Taylor Shaw was born and raised in Durham, where her lifelong passion for dance began at a local studio, where she trained in tap, jazz, and ballet.
She continued her dance education and later attended Peace College (now William Peace University), where she was a member of the Peace College Dance Company. As a company member and student choreographer, Taylor performed and created original works for the company’s fall and spring productions.
She also performed works by dance company director Beth Wright Fath and renowned artists, including 2 Near the Edge, Christal Brown, and Chrissy Hawley Pressley. These experiences strengthened her technical foundation and deepened her artistic expression and storytelling through movement.
Her teaching experience includes creative movement, youth cheerleading, and choreography for the “Miss Teen Essence” and “Miss Black North Carolina” pageants.
In addition to her dance background, Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in journalism from American University. She has more than a decade of experience in TV and print newsrooms, and now works in internal communication for Wake County.
Taylor is excited to bring her enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to student growth to Encore Academy of Dance and to help students build confidence, develop their skills, and express themselves through movement.
