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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.

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.

Karyn Bracilano & DéShawn Morton Named Dance Educators of the Year by the Dance Educators Association of Washington

Karyn Bracilano and DéShawn Morton Honored for Excellence in Dance Education

Washington State — The Dance Educators Association of Washington (DEAW) is proud to announce Karyn Bracilano and DéShawn Morton as the recipients of the 2026 Dance Educators of the Year Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to dance education, leadership, and community engagement across Washington State.

Karyn Bracilano, based in Seattle, began teaching dance at the age of 16 and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Point Park University. Certified to teach tap, jazz, and ballet through Dance Masters of America, she has been a faculty member at All That Dance since 2004. As Faculty Director and Jazz Department Lead, Bracilano oversees curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and classroom best practices, positively impacting both students and educators throughout the region.

DéShawn Morton, based in Tacoma, discovered his passion for dance while attending Tacoma School of the Arts and later earned a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Arizona with emphases in ballet, modern, and jazz. He continued his training through summer study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Morton has performed nationally and internationally, including appearances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With more than 15 years of teaching and leadership experience, he now serves as Artistic Director of Mo’ Motion Dance Project and Mo’ Motion Dance Academy, where he mentors young dancers through holistic, community-focused training.

The awards were presented at the Dance Educators Association of Washington Spring Conference on April 18, 2026. DEAW congratulates both honorees for their lasting impact on students, fellow educators, and the future of dance education in Washington State.

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