MOVE EVERY BODY.

Dance Educators Association of Washington envisions equitable access
to quality dance education for all people regardless of
gender, age, race, religion, culture, socio-economic status, or ability.

Mission:

Dance Educators Association of Washington supports and advocates for the dance community in Washington State.

 

DEAW stands in solidarity with our Black community members.

We encourage you to read through our resources and identify ways you can help and stand with us. We realize that this is only the beginning of the work and we will continue to ask how DEAW is actively and continuously working to uphold antiracism within the board and through our event offerings.

 

Wendy Thompson Named Dance Educator of the Year by the Dance Educators Association of Washington

The Dance Educators Association of Washington (DEAW) is proud to announce Wendy Thompson as the recipient of the 2025 Dance Educator of the Year Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to dance education in Washington State.

Wendy Thompson is an educator and choreographer whose work has shaped generations of dancers through her leadership and her commitment to inclusive, high-quality dance instruction. With decades of experience spanning public schools, private studios, and community programs, Wendy has consistently demonstrated excellence in pedagogy, mentorship, and advocacy. As a founding Faculty member in the Vancouver Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department, she served on the first teams to establish WA State standards for dance education and wrote/received numerous grants to support guest artists in the schools. Her dedication to fostering creativity, discipline, and joy in the dance classroom exemplifies the values of DEAW and the broader dance education community.

Wendy was honored at the DEAW Professional Development Weekend, held October 10–11 at the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, where she was a founding faculty member. Please join us in celebrating Wendy Thompson’s remarkable achievements and her enduring legacy in Washington’s dance education landscape.

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DEAW is a proud affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization.