. She has studied Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop. Ellie was a competitive dancer for six years, four of which were at PacWest. Inspired by Ballet Master Mr. Roman Zinovyev, she began focusing on ballet; studying at Olympic Ballet, Emerald Ballet and attending Los Angeles Ballet Summer Intensive. Ellie began teaching dance at age 16 at PacWest and enjoys sharing her love for dance with her students. Ellie furthered her dance education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography and a Minor in Pilates. She was privileged to be a part of the Scarlet Dance Line while attending college where she cheered on the UNLV Football team and UNLV Basketball team. 

Ellie is excited to be back at PacWest to continue her dance career and knowledge! 

Liz Barth

Administrative Assistant

Acro, Tiny Twos, Ballet/Tap, Hip Hop

Liz Barth started dancing at PacWest in 2006  when she was four years old. She joined the competition team at age eight. She has been trained in styles such as, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, modern, and have even taken classes for Bollywood and Irish. She began TAing at age 12 for Kim Barth, often on Fridays or Wednesdays. Liz is currently a Junior at Snohomish High School and spends much of her time doing homework, going to football games, and hanging out with her friends.

Tylyn Acoba

Ballet, Tap, Jazz

Tylyn Acoba was born in Hawaii where she lived for 10 years. She began gymnastics at age 2 and started competing at age 5. She moved to Washington in 2010 where she continued gymnastics. When she was 12 she decided to try dance. She started at PacWest initially with an Acro class and soon discovered her love of dance. Tylyn has taken classes in Acro, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, and most recently Tap. She was a part of the competition team for 3 years and has been a TA most of her time at PacWest. In 2021, she was asked to teach Ballet/Tap combo classes for ages 3-7. She currently takes adult classes and is proud to be a part of the PacWest staff.

Jennifer Blair

Tiny Twos, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Twinkles

Jennifer Blair has been dancing and performing in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. Jen has been working alongside Molly Pishue with our childrens dance program, where she has found her passion in teaching dance to children.

Jen began dancing at the age of 11. She has studied various forms of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, character, hip-hop, and cheer. Jen most recently danced for 2 years (2005-2007) as a SeaGal. She fulfilled her dream of dancing professionally and had the time of her life cheering on her favorite Seattle Seahawks! She was lucky enough to travel to Detroit to cheer in the Superbowl XL!

Jen spent many years performing with the McCabes Cowgirl Dance Team. She also enjoyed dancing with her church group, where she performed and helped choreograph for many shows and parades.

Jen lives in Lake Stevens with her husband Aaron and her son Xander.

Lisa Buettner

Tiny Twos, Ballet/Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, SSTL, LYRICal/contemporary

Lisa Buettner received her dance training in the Seattle area focusing on jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballet and musical theatre. She studied at Bellevue Community College and was a member of the Eastside Moving Company and Fusion Dance Company of Seattle. She has taught and judged locally and has choreographed competition jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, music theatre, and high school dance teams. Along with teaching and choreographing for Village Theatre’s Kidstage program, she also has over 5 years of experience managing local dance studios in the Mill Creek area and on the Eastside.  Her most recent ventures include earning her jazz, modern and ballet certification and is now a national certified tester to test teachers into Dance Masters of America association. Lisa is passionate about teaching and enjoys spreading the love of dance to her students. She is excited to be a part of the PacWest dance family!

Marika Jaffe

Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop

Marika Jaffe started dancing at age 4. She has trained locally in ballet, jazz, musical theater, tap, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop. She participated in regional and national competitions with Trilogy Dance Company, where they placed 1st at nationals and who were featured on ESPN. Marika danced with Potion and Kontagious Performing Company, with performances at local shows, the Seahawks Pre-Game Show, as well as some area festivals including Whirligig and Winterfest at the Seattle Center. Marika loves to teach dance and takes the opportunity to do so whenever possible. She previously taught regionally and in Thailand. With a desire to impact students’ individual expression through dance, she brings high energy, passion, and joy to each of her classes.

Becca McSweeney

Ballet, Jazz, SSTL, Lyrical/Contemporary & Comp Team Director

Becca McSweeney has been teaching and choreographing for over 10 years. She began dancing at the age of 8 and started performing and competing on competitive dance teams shortly thereafter. At the age of 14 she received a scholarship to the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. There she trained under world renowned choreographers such as Gregg Russell, Chris Judd, Rhonda Miller, and Carol Connors. In High School she was named Head Captain of her high school Dance Team, whom placed 3rd at UDA’s National Dance Team Championships in Disney World. She is trained and tested in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. Since becoming an instructor and choreographer, she has directed performance companies and competitive dance teams all over the country, from VA to TX to CO, and now WA. Her students regularly receive high-point awards and scholarships at conventions and competitions throughout the country, and have gone on to perform commercially and join professional companies. She has received choreography awards from Rainbow National Dance Competition, Spotlight Dance Cup, Tribute National Talent Competition, and Believe National Talent Competition. Teaching and choreographing are her passions and full time career. She feels beyond blessed to have the opportunity to pass on the love of dance to young dancers at PacWest!

Anneka Parr

Acro, Ballet, Circus, Lyrical/CONTEMPORARY, Jazz

Anneka Parr was born and raised in Reno, NV, she began training at age 4. She grew up in the competition dance world and eventually moved to WA state. Although, she left Reno with Cecchetti Grade 5 Certification. At 18 she joined 3rd Shift Dance Company in Seattle, WA and traveled and performed with the company. At this time she also travelled the Puget Sound assistant teaching. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor or Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Nevada; Las Vegas and has received the award of Outstanding Dancer and Choreographer from the university. Anneka is professionally trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance but is proficient in many other styles. She enjoys to teach and choreograph in an avant-garde manner. Using items or props not usually utilized in dance or even site-specific dance work. Anneka is excited to create and share her passion for the art of dance with anyone and everyone.

Molly Pishue

Tiny Twos, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Twinkles

Molly Pishue has been teaching dance in the Pacific Northwest for the past 24 years, as well as dancing with the Eastside Moving Company for three seasons. Molly has taught dance at Bellevue Dance Academy and Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions, specializing in children’s dance - ballet, tap, and jazz.

She has taught private and competition Couples 2-step, East & West Coast Swing and Line Dance, as well as performed and competed in East Coast Couples dance contests. Molly also choreographed and danced with the McCabes Cowgirl Dance Team, Seattle Sonics Dance Team and has coached many cheerleading and dance teams throughout the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from UW with a major in Speech Communications and a minor in dance.

Molly lives in Lake Stevens with her husband, Gus, and her daughter, Myla.

Josette Vail

Mommy & Me

Josette grew up in North Bend, WA where she studied ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop at The Center for Dance from age five to ten and Ignite Dance and Yoga under the direction of Katie Black and Brittany Mains from the age of ten until graduating high school. During her time at Ignite, she competed on their competition team for five years in all styles.

After graduating high school she attended Hofstra University in New York to study dance and entrepreneurship under the direction of Rachel List, Robin Becker, and Robbie Cook. While there she performed in various faculty pieces choregraphed by Earl Mosley, Christina Lynch Markham, and Janis Brenner. She also performed in various student run shows such as Student Rep, Danceworks shows, Transcendance’s annual showcase, and Miscellaneous works. On top of performing, she found a love for choreography. As this love grew she choregraphed for the Dance and Drama Department, various clubs, and student run shows. Since graduating in May of 2022 Josette has moved back home to Washington and participated in various dance opportunities.

She was a dancer in the JoySauce Late Night Musical episode. She has also performed in Snowflake Lane as a part of the Snowbelle Dance Team and in Singular Sensation with Chaos Collective and Koinonia Contemporary Dance Company. Currently she is an Apprentice with Syncopation Dance Project in Seattle. She currently teaches at various studios in the area. Josette loves inspiring students with her passion and joy for dance.

Andrea Duerr took her first ballet class when she was 4 years old, and immediately fell in love with the grace, strength and beauty of the art. She has received her training from the Royal Academy of Dance, The Moving Company, The Studio and Western Washington University. She performed leading roles in various ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia and The Red Shoes. In college she was a part of Encore Dance Ensemble where she participated as a dancer and choreographer for lyrical, contemporary and musical theater routines. 

Her teaching career began almost 20 years ago. Her energetic, fun yet firm teaching style has set her apart from other instructors. She has taught all ages from the tiny two year olds through advanced adults. While her favorite genre is ballet, she also enjoys teaching jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and tap.

Andrea resides in Lake Stevens with her husband and 2 kids. They co-own Lake Stevens Brewing Company where she does the book keeping and event planning.

Kirsten Haug-Schildmeyer began her dance career at the age of 10 as a competitive drill team dancer. She later became a competitive Cheerleader and a level 5 gymnast. She choreographed her first dance piece for a school production at the age of 12. This opportunity would later lead her to start her own hip hop performance group for children. Throughout her life she has had a pull to dance that has led her to take many styles such as Hip-Hop, Contemporary/Modern, Jazz, Acro and Tap. She even toured with a performance group around the country at the age of 13.

Kirsten has always had a passion working with kids and this passion has grown throughout her time as a; gymnastics and cheerleading coach at Cascade Elite Gymnatics, co-head coach for the Roosevelt Highschool Cheer Squad focusing on tumbling and stunting, teaching Hop-hop and has continued with her creating her own Acro curriculum which she was able to build on and perfect. Kirsten is so excited work at Pac-West and is looking forward to embracing her role as the new Acro teacher.

Sharonda Young has been dancing since the age of 3. She spent her years as a student training mainly in ballet in Tacoma, WA. She also spent 8 years living in NYC; getting her college degree, training and performing with prestigious modern dance companies: Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham, falling in love, working on cruise ships, basically Living the dream as a Dancer.

Life in Washington has been just as fulfilling. There have been 11 years as a dance teacher where Hundreds of her dance students learned the importance of technique and fearlessness. There have been oodles of performances with 3rd Shift Dance reminding Sharonda of the same lesson.

This is Sharonda's second year teaching with Pac West and she is excited to share her passion for dance with all of you