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Shannon has been dancing since the age of 4, under the direction of her mother, champion dancer Dr. Eileen (Pottie) Forrester.

 

Shannon is a multi-award winning dancer and choreographer who specializes in Highland Dance, Cape Breton Step Dance, Celtic Step Dance, Scottish Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Liturgical Dance, and much more - and has garnered a reputation as a versatile instructor, performer, and choreographer.  In fact, during her amateur dance career,  Shannon has won top awards on a national level at the Canadian Highland Dance championships in Highland/ Novelty dance choreography.  

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Shannon is also an entrepreneur.  She is CEO of The Forrester Production Group Ltd - the parent company of The Forrester School of Dance, and The Forrester Centre. Besides Shannon's abilities as dancer, instructor, and choreographer, Shannon also produces unique, intimate, and premium shows and events, blending together the talent of many of our area's amazing artists - housed in her beautiful new performance venue: The Forrester Centre. www.forrestercentre.ca

 

In addition to this, Shannon is regularly contracted by various tourism and hospitality partners to curate authentic Scottish and Celtic folkloric shows and productions that showcases our rich Scottish culture here in Cape Breton. Shannon continues to expand upon her work with this creative venture providing many opportunities and experiences for artists and the community.

Shannon Forrester

 Dancer, Artistic Director, Performer

 CEO - The Forrester Production Group Ltd.

SHANNON

Shannon is a qualified instructor under the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance of Scotland and has been teaching dance since 1991.  She was also the former Vice President of ScotDance Nova Scotia, current member of Dance Nova Scotia, and "Perform" - a fine arts program affiliated with the Cape Breton District School Board. 

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Shannon’s positive, open and collaborative nature with other artists and performers and diverse performance range has gained her a reputation for being an effective contributor and member to many special performances, projects, groups, and more.

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Shannon was selected as one of 28 cast members who performed in the Broadway production of “Chicago” at the Savoy Theatre where she exemplified her versatility as a dancer - not only performing a different style of dance, but also singing and acting. Shannon has been featured in several major productions, performances, and television programs, such as, but not limited to:

 

  • Tourism related conferences and events locally and abroad to promote our Scottish and Celtic culture.

  • Featured segments for "Tartan Day" on CTV Atlantic

  • Selected as a guest performer in CBC Comedy's holiday video starring the comedic duo of "Tracy and Martina"

  • Selected as a featured dancer in Johnny Reid’s video:  “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

  • The Broadway musical “Chicago”

  • Dancer/Performer in the production “Happy Ha Ha Holidays”

  • “Festival of the Greens” in support of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation

  • Selected as a featured dancer in the “East Coast Music Awards”

  • Repeat performer in “Celtic Colours International Festival”

  • Guest performance on CTV's "Canada AM" live from Glace Bay, NS

  • Guest performer on Rita MacNeil's Celtic Specials by CBC

  • The “Halifax International Tattoo”

  • CBC's:  “The Pit Pony”  television series

  • Featured dancer in the movie “Margaret's Museum”

  • Dance performance in ABC’s  “Good Morning America”


Shannon had the privilege of performing and guest appearing with many talented award winning artists from Cape Breton Island and others on a national and international level. 


Shannon continues to carry on the family tradition of teaching dance on Cape Breton Island - which has now existed in her family for over 70 years. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Cape Breton University.  Besides her work as an entrepreneur, by day, Shannon is a proud Federal public servant providing support to Canadians. 

Shannon has performed all across Canada, throughout the United States, Europe and Asia – and regularly travels adjudicating festivals and conducting workshops both here and abroad. 

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