Shanna Irwin Calderon grew up in New Jersey, where she began her training as a competitive dancer. Her path then led her to ballet when she was accepted into the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, under the direction of Nancy Turano. There, she had the opportunity to train in Vancouver with Arts Umbrella.

Shanna continued her studies at Marymount Manhattan College, under the direction of Katie Langan. During her final year, Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson invited her to tour with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She graduated with a BFA in dance in May 2014.

She then danced with Complexions for five years before joining Ballets Jazz de Montréal in June 2019. During her decade with these companies, she has performed in operas on five continents, in cities across more than seventeen countries, interpreting works by Crystal Pite, Aszure Barton, Itzik Galili, Andonis Foniadakis, Juliano Nunes, Anne Plamondon, and others.

Her teaching experience includes leading workshops at Steps on Broadway, classes for Joffrey Ballet's international auditions, and private coaching for young dancers. She is currently completing a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program to become a certified movement specialist.

This is Shanna's seventh season with Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal.