Ms. Sheri started dancing at the tender age of 2. She studied with Mr. Ken Jolke of Dancers Workshop in West Covina, Ca.
At the age of 7 she tried out for Mrs. Walsh's School of Ballet, and she was accepted. But the rigidness and discipline proved to be more scary than fun.
From the age of 9-18, Ms. Sheri studied Hawaiian Dancing through the direction of Mile Souza of The Aloha Dance Studio in Covina, Ca. She traveled around California dancing at Disneyland, L.A.'s Cultural Center, community events and many other prominent business events.
Ms. Sheri went to Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights. She attended Fullerton College for a year and played on the tennis team; she still continued dancing at various studios. From Fullerton College she transfered to California State University of Fullerton on a slight tennis scholarship. Her team was the #3 Doubles Team at CSUF. While attending college she still continued her passion for dance and studied jazz, tap, and modern techniques. Her major before leaving CSUF was Dance.
At age 22 Ms. Sheri auditioned for the Monrovia Dance Company and made the tour. Unfortunately, being a young mother, still attending school and working part-time, she could not financially afford to travel with the troupe.
In the 1980s Ms. Sheri started teaching dance at the San Dimas Parks and Recreation. Her class went from 10 students to 50 or more in just a few sessions. She also began teaching at other community centers and building their dance programs. By the late '80s, early '90s she was busy working for San Dimas, La Verne and Walnut. She even taught classes out of her garage.
Finally, in 1991, Ms Sheri opened 1na Dance and has been very successful ever since.
How Does Ms. Sheri Measure Success?
- On how my children relate to me.
- When I get a drawing of me from a 4 year old.
- When I'm invited to family functions.
- When I receive graduation announcements.
- When former students take time out over the holidays to come visit me.
- When I receive a "thank you" for what I do.
- When my most awkward student turns into a beautiful dancer.
- When my teenage dancer listens to one of my lectures and takes it to heart.
- When I see my dancers grow up to be beautiful people.
- When my 5 year old understands the meaning of kindness.
- When I teach my team dancers to accept an award gracefully, whether it be a 1st or an honorable mention.
- When I see my dancers come to class excited to be here.
- When a burdened teenager comes in down and low and leaves uplifted and happy.
- When audiences cry during one of my dances.
- When a students says "I love you, Ms. Sheri".
- When I'm shown a missing tooth.
- When I'm asked to come over before a big event, prom, winter formal, or graduation.
- When a student gives me a hug!