NBA Dance Team Director • Industry Judge & Educator • 20+ Year Studio OwnerHi, I’m sarah schneeweis.
I’ve worked across every level of this industry—so I understand how each stage connects.My experience includes:
Leading and coaching a professional NBA dance team, managing elite performers and producing high-level game entertainment.
Founder of HYPE Dance Studio (20+ years) — built a nationally recognized training environment and developed dancers into college teams, professional teams, and industry careers
Former Brand Manager and faculty member for Varsity Pro by Varsity Spirit, helping develop programming and education for dancers and coaches nationwide.
Longtime UDA instructor, Master Teacher, and Core Trainer for the Universal Dance Association and Varsity Spirit.
Judge and educator for the world’s leading dance competitions and conventions, including UDA College Nationals, USASF Dance Worlds, KAOS, NDTC, ICU, and many others.
Choreographer for professional sports teams, including NBA and NFL organizations, as well as nationally ranked collegiate and high school dance teams.
Casting, creative direction, and show production for large-scale sports entertainment events and live performances.
Mentoring dancers into college dance teams, professional teams, and commercial industry careers.
A former professional dancer and current dance mom, bringing both industry and real-world family perspective to the dancers and parents I mentor.
Credits Include: NSYNC, Wale, Too $hort, Dogg Pound, NBA Sacramento Kings, NBA Golden State Warriors, NFL Indianapolis Colts, Arizona State University, University of Wisconsin Madison, Southeastern Louisiana State University, and many more.
I help dancers—and the parents behind them—stop guessing and start moving forward with a clear, strategic path.
Because talent alone isn’t what gets dancers selected. Direction does.
With over 20 years in the industry as a dancer, coach, studio owner, and NBA dance team director, I’ve worked across every level—from serious studio training to professional teams and industry casting.
My work sits at the intersection of talent development, creative direction, and real-world decision-making—where what you do next actually matters.
I know how to guide dancers toward their goals—and how to prepare for it the right way. And I care deeply about doing it well.
I’m direct. I’m thoughtful. I pay attention.
I trust my instincts and they’ve never led me the wrong way in this space.
I also understand this from both sides. I’m navigating it in real time as a parent, guiding my own son through training, auditions, and professional opportunities. So I don’t just see this from the industry perspective, I understand what it looks like inside a family making these decisions.
The pressure. The confusion. The investment. The stakes. I see all of it.
And that’s what allows me to guide dancers and parents in a way that actually works.
Why I do this
I care about this more than most people do.
This isn’t something I fell into. I built my career in this world—and it means everything to me.
I love dance. I always have.
The reason I’ve gotten where I am isn’t luck. It’s how I work with people. I’m direct, I’m thoughtful, I pay attention, and I trust my instincts. I know how to connect with dancers and I know how to guide them—and the parents behind them—through decisions that actually matter.
I’ve seen what happens when talented dancers don’t have that guidance.
They work hard… but not always in the right direction.
They miss opportunities—not because they aren’t ready, but because no one showed them how this really works.
And I care about that.
I care about the dancers who love this and want to go further.
And I care about the parents who are trying to support them and just want to make the right decisions.
That’s why I do this.
What you can expect from me
Clear direction — You’ll know exactly what to focus on next (and what to stop doing)
Honest feedback — Direct, supportive, and real
High standards — Because the next level requires it
Think of me as the person helping you navigate this the right way—
so you don’t waste time, energy, or opportunity.
