Instructor Spotlight: Meet Shannon!

This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our most beloved instructors – Shannon! A true multi-talented force at Playocity, Shannon brings joy, energy, and heart to everything she teaches, from Dance, Yoga, and Creative Movement to her role as our Lead Instructor for the newly launched Tiny Tunes program. Shannon has been an absolute pleasure to work with, consistently impressing our school and daycare partners with her professionalism, care, and creativity. Most importantly, the children absolutely adore her, and it’s easy to see why.

With a lifelong background in dance, international performing arts experience, and a deep passion for teaching and helping others, Shannon brings a beautiful blend of skill, warmth, and empathy into every classroom. As a mom herself, she teaches with incredible intention, always striving to be the kind of instructor she would want for her own child: fun, patient, inspiring, and safe. Whether she’s leading little ones through Tiny Tunes, guiding students through creative movement, or spreading positivity through dance and yoga, Shannon’s impact is felt in every space she enters.

Get to know Shannon a little better in the Q&A below – we think you’ll love her just as much as we do!

1. What has your experience been with our company culture?

Playocity is genuinely a fantastic company to work for. I wake up excited to go to work each day! Alanna and Alena are always available when I need them and empower me to add my own personal flair to each program that I teach. I feel supported AND appreciated each and every day!

2. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Without a doubt, I would happily choose to eat soup every day for the rest of my life!

3. What did you want to be when growing up?

When I was about 5 years old, I wanted to be a farmer. Once I began dancing more and more, I wanted to become a Broadway performer. After dancing professionally for a few years, I went back to school for child and youth work and later went back to school for a third time to become a Personal Support Worker. I love learning, teaching and helping people. Although I don’t actively work in all of these “career paths,” everything I’ve learned along the way helps me become a better teacher, mom, wife and person daily!

4. What is your favourite thing to do in your free time?

In my free time, which is very limited when you have a 3-year-old haha. You’ll find me wrapped in a blanket watching “Good Mythical Kitchen” on YouTube. However, if the weather is nice, I’ll be outside as much as possible, taking walks, going to the beach, or escaping to my parents’ cottage up north.

5. How did you get into performing arts?

I’ve been a dancer my whole life. To quote Mamma Mia, “Mother said I was a dancer before I could walk.”  I started taking dance classes at a young age, and my passion kept on growing. In high school, I started performing in plays through our drama program and later moved to California to attend The Young Americans Performing Arts College, where I got the opportunity to perform and teach around the world.

6. Do dancing and acting run in your family?

As a career, no, but my family loves the arts. My sister grew up dancing and playing piano, and my parents are never shy to hit the dance floor! When we gather for the holidays, you’ll always find us around the piano singing and playing our favourite songs.

7. What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?

“Comparison is the thief of joy!” Whether you are having a tough time academically, getting along with your peers, or fighting personal struggles, comparing yourself to other people is always going to take away your joy. It is easier said than done, but try to focus on being the best YOU! Focus on your victories, even the small ones that no one else can see. Celebrate the things that make you uniquely you. You are amazing!

8. Who or what inspires you?

My immediate answer would be my son. Everything I do, I do with him in mind. Right now, I am predominantly working with preschool and kindergarten-age children, which is the age range that my son, Carter, falls into. Every time I teach a class, I have a voice in my head asking, “is this something I’d want my son learning? Is the way I’m talking the way I’d want someone talking to him?” My goal is to be a fun, patient, inspiring and safe presence in any room I teach in.

9. What is your least favourite exercise?

Easy! I despise planks!

10. What is your favourite time of the year and why?

I love the Fall. Early fall, specifically, where all you need is a light jacket, but leaves are already changing colours. It’s beautiful and calming and makes me so happy!