Shantese Robinson is the epitome of dance. She was born and raised in Muskegon Heights, MI, & she has studied at Kalamazoo Valley Community College & Western Michigan University. At the beginning of her dance journey, she started off singing & dancing in her mother’s salon and they knew she was going to be a star. During her teen years, she studied Modern & Jazz at HBCUs Summer Band Camps and used that to pursue further in her dance persona.

Over the years she has performed at world-renowned venues such as the Apollo Theater. She has been featured in John Ruffin’s Theater 47 production Takin Back My Name by world-famous musician Ike Turner where she played one of the lead roles as an Ikette. She has also worked with Melvin Elijah from The Temptations production “Motown Live,” and Choreographer/Author Wink Atme production “Tour Secrets” as a lead dancer. She teaches jazz, modern, hip-hop, majorette & lyrical dance in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids & Muskegon, MI to all ages.

Her work has been featured in churches, schools, and some theater productions. Most recently, she participated in a collaborative initiative team called Trap Fitness MI which specializes in Yoga, Zumba, Afrobeat, and Twerk. Her signature classes are Fearless Heels Class. This is a developing stage presence and confidence, expressing yourself through movement form of dance. She implements self impressions and fun sequence combinations that build endurance, confidence, and SASS!

Back in 2019, she traveled to Nigeria, to learn about their cultural artistry. After coming back home to the U.S. she decided to start teaching afro-beats/west African dance. In early 2021, she received a KADI grant from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo organization towards her biggest dance video project yet called ‘Dance Figures.’ The production was a celebration of African- American dance and astounding tributes that sheds light on black choreographers/dancers throughout various time eras starting with the 1920s. In August 2022, she received another KADI grant from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo organization towards her first IDanceFearless showcase “The Color of Dance.” The show was a theatrical dance showcase portraying how to overcome mental issues by expressing stories through movement & colors. Shantese will continue to soar high and reach her highest goals by keeping God first, creating a legacy and opportunities and inspiring movers to succeed in dance.