More Than a Dance Studio—It's A Movement
Auntie Ms. Shari’s Place: Through Arts, Culture and Legacy
Our Origin Story: From Stage to Studio
The vision for Auntie Ms. 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.
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 Ms. 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:
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Caregiver
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Cultural guide
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Teacher
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Protector
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Trusted community presence
That spirit lives at the center of Auntie Ms. Shari’s Place
What We Will Be...
Auntie Ms. 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 Ms. Shari’s Place
Where Movement Becomes Testimony
COMMITMENT & DROP-IN DANCE CLASSES
Commitment Classes
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Ballet Foundation
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Contemporary
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Traditional African
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Improvisational
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Inspirational
Drop-In Classes
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African
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Hip Hop
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Constructive Rest
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Lateral Core Workout
DANCE & STORYTELLING
Contemporary
Movement
and
Creative Writing /
Spoken Word Labs
This artist laboratory is a collaborative experience between dance students and Creative Writers
(90min-2hr duration)
DANCERCISE
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Suitable for adults of all fitness levels, while laying down on the floor this session enhances everyday movement, supports injury prevention, and provides a holistic approach to wellness. Whether used as a restorative practice, a conditioning class, or preparation for dance and other physical activities, Constructive Rest / 360° Core Workout helps participants move with greater confidence, efficiency, and freedom.
Constructive Rest: 40 minute guided practice that creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere through relaxation, mindful breathing, and gentle body awareness. Participants are encouraged to release unnecessary tension, reset posture, and prepare both the mind and body for standing movement. This restorative foundation promotes balance, flexibility, improved posture, and a greater sense of physical and mental ease.
360 degree Lateral Core Workout: Building upon this foundation, the 360° Core Workout is a 90-minute contemporary conditioning experience that strengthens the entire core—including the abdominals, back, hips, pelvis, and stabilizing muscles that support every movement. Through controlled exercises, functional movement patterns, and full-body engagement, participants develop increased strength, stability, coordination, endurance, and body awareness.
BLACK JOY LABORATORY
OFFSITE WORKSHOPS / RESIDENCIES
For Schools, Churches and Community Organizations
The Journey of Knowing Ones Self Through the Arts
Part 1 Visual Arts
Part 2 Song/Voice
Writing
Part 3 Movement
Part 4 Presentation
Youth (ages 6-8 / 9-12)
Adults (ages 18-40+)
Senior (ages 50+)
Time duration: (TBD)