Diane Matthews

Under her direction and guidance along with a dedicated staff and devoted volunteers, Dance Works has flourished into a strong, viable and emerging company. Diane has set standards for the companies that are more than just artistic goals but are primary philosophies exhibited in her life and work.

Diane Matthews, a community minded Christian living in the West Chester area, has committed much of her life to serving the Delaware Valley through her contributions in Dance. 

Tiffany Griffin is a graduate of Drexel University with a degree in Accounting and a minor in Dance Education. She has been a student of dance for over 20 years studying Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern with renowned artist such as Pat Thomas, Milton Myers, and La Vaughn Robinson. Tiffany is an adjunct teacher with Drexel University and has danced and choreographed for the Drexel University Dance Ensemble. Tiffany has danced professionally for area companies and for the last 15 years has taught dance in the Philadelphia and Montgomery County School Districts.

LaToya Martin comes to us from the Chicago, Illinois area with a Bachelor in Business Administration from Howard University, Washington, DC.  Her training is in the areas of Operational Auditing, Audit Writing, research, analysis and Auditing Investment Activities. She is well versed in dance including being an instructor and choreographer having worked with schools and dance ministries in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

Jill Ladd is a graduate of Elon College in North Carolina with B.S. in Business Administration and concentration in Management.  She worked as product manager for local food ingredient company for 10 years prior to coming to the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts as an instructor. 

Candace Matthews-Bass trained at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts for 16 years, studying ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. While attending Drexel University, Candace was the captain of the first Drexel University Dance team and a former member and choreographer with the Drexel University Dance Ensemble. She graduated with a BS in Psychology.

Candace has danced professionally with Body Language Modern Dance Company and performed with Freedom Theatre in Alkynza Danz 1999. She has performed for other freelance projects including half time shows at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center sporting events. Additionaly, Candace has been a member of West Chester Dance Works as both a corps and principle dancer for over 15 years. "Ms. Candi" is also entering her eighth year as director of our dance team, DM Dance Machine.

Melissa trained 14 years with the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts studying ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip-hop.  Through training under the guidance of Ms. Diane, Melissa began to experience the joy of teaching dance at the studio.  She was also the Artistic Director of the Pioneer Dance Company of Conestoga High School.  Melissa continued her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  While at VCU she expanded her training in improvisation, ballet, modern and contact improvisation.  She is currently a member of West Chester Dance Works Signature Company and has previously been a member of WCDW DM Dance Machine and Training Company.  West Chester Dance Works is pleased to announce Melissa as the new West Chester Dance Works Junior Performers' program director.