Chi Varnado is passionate about helping children view their own creativity as valuable. As a writer, former dance studio owner/teacher, and educator, she advocates art for the sake of art – the reward being intrinsic and untethered from extrinsic reward. Varnado saw a lack in the literary market for books about dance which did not focus on competitiveness and high drama. Children want to read about what they love, so she took on the task to help fill the void to keep the story of “dance as art” alive—so began the first novel in her new series, The Dance Centre Presents Giselle.   

Varnado is currently a substitute teacher, a tutor, and an Airbnb host.  She offers school and library presentations for second through sixth grade (including middle school for libraries) featuring an engaging power point followed by a short creative writing workshop. Students become highly motivated to write when she, as an author, uses her books and impromptu “popcorn stories” to foster their own spontaneous writing.

Miss Chi, as the kids refer to her, holds a Bachelor’s degree in dance from San Diego State University, and both an elementary multiple subjects and secondary credentials. Her writing has appeared in The San Diego Reader, Patch.com and several newspapers and she’s been interviewed on television and radio. Her memoir was a finalist in the San Diego Book Awards and has garnered many accolades. Both of her previous books are available where books are sold.