Megan Chapman has been teaching dance since 1987 and began her journey with West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy in 1999 where she has worked as a teacher, choreographer, director, and mentor. Originally from Boston, she studied classical ballet, jazz, and modern with The Franklin School for the Performing Arts, and ballet with Walnut Hill and The Boston Ballet School. After studying dance and theater for a year at New York’s Ithaca College, she explored other areas of artistry and transferred to The School of Fashion Design in Boston where she was awarded a scholarship for Best Designer.
Upon graduating, Megan worked briefly for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, in the wardrobe department before working professionally as a costume and freelance fashion designer. During that time, she continued to teach and perform in various locations. To complement her dance experience, she holds an extensive Pilates Mat certification, attended Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Teachers Workshop, led by Darla Hoover, and is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Seasonally, Megan has enjoyed teaching and choreographing for YWAM (Youth with a Mission) at the University of the Nations in Kona and Montana as well as Saving Grace Dance Ensemble in New Hampshire. She has also performed at Gibney Dance Center in New York City and Project Dance Hawaii.
Currently, Megan leads worship dance and workshops in various ministries, including Living Stones Church where she and her husband have attended since 1998. In addition, Megan is also a mixed media artist and the author of an adventure series geared for youth and families. To learn more about Megan’s dance history and creative arts background, please visit meganjoychapman.com.