Auntie Ms. Shari’s Dance Experience: Through Arts, Culture and Legacy 

​​​​

​

 

​

​

Our Origin Story: From Stage to Studio

 

The vision for Auntie Miss Shari’s Place emerged from the creative and spiritual work of the theatrical productions The Women Who Gave Me Me and Three Fifths A Human, written and directed by Ms. Shari Caldwell. These productions explored historical memory, resilience, healing, and the enduring joy of descendants of captured Africans in America.

 

Through their development, something powerful became clear:

​

Movement is testimony:

Dance, music, and embodied storytelling became more than performance—they became pathways to truth, healing, identity, and hope. The stage transformed into a sacred place where history, spirit, creativity, and community could meet.

From that revelation came Auntie Miss Shari’s Place: a studio rooted not only in technical excellence, but also in cultural memory, artistic growth, and collective healing.

​

Why “Auntie”?

​

Many years ago, while teaching at an arts magnet middle school, I discovered that my role extended far beyond teaching dance. Students began calling me Auntie… Ma… and Miss Shari. Without realizing it at first, I evolved from an instructor focused primarily on movement into an educator committed to nurturing artistic development and supporting young people as whole human beings.

​

In many Black communities, “Auntie” is more than a title.

It represents:

• Caregiver

• Cultural guide

• Teacher

• Protector

• Trusted community presence

That spirit lives at the center of Auntie Miss Shari’s Place

 

What We Will Be...

​

Auntie Miss Shari’s Place will serve as:

• A safe space
• A creative home
• A nurturing environment for artistic growth
• A place where culture, identity, and artistry are honored
• A community where movement becomes testimony

​

Carrying the Legacy Forward:

Over more than 50 years in dance, I have experienced many beginnings—each one shaping me as an artist, educator, and community builder.  I thank GOD for every student, mentor, collaborator, colleague, and supporter who became part of my village. Their influence continues to live in this work.

​

Dance has always been conversation:

The arts have always been a language of connection, expression, healing, and possibility. Recently married and newly relocated to Maryland, I am excited to continue this life’s work and open a new chapter in dance and arts education.

​

Welcome to Auntie Miss Shari’s Place

Where Movement Becomes Testimony

​​​

​