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.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Diane began her dance training at the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, where she was awarded a full scholarship studying Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap and Gymnastics. She continued her dance education at West Chester University and the Philadelphia College of the Arts.
Her professional background includes being one of the original members of the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Company. In 1983, Diane Matthews founded West Chester Dance Works Dance Company which now includes the Training and Signature Company, DM Dance Machine Dance Team, the Junior Performers (JP’s) and Annointed Liturgical Dance groups. Diane has been a dance instructor/choreographer throughout the region for more than thirty-five years including the establishment of the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts in 1981. The year 2006 marks the twenty-fifth year the studio has operated under Diane’s direction.
In addition to directing, teaching and choreographing for West Chester Dance Works, Diane continues to teach, perform and choreograph for schools, organizations and faith-based groups throughout the region. She was recently recognized by the West Chester University Institute for Educational Excellence and entrepreneurship as an Educator 500. Mrs. Matthews recognizes the need to broaden her dance spectrums and share her gifts by sponsoring, participating in, consulting for and instructing various workshops, retreats and symposiums including Vagonova ballet technique, summer dance intensives and Praise/Liturgical Dance.
Over and beyond her love of dance is Diane’s love of the Lord and her family. Diane has been married for over 30 years, has two children, a niece and five grandchildren (including two great nephews). She also serves her church, Second Presbyterian in West Chester, as an elder and bible study leader.
