"...I first met Ian about a year ago, and since then he has worked with us in technique classes, choreography cleaning, and our summer intensive. Every time he comes into the studio, he is truly a ray of sunshine! Our dancers absolutely love working with him, and he always brings the best energy and inspiration. We can’t wait to have him back again soon!” -Owner Bethany Payne, Academy of Ballet, Buckley WA
"...I've had the pleasure of watching Ian teach, choreograph, and build meaningful relationships with dancers for over five years. He genuinely cares about the dance community, consistently creating opportunities for students to grow and celebrate the arts. Ian leads with integrity, and his enthusiasm brings energy and joy to every project. I'd gladly work with him again in any capacity..." -Owner Emily Price, MPAC, Marysville WA
"...I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ian Howe for well over a decade, and his love for teaching and choreography just continues to grow. His energy in the studio is magnetic & students can’t help but be inspired. As a studio owner in Olympia, WA, I’ve seen firsthand how Ian challenges dancers while also bringing out the best in them. I’ve commissioned Ian a few times to create new works, and every piece has been something I’ve truly loved. The pieces he choreographs are always unique, musical, visually stunning, and truly inspire my students. Ian is a real talent here in the Pacific Northwest, and I feel lucky to call him both a colleague and a friend..." -Owner Stephanie Wood, SWDA, Olympia WA
"...I have had the privilege of knowing Ian Howe for over 20 years, and he has been a trusted colleague and teacher with me at IGNITE for many of those years. Ian is an incredibly genuine and passionate person, with a rare ability to connect with dancers of all ages and help them unlock their potential.
At IGNITE, Ian has taught both technique classes and choreography, and in every role he has been nothing short of outstanding. He inspires dancers not only to pursue their passion, but also to understand the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in achieving their goals.
Our dancers consistently thrive under Ian’s guidance, and many have shared how profoundly he has influenced their growth and love for dance. We truly have nothing but the highest praise for Ian—his presence enriches our community, and we are so grateful for the impact he has had on our dancers and our studio..." -Katie Black - Owner/Director IGNITE Dance & Yoga
"...We’ve had the pleasure of bringing Ian out the past three years. It’s a week our entire team looks forward to. Not only are the students challenged technically, they leave feeling so inspired. Ian gives our students a renewed love of dance. He’s amazing with the littles as well….laughing with them and really bonding with them on a level they understand. All our students look up to him and respect his work. He’s really become a role model for them." -Owner Erica Edwards - The Dance Center by Erica, Sequim WA
"...For the past five summers, Ian Howe has been an outstanding guest choreographer and instructor at our studio. Ian consistently pushes our dancers to develop solid technique while inspiring true artistry. He has choreographed numerous award-winning solos and trios for us, and his fun, approachable style allows him to build quick rapport with dancers of all ages. We have only the highest praise for Ian and are grateful for the lasiting impact he continues to make on our dancers and our program..." -Owner Amy Kotora, Big Country Arts Academy Texas, Abilene TX
“…Ian is an incredible talent in the dance industry, and we’re so lucky to have him teaching at our studio. His energy is unmatched, and the students love him. He’s choreographed award-winning competition pieces for us that consistently impress judges and audiences alike. His creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the best in every dancer make him an invaluable collaborator. It’s truly inspiring to work with him…” -Owner Jamie Russell, Vitality Dance Studio, Duvall WA
“…I am the Artistic Director of the Southwest Washington Dance Center, located in Chehalis, WA. It is with great honor that I write this letter in regards to Ian Howe. Our studio has had the pleasure of working with Ian for the past six years, and I'd like to take a moment to share the blessings Ian has brought to us.
Over the years, Ian has come to us as a guest choreographer, while also teaching various technique classes. As a choreographer, Ian leads with his heart, and teaches the students to do the same. He has a way of helping dancers open up to fully experience the emotion behind his choreography. Ian consistently creates a safe space for dancers to become vulnerable within their movement, in order to truly connect themselves with their passion of dance.
As an instructor, Ian demonstrates a consistent balance of setting the bar high, while maintaining the idea that progress is perfection. His classes are always upbeat with a positive atmosphere. As students leave his class, they are consistently invigorated, strengthened, and happily exhausted. Ian always makes sure to guide a path for the students highest growth.
As a colleague, Ian is always a pleasure to work with. He is professional, communicative, creative, and passionate about his craft. Our students, staff, and parents are all grateful for his presence at our studio. I wholeheartedly endorse Ian's contributions and value to the dance world. I believe he has a lot to offer to any dancer, and anyone who trains with him will see it too…” -Brianna Jones, Artistic Director, Southwest Washington Dance Center, Chehalis WA
“…Ian Howe has been coming to my studio Energy Dance and Tumbling for six years and every time has been fabulous. The students love his energy in class. They all look forward to seeing him each year. His choreography has has brought my competitive students challenges and to push themselves not only physically but also emotionally. His story telling ability within his choreography is something that stands out to us. It has helped my dancers connect with one another and understand the whole package as a performer. We love hosting Ian each year and we look forward to our time with him!” -Owner Alexa Kent-Langwalter, Energy Dance & Tumble, Algona IA