The Pointe Dance Arts’ owner and artistic director, Shannon McClure Denney, began her dance training in Mobile, AL at Sheffield School of the Dance. She continued her dance education under the direction of the University of Alabama’s nationally acclaimed teacher Cornelius Carter. Additionally, she has studied at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles.
Shannon has been privileged to perform in a number of unique environments. As a young dancer, she was accepted as a member of the Sheffield Performing Arts Company with whom she competed for eight years, winning numerous regional and national awards. Shannon was honored to perform in a split dance concert with former Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago members Sam Watson and Richard Havey. She also performed on the Celebrity Cruise ship “Meridian” and the Isle of St. Georges in Bermuda. Selected as a member of the Universal Dance Association All-Star group, she had the honor of performing in Paris, France.
Shannon began her teaching career in Atlanta, GA where she served as a ballet, jazz and tap instructor for three prominent Atlanta studios. In 2000, Shannon relocated to Birmingham, AL to continue her teaching career. She founded The Pointe Dance Arts in July 2005, to pass on her love of dance to young people throughout the Birmingham area. Most importantly, at The Pointe Dance Arts, Shannon has been able to fulfill her vision of offering the highest quality dance education in a family-friendly, age-appropriate atmosphere. Shannon’s students have been awarded dance scholarships to The University of Alabama, Steps on Broadway, Edge Performing Arts in Los Angeles, Joffrey Ballet New York, Tremaine Dance, Company Dance, Hollywood Vibe, New York City Dance Alliance, JUMP, 24Seven, Radix, Hollywood Dance Jamz & NUVO for their outstanding work.
Shannon takes pride in exposing her students to the the top teachers and choreographers from around the country by having a top-notch staff, bringing in master teachers, attending dance conventions, and traveling to various cities for training. Shannon is married to Patrick Denney, and the two reside in Vestavia Hills with their daughter, Sara Madelyn.
