Laurie Shayler is an accomplished dancer, educator, and entrepreneur with deep roots in both academia and the social dance scene. Holding a B.S. in Dance (S.U.N.Y Brockport) and an M.A. in TESOL (Hunter College), her professional background spans Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Latin, Swing, and Ballroom styles.

She has performed and taught with numerous modern dance choreographers across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Driven by the energy of the New York social dance scene, she founded Dance Connection in Brooklyn, dedicated to making Swing, Latin, and Ballroom accessible to everyone. She also specializes in wedding preparation and choreography.

Laurie performs with her brother-in-law, Jose Luis Leon, and her husband, Ricardo Leon, who are also instructors. Her freelance teaching and performing credits include:

• American Express

• Chelsea Piers

• Mohonk Mountain House

• New York Health & Racquet Clubs

• Peninsula Spa

• The Yard at Martha’s Vineyard

Beyond the studio, Laurie served as an adjunct lecturer at LaGuardia Community College and Baruch College, where she created the unique elective course, DSL: Dance as a Second Language. This innovative program allowed international students to improve their English skills through social dance and has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR) and NBC, and written about in New York Newsday.

Laurie's contagious passion for dance invites students of all levels to join her on the dance floor.