Shannon Forrester McMullen is an Artistic Director and Choreographer of dance with the Forrester School of Dance in Sydney - and is considered a well rounded contributor to the arts and culture sector, business sector, and community. Shannon's experience as an educator, mentor, business professional, and ambassador is exemplary.

The Forrester School of Dance was established in 1965 by Shannon's mother Eileen (Pottie) Forrester. Shannon has been dancing since the age of 4, and specializes in Highland Dance, Cape Breton Step Dance, Celtic Step Dance, Scottish Ballet, Hip Hop and Liturgical. Shannon is an award winning dancer who has garnered a reputation as a versatile performer and choreographer - as well, for her fresh approach, originality, and creativity with dance and her style of teaching. She is founder of the internationally acclaimed step dance company "Reel Precision".

Shannon has been featured in several major productions and television programs such as East Coast Music Awards, Celtic Colours International Festival, Rita MacNeil's Celtic Special, The Halifax International Tattoo, CBC's "The Pit Pony" television series, CBC's "Margaret's Museum", Good Morning America, and more. As a performer, Shannon has had the privilege of guest appearing with many well known artists on local, national, and international levels such as Peter Gillis, Rita MacNeil, the Barra MacNeil's, Haugaard & Hoirup, Crasdant, to name a few. Shannon has performed across Canada, though out the United States, Europe and Asia.

Shannon has been teaching for 16 years, and is a qualified member under the Scottish Dance Teacher's Alliance of Scotland, member of Scot Dance Canada, and Dance Nova Scotia. She is also a member of "Perform" - a fine arts program affiliated with the Cape Breton District School Board. Shannon travels to conduct workshops and master classes throughout Canada and the United States several times a year. She has also adjudicated several dance festivals throughout Canada.

Shannon is heavily involved in our community - both as a performer and professional representing various boards and committees. Shannon most recently completed a training program in Front Line Care through Cancer Care Nova Scotia and volunteers as a Palliative Care worker. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and is a Human Resources / Business Consultant in the local area. She uses this experience to help guide and mentor her older students who are entering the workforce for the first time, and assists them with resume writing, interview techniques, and overall job readiness. Shannon resides in the Sydney area with her husband Mike McMullen.

Contact Shannon for class, workshop or performance information - she offers a variety of specialized class structures to suit your interests!