Shannon Thomas, Owner
Shannon Thomas is a distinguished dance educator and choreographer, deeply committed to fostering excellence both on and off the dance floor. With over two decades of teaching experience, Shannon’s pedagogical approach is rooted in the principles of discipline, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring the highest standards in technique and performance. Her choreography seamlessly blends contemporary innovation with age-appropriate artistry, allowing students to express their individuality while mastering technical precision.
Trained under esteemed instructors at Oklahoma City University, Shannon’s expertise extends to dance pedagogy and choreography principles, positioning her as a technical master instructor across a range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. As the award-winning director of The Legacy Stars Competition Team, her choreography has garnered widespread acclaim at prestigious competitions throughout Florida. Shannon’s students consistently excel in various facets of the entertainment industry, reflecting the depth and impact of her comprehensive instruction.
Dion Leonhard DiDonna
Dion is a certified Pilates/Barre and Fitness Instructor, professional dancer, fire/LED performer, and dance teacher/choreographer both regionally and nationally. With over 30+ years experience, she has worked with multiple professional ballet companies, as well as regional groups throughout Central Florida. Dion choreographs professionally within Theaters, Dance Studios, High/Middle Schools and Colleges in Central Florida; as well as teaching Dance and Fitness Classes. She has, and continues to collaborate with numerous photographers, dance stores and brands nationally. Dion performs as principal dancer “Lady Cimorene”/additional choreographer for the original Victorian/Steampunk/Horror Troupe “Phantasmagoria Orlando”.
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Madelynn Colburn
Madelynn Colburn, originally from Port Orange, Florida, has been dancing since she was three years old. Madelynn was taught by Shannon Thomas since she was eight years old, Madelynn knew then that she wanted to pursue a career in dance because of the positive impact Shannon had on her.
Madelynn graduated in May of 2019 from Florida Southern College, Lakeland with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography with a minor in Business Administration. During her time at FSC, she danced in works by Jen Guy Metcalf, Kim Karpanty, Sharon Wong, Carol Erkes, Erin LaSala, Leah Pinder, Gerald Opdenaker, and Sarah Walston.
Madelynn is a recipient of the “Most Improved Dancer Award” and the “Rising Choreographer Award. Madelynn also co-directed the senior BFA dance concert in the spring of 2019.
Madelynn has taught ages three to eighteen in all genres of dance at The Legacy Dance Studio since graduating with her BFA. Madelynn has choreographed for Volusia County Schools Show Choirs and Dance Teams. Madelynn is also a professional photographer that specializes in Dance Portraits.
Madelynn is beyond grateful to continue her journey teaching at The Legacy Dance Studio and to be working with The Legacy Stars Competition Team this season.
Makena Mayfield
Makena Mayfield began her early dance studies at the young age of four. Originally from Port Orange, Florida, Makena continued to train locally in various styles of dance and spent her high school years dancing at The Legacy Dance Studio. During her time at Legacy, she competed as a Legacy Star and worked as a teacher’s assistant to Miss Shannon in the preschool and elementary dance classes. Upon her high school graduation, Makena began teaching children the same styles of dance she was trained in, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary.
Outside of Legacy, Makena enjoys being actively involved in her community. From the ages of 12 to 21 she volunteered with the Civic Ballet of Volusia County where she performed annually in both the Festival of Dance and The Nutcracker. In 2018, Makena was awarded the Gloria Ramirez Berman “Ray of Light” Scholarship from the CBVC for her excellence in dance studies, character, and academics.
After graduating from high school in 2019, Makena attended Daytona State’s Quanta Honors Program, receiving her Associate of Arts degree and earning a full scholarship to Stetson University’s Honors Program. In May of 2023, Makena graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Honors Kinesiology. During her time as an Honors student at Stetson, she broadened her knowledge for health and fitness through her extensive research studies in nutrition, exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.
In the classroom, Makena uses her 18 years of dance experience and her new knowledge of kinesiology to provide students with a safe and fun environment to grow. Her area of expertise includes injury prevention, development of proprioception, coordination, balance, and stability as well as improvement of mobility, flexibility, endurance, and strength.
Makena is excited to teach new and returning students for season 9 at Legacy!
Skylar Carn
Skylar has had a love for dance since she started. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and pointe, as well as been on the Legacy Stars Competitive Team. While on Stars, Skylar has taken home many top overall awards, scholarships and special awards with her team and as a soloist. Including attending CDI Winter Intensive Training Programs.
Skylar is a Professional Dancer and Performer at SeaWorld Orlando and a Dancer for AM Talent Agency out of Orlando. She can be seen modeling for Michelle and Group Models all over the state of Florida in photo shoots and commercials as well. Skylar is also in school working toward becoming an esthetician who specializes in skin beautification.
Skylar loves teaching at Legacy and working with the Legacy Stars Competition Team. She is excited for another fun year dancing with our amazing students!
