Owner/Manager

A picture of the founder, Gina Liguori

Welcome to House of Dance Seattle, founded by Gina Liguori, a dance educator, choreographer, and performer based in Seattle.

Gina has been dancing since the age of 5, training in various styles, including Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Commercial dance, Heels, and Cheer and Pom. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Washington, where she performed in university productions and assisted with dance research studies.

With years of experience working with children, and adults Gina is passionate about creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where dancers can explore their creativity and build confidence!

Meet the Team

  • Shay Levine

    Shay Levine is a teacher, choreographer, performer, and Dance Troupe Director for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, leading the Hip Hop Dance Team for over a decade. A former professional AFL cheerleader and dancer for the Colorado Crush, she now coordinates 40+ performances each season, providing opportunities for her dancers to grow. Shay trains with industry professionals, attending events like Ladies of Hip Hop in New York and intensives with Galen Hooks. Shay is passionate about making dance accessible to youth of all backgrounds, helping them express themselves, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love for dance. Students adore Shay’s loving and fun personality! 

  • Mattie Murphey

    Mattie Murphey began dancing at age 3 at the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center before transitioning to Precision Dance Academy at age 4, where she competed for the next nine years. She trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop. In high school, she served as co-captain of her school’s drill team, expanding her repertoire to include kick and pom. Mattie loves working with kids, creating a fun and engaging environment that fosters their love for dance. She currently dances with the Aura Dance Company at the University of Washington, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology.

  • Maura Banks

    Maura Banks, is from Vancouver, Washington, began dancing at the age of 4. She has trained extensively in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary dance. She is currently a student at the University of Washington, and an active member of the Hip-Hop Student Association, where she performs, choreographs, and teaches her team. She is passionate about creating an energetic and supportive environment where dancers of all ages can grow, and connect with one another!

  • Lucy Thomas

    Lucy is a dedicated dance instructor with years of experience in both performing and teaching. Originally from Orange County, California, she trained in various dance styles before moving to Leavenworth, Washington, where she taught at Dance Creations Wenatchee and has since expanded her reach by teaching at dance conventions. She especially enjoys contemporary, modern, and jazz, and is currently working towards a minor in dance while studying Education at the University of Washington in Seattle. Lucy is passionate about creating an encouraging learning environment where all dancers feel confident and capable.

  • Heidi Chang

    Heidi Chang has been dancing for 16 years, competing in various styles including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary/Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. She was the captain of her high school drill team, where she choreographed and performed pom, kick, and military routines. Heidi is currently dancing at the University of Washington and runs her own dance club for students. As a teacher, she strives to create a positive environment where dancers of all experience levels can learn, and have fun!

  • Alya Gainutdinova

    Alya’s dance journey began at the age of four, starting with competitive ballroom dancing. Over the years, she expanded her training to include contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop before ultimately specializing in hip-hop, jazz funk, and street dance styles. As a passionate and dedicated instructor, Alya loves working with kids and is committed to creating a fun, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where students can grow in both skill and confidence.

  • Vanessa Wilson

    Vanessa Wilson began her dancing journey over 15 years ago in the Seattle area, training in ballet, tap, jazz and modern styles through the RAD and ISTD curriculums. She began choreographing for theatres at age 16, and went on to win Centrestage Theatre’s Choreographer of the Year Award 2024. Currently, she is a UW student majoring in English!

  • Nora Chareon

    Nora Chareon, a Seattle native, has been dancing since the age of 5, specializing in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern. With training in both the RAD and ISTD syllabi, she brings a strong technical foundation to her classes. As a teacher, Nora fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, helping students refine technique, explore creativity, and build confidence. She focuses on balancing strong fundamentals with artistic expression to help each student reach their full potential!