Alyson Shanklin was born and raised in Lancaster County. She is currently in her third year of teaching at Encore Dance Center. She began studying dance at the age of five from Encore. She studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and Irish step.

Alyson attended the Conestoga Valley School District where she helped to establish a dance troupe in their middle school. In high school, Alyson joined the majorette squad of the marching band. She was a majorette for four years and in her senior year was elected Guard Captain. She was a member of a local baton group called the Scotties where she began twirling at the age of three. She has competed with DMA and national competitions held in North Carolina at Gardner Webb University.

Alyson attended Kutztown University where she was a member of the University’s Dance Troupe and the KU Dance Team. At Kutztown, Alyson had the opportunity to study many different forms of dance, as well as take choreography classes by Dr. Netting.

Alyson performed with Encore in Walt Disney World, on Royal Caribbean’s Nordic Empress and Enchantment of the Sea’s, as well as, Hershey Park, Lititz July 4th Celebration, Harrisburg Christmas Craft Show, Outdoor World, Ephrata Cloister Fest and Donnelly.

Alyson is certified by The Little People’s Creative Dance Workshop and continues her dance education by attending Broadway Dance Center’s Teacher’s Workshops. Over the next four years Alyson plans on completing certification programs offered by Dance Masters of America.

Alyson’s love for dance is demonstrated through her creativity, energy, enthusiasm and beautiful smile.