About Us
Premier Dance Education in Historical Chehalis, Washington
Southwest Washington Dance Center is an incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to professional quality instruction, appreciation and presentation of dance as an art form throughout Lewis County and greater Southwest Washington. SWDC gives service without regard to race, religion, color, sex or ethnic origin and is managed by a volunteer board of directors. SWDC was founded in 1982. As an incorporated 501 (C) 3, SWDC was originally established as the Chehalis Ballet Center.
Founded by former professional dancer, Dean Speer of Seattle – the center was established on professional principles and community values. Dean Speer and the original SWDC staff donated their services to get the school up and running. Passion for bringing the art of dance to Lewis County has been and continues to be a cornerstone of SWDC.
In 1995, Hugh Bigney the Director at that time and the Board of Directors changed the name of the school to Southwest Washington Dance Center to better reflect the diverse geographical area the Dance Center Served. Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble provides opportunities for growth beyond dance education.
Our staff and instructors are dedicated to developing premiere technique, and confidence that will last well beyond the dance studio.
SWDC Taking the Stage
Students at SWDC have the opportunity to grow beyond the classroom. Performance is a core pillar at SWDC. By developing relationships with surrounding companies to expand performance opportunities beyond Lewis County.
Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, the performing Company for SWDC, produces the Nutcracker Ballet every year. This production has grown from the small stage at a local elementary school to the state of the art Corbet Theatre on the campus of Centralia College.
In March every year SWDC hosts and performs at Dance Festival Northwest, where they invite pre-professional level dance companies from all over the Pacific Northwest, to come to the twin cities and participate in master classes and then offer a wonderful dance program to the community.
May of every year brings the annual School Tour, where the company puts together a 30-minute presentation the take to the local elementary schools and nursing homes.
In June they offer an all school dance concert “Spring into Summer.” All of the students may participate in this wonderful display of talent from the little three year olds to the mature advanced dancers. All the choreography for this showcase is original.
Lewis County’s Original
Southwest Washington Dance center has been featured in various community events. Performing arts in Lewis County Over the years, the dancers have danced with Northwest Wind Symphony, Providence Hospital’s Festival of Trees, Miss Lewis County pageant, Art Walk in Olympia, the Southwest Washington Fair, the Merce Cunningham Tribute at Centralia College and various local parades.
Our Board
As a non-profit dance school, our Board of Volunteers selflessly guide and run Southwest Washington Dance Center. Their unique expertise span across various professional careers and interests. The board is made up of community members, current dance parents, parents of previous SWDC dancers and previous SWDC students.
Rachel Mordick
President
Executive Assistant
Board Member Since 2021
Vice President
Shelbie Kathedar
Treasurer
Accounting
Board Member Since 2026
Shawn Peters
Teacher – Centralia School District
Board Member Since 2012
Paula Reyes
Semi-Retired School Para EducatorBoard Member since 2024
Wendy Tripp
Court Commissioner
Board Member since 2015
Anne Elam
Secretary
Director of HR, Dynamic Collectors, Inc
Board Member Since 2021
Ben Porter
State of Washington
Board Member Since 2026
Tom Feaster
Automobile Consultant
Board Member Since 2022
Alicia Hill
Board Member Since 2026
Michelle Green
Photographer
Board Member Since 2026
Charles Lawson
Board Member Since 2026
“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”
— Wayne Dyer