Shannon Varner discovered Lindy Hop while living in New York City in 1997. She has won numerous awards, placing in such competitions as the American Lindy Hop Championships, Virginia State Open, and the Jack & Jill contest at Midsummer Night Swing in NYC.

She has performed in New York and Chicago with some of her credits including: “PBS’ Swingin with the Duke” with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; The Today Show; and Chicago’s month long dance program, Dance Chicago.

Shannon rounds out her dance experience with a background in arts administration at The Martha Graham Dance Co and the prestigious Julliard School.