Ava Chappell
Ava Chappell grew up training and competing with The Legacy Dance Studio in Port Orange, Florida. She dedicated herself to weekly classes in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pointe, and Tap. Passionate about her growth, she also took extra classes at studios like Orlando Ballet, Underground Movement, and Motiv, as well as attending the Art of Movement Intensive in between seasons. With advancing years, she began teaching and choreographing at Legacy and at other local studios. It was around this time she began to discover the power of movement as a tool of expression. During her senior year of high school, she was presented with the opportunity to choreograph her first group dance. “Goodbye” was recognized for its heartfelt yet innovative choreography and was awarded countlessly throughout the season. She knew immediately that choreography true vocation. After graduating high school, she continued to gain experience teaching and choreographing locally while also upping her exposure to professional level training. Her competition numbers continued to take home awards and overalls such as Mark of Excellence “Group Excellence Award” or Heat’s “Choreography Award”.
In September of 2022, Ava spent 10 days in Southern France, training under the guidance of one of the UK’s most influential commercial contemporary choreographers, Lukas McFarlane. Her performance and choreography can be seen in Lukas’s “A Love Story” which was filmed and produced in the very heart of Toulouse. She also joined Embody Dance Conference as an assistant in 2022, a non-profit competition and convention with a mission to create a safer, more inclusive dance community. It was here that she grasped the significance of fostering a secure and empowering atmosphere in her classes. This year, Ava has trained and performed with Rudy Abrue as a part of New Era Dance Company in Hit The Floor’s All Star Showcase in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Most recently, she was a performer in Jacksonville’s Women’s Art Exchange.
Now, Ava’s style of movement is derived predominantly from improvisation and inner exploration. Ava believes that movement is a reflection of an individual’s deepest life experiences. She is blessed to continue her journey as a teacher, choreographer, and artist.
Brooklin Delapine “BK”
Brooklin Delapine, originally from Pennsylvania, has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Brooklin grew up training at various studios, but most of her training took place when she moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where she was taught by Sarah Zecchinno in all styles. Brooklin danced competitively within her last 7 years of training and received many awards and opportunities. In 2015, Brooklin received a scholarship to Joffrey Ballet School Summer of Hip-hop intensive in New York where she trained for 4 weeks under Dexter B Carr, Nick Baga, and more. During that time Brooklin learned all styles of hip-hop as well as industry knowledge. Brooklin also got the opportunity to dance in Sharaya J’s music video to “Snatch Yo Wig” directed and choreographed by Dexter B Car. Brooklin also got the opportunity to perform half time for the Harlem Globe Trotters in 2013.
Brooklin attends Liberty University. During her time in school Brooklin had joined the schools dance team and taught for Lynchburg Dance Connection and Kaleidoscope Dance Studio where her passion for hip-hop and creating grew. During the pandemic Brooklin moved back home where she continued her education online. During those times she taught at Residance Urban Dance Studio, Bourne 2 Dance, and Contempo Dance Club. Brooklin taught ages 4-22 in contemporary fusion, street jazz, and commercial hip-hop. During her time teaching at these studios, Brooklin had choreographed national platinum winning competitive hip-hop routines. Though Brooklin favors hip-hop, she loves to explore her creativity through other styles.
Brooklin’s passion stems from her grandmother who encouraged her at a young age to explore dance and she is thankful to God for the opportunity to do so. Brooklin now resides in Daytona Beach where she hopes to continue to learn and grow in her art of dancing and teaching.
Chloe Brabson
Chloe started her dance career in Ohio, where she was born & raised. Chloe has taught a big variety of classes for all different ages, but her favorite is hip hop, & contemporary. She has been dancing since age 4. Chloe’s choreography has won many awards at competitions, including the “Golden Ticket” to Worlds. Chloe started as a dance teacher in Ohio for 7 years, and is now going into her 2nd year of teaching in Port Orange at Legacy.
When Chloe isn’t at the dance studio, she works at Advent Health full time as a consumer access specialist for phlebotomy. She also enjoys fishing, cooking, & adventuring with her fiancé.
Chloe is so excited for the new season. She has loved every second of working with the Legacy students and can’t wait for another amazing year!
Brooklynne Reichenberger
Brooklynne, hailing from South Daytona, Florida, is a proud alumna of The Legacy Stars dance team, where she competed for nine years. From a young age, she immersed herself in the world of dance, developing not only her technical skills but also a deep passion for the art form. Her dedication and experience have shaped her into a skilled and expressive performer.
With 15 years of experience across various dance styles—ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop—Brooklynne has a profound love for expressing emotions through movement. Her talent has shone in numerous competitions, conventions, community events, and showcases. As a competitor, she has earned numerous scholarships, overall awards, and accolades both as a soloist and as part of her team.
Brooklynne is now embarking on an exciting new chapter in her dance journey. She is preparing to audition in Orlando, Florida, for various prestigious dance roles, including opportunities with NBA dance teams, theme parks, and other renowned organizations. She is eager to showcase her talent and dedication on some of the biggest stages, embracing the chance to elevate her dance career to new heights.
Beyond her personal ambitions, Brooklynne finds joy in mentoring younger dancers at The Legacy Dance Studio, where she continues to share her love for dance with the next generation.