The DWC Ambassadors
Roxy Woods (she/her) has been dancing for as long as she can remember, exploring many styles and disciplines, and always enjoyed each one, but ballet has always been her first love. Currently, she is dancing with Port Angeles City Ballet, and is a senior in higschool. She has always taken and interest in STEM fields such as science and mathematics, and is currently enrolled in the running start program, working on completing her Associate of Science degree. Post graduation, Roxy plans on persuing a professional career in dance, with hopes of later on attending university to study nutrition and dietary science. She dreams of one day starting her own practice as a dietitian specializing in nutritional wellness for dancers. She is very excited to be working with DWC to promote positivity and inclusivity within the dance world!
Natalie DeShayes (she/her) has been dancing for 14 years, and has studied several styles of classical ballet, as well as jazz, contemporary, and tap. She was a part of Plateau Ballet Repertory Theatre’s Youth Ballet Company for 5 years, and is currently a Performance Division dancer with Evergreen City Ballet. Some of her favorite roles she has performed are Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy in Plateau Ballet Repertory Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” and Marzipan in Wade Walthall’s “The Nutcracker” as well as Nala in “Lion King the Ballet” and Cogsworth in “Belle” with The Ballet Workshop. Natalie has also had the opportunity to choreograph and showcase 6 original pieces onstage. Natalie is on track to graduate high school with her AA from Green River College, and after school she hopes to continue dancing and eventually teach and choreograph! She is so excited to be working with the amazing team at DanceWear Center and is so thankful for this opportunity!
Isabel Vander Griend (they/she/he) grew up dancing at Dancing For Joy Studios in Bellingham, WA. When they were fifteen, they moved to train under the direction of Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz, former PNB Principals, at Decruz Ballet in San Antonio, TX. At Decruz, she performed classical works such as “Le Corsair” pas and variation, and Arabian in “The Nutcracker”. After graduating from their PTD program in 2023, they attended the Training Program at Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Here she performed works by Carmen Rozestraten, Chuck Wilt, Moscelyne Parke Harrison, Alejandro Perez, and in process with Sidra Bell and Gregory Dawson. Isabel has supplemented her training during summers at Summer Dance Lab, Sarasota Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, BalletX, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, as well as performing in the Complexions 30th Anniversary Gala at the Joyce Theater as part of their Pre-Professional Program.
Riley McGaff (he/they) has made a career out of many creative fields including dance, going from being a Creative Director in the graphic design and marketing world to now running a dance studio. Riley could never have guessed how his life would change by walking into the dance studio in 2021, and they haven't stopped dancing since. After falling in love with ballet they took many classes every week and also did privates with Adam Ashcroft and Ellen Mäkäela (two soloists) over zoom to further his love for technique. In 2022 Riley was asked to be in a show for the first time and discovered another love, performing. Now Riley manages Westlake Dance Center along with it's annual showcase Sign of the Times (while also performing in multiple pieces) and loves being able to support the community that has come to mean so much to him.
Past Ambassadors
Why we started the program:
To help connect members of our PNW dancing community across studios, companies, disciplines, and cities.
To help highlight the wide variety of rich stories within our local dance community.
To inspire local dancers by demonstrating that all who want to dance are valued and celebrated members of the DWC family.
Who is a DWC Ambassador?
Someone who is passionate about movement and sharing their personal dancing journey. Our ambassadors are leaders in the community who inspire others to pursue what they love and show our dance family that their dreams of dance can become reality!
DWC Ambassadors are trusted partners with our small business and provide honest and thoughtful feedback on products and programs at DWC - which in turn helps us grow and better serve our community.
Program Term
Four (4) month commitment.
Program Expectations
Attend a required Dancewear Center Ambassador Orientation at the start of the term.
Participate in two (2) scheduled DWC photoshoots during the term.
Receive four (4) monthly product boxes from Dancewear Center. Ambassadors are expected to share an unboxing each month and provide thoughtful feedback regarding fit, functionality, and overall experience.
Publish one (1) collaborative Instagram post and one (1) unboxing post per month.
Provide one (1) testimonial (written, video, or voice memo) during the term sharing your experience with Dancewear Center and/or our professional pointe shoe fitting process.
Ambassador Benefits
10% discount on pointe shoes for the duration of the four-month term.
25% discount on all other in-store items for the duration of the term.
A personalized Dancewear Center Ambassador discount code to share with friends and peers, with the opportunity to earn in-store credit through code usage.
FAQs
How old do I need to be?
DWC Ambassadors must be 16 years old by the start of their term.
What level of dance experience is required?
All experience levels and ages are welcomed and encouraged to apply. Beginner to Advanced - your story and dancing journey are respected and celebrated at DWC.
Do you require a minimum follower count?
While follower count can be a minor consideration, we do not require a minimum follower count. DWC cares more about finding ambassadors who are in alignment with our mission, vision, and core values at DWC.
What is the time commitment like?
DWC ambassador terms are 4 months, and we try to work around your schedule as much as possible when scheduling events such as the orientation and photoshoots.
Does my Instagram account need to be public?
Yes, your application will not be considered if your account is private. DWC Ambassadors are also required to hold a creator account - which we cover during our orientation!