Ana Noelle, artistic director & director
Ana Noelle (she/her) is a classically trained performer, teacher and choreographer that has had the privilege to experience dance throughout the US and Canada. Beginning her training at age 4, Ana stuck to dance like jet glue, always learning and ‘being the student’ to better herself as a dancer, teacher and professional. Starting her training in Wilmington, DE under Anna Marie Leo, Ana trained vigorously in all disciplines of dance with a core focus in Classical Ballet and attended intensives and pre-professional programs such as; First State Ballet, Kirov Ballet, Kaatsbaan Ballet, and Toronto Dance Theatre. Along with these programs, Ana took her talents to compete in YAGP, Dance Excellence and IBC. Ana completed her BFA degree in Dance with a concentration in Classical Ballet at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, a renowned program that has been the home of many brilliant dancers. Ana performed repertoire under Troy Powell of Alvin Ailey, the YC, Toronto Dance Theatre, Alice Gosti, Roni Mahler, and more. Throughout her time training and performing, Ana Noelle’s passions to choreograph grew strong and fast. She has had the pleasure of setting pieces on many dance schools and pre-professional programs on the East and West coast. Ana worked as an instructor at DWS 2017-2020, the artistic director from 2023-2025 and is now the director of the school. Ana is honored to continue the legacies that have grown this school, and share her knowledge and experience with the future dancers of today.
“Any passion that you have is something to be cherished and tried”
Joelle Hagen, Office Administrator
Joelle Hagen (she/they) is a professionally trained artistic administrator with a passion for the arts. Hailing from the SF Bay Area, Joelle has had the privilege of working in theatre, dance, music, performance art, and education, soaking up the magic of well-organized chaos.
As a musician and visual artist herself, Joelle understands the organizational framework that is required to let art breathe and grow while being supported by an organization. She is thrilled to be a part of the Dance! West Seattle family!
AINSLEY BISHOP, INSTRUCTOR
Ainsley Bishop (she/her) began her dance journey at Dance! West Seattle at the age of three, quickly discovering a lasting love for movement and performance. She continued her training at Evergreen City Ballet, studying with respected teachers including Kevin Kaiser, Louise Nadeau, and Lindsi Dec.
Ainsley later joined the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet, where she performed with the company in productions such as Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and Kent Stowell’s Swan Lake. After completing the program, she danced professionally with Nevada Ballet Theatre, appearing in works including Septime Webre’s Alice in Wonderlandand Ben Stevenson’s Dracula.
After her performance career, Ainsley shifted her focus to teaching and mentoring young dancers. As a dedicated freelance instructor, she now brings her experience, artistry, and passion for high-quality training to every studio and classroom she enters.
HANNAH WHITE, INSTRUCTOR
Hannah (she/they) is a performer and teaching artist. Hannah began dancing at four years old and is trained in many styles, including tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She began assisting dance classes at age 11, eventually teaching and choreographing for her own classes after graduating from high school.
She has trained with Manhattan Dance Project here in Seattle and in Phoenix, AZ, at various competitions and conventions, and at Millennium Dance Complex in LA.
Hannah pursued a BFA in Musical Theater at Cornish College of the Arts, where some favorite shows were Jesus Christ Superstar and Chicago. She spent time in New York City teaching dance in schools, taking classes at Steps on Broadway, and training with Ryan Scott Oliver and Lindsay Mendez’s Actor Therapy.
Hannah teaches dance and musical theater all over the greater Seattle area. They’ve also been fine-tuning their choreography skills - most recently, she was the Associate Choreographer for Legally Blonde at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE.
Angel Nunez, instructor
Angel Nunez (he/him) was born in Cordoba, Argentina, dancing since he was 5 years old. He graduated from the National School of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina and was awarded a dance diploma from Colon Theatre’s Advanced Arts Institute. He was taught by the greats such as Jorge Tomin, Irupe Pereyra Parodi, Olga Ferri, Enrrique Lommi, Lydia Segnni, Liliana Belfiore, and Manolita Suarez Herrera. Mr. Angel won many distinguished awards throughout his career and performed with different dance companies in productions such as Swan Lake and Giselle. He is excited to share his talents with a new generation of dancers at Dance! West Seattle.
Madeline Fillis, subsitute instructor
Madeline Fillis (she/her) began her dance journey at age 3, starting with ballet and tap training. She continued her dance training at Kathy’s Studio of Dance, and additionally learned lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz. Madeline began teacher training at age 11, and quickly fell in love with sharing her knowledge of dance with the next generations to come. She trained with Manhattan Dance Project for 7 years, and has competed at competitions such as Starpower and Spotlight. While Madeline is no longer training, she loves to dance, teach and choreograph in her free time. Her goal is to dance much more in 2026!