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| Faculty and Staff |
Colleen grew up dancing at True Dance Academy from the time
she was 12. She started dancing competitively and participating in
the Nutcracker at the age of 7 with the Lincoln Midwest Ballet
Company. She held many principle and soloist roles with the
LMBC company. During her first years in the Nutcracker she
danced with the Colorado Ballet. In high school Colleen was on
the Thunderettes dance team at Pius X. Also during high school
Colleen studied with American Ballet Theater. After high school
Collen started participating in shows at Pinewood Bowl at
Pioneers Park , in shows such as CATS and Crazy for You. Last
year she became the assistant choreographer the Music Man
2008 and for Footloose 2009. Colleen will be a senior at
she was 12. She started dancing competitively and participating in
the Nutcracker at the age of 7 with the Lincoln Midwest Ballet
Company. She held many principle and soloist roles with the
LMBC company. During her first years in the Nutcracker she
danced with the Colorado Ballet. In high school Colleen was on
the Thunderettes dance team at Pius X. Also during high school
Colleen studied with American Ballet Theater. After high school
Collen started participating in shows at Pinewood Bowl at
Pioneers Park , in shows such as CATS and Crazy for You. Last
year she became the assistant choreographer the Music Man
2008 and for Footloose 2009. Colleen will be a senior at
Liza Thalken is a Freshman at the University of Nebraska at
Lincoln and will double major in Theater and Psychology this
coming fall. She has studied dance at Kearney School of Dance
and Gymnastics for fourteen years, and have been a member of
the studio performance team for six years. At KSDG, she taught
beginning level dance for four years. As a member of the
Kearney High School Dance Team she was a choreographer for
the team each year and served as captain her senior year. She
was named a UDA All-Star two years in a row at the Universal
Dance Association summer camps. At Kearney High, she
performed in show choir for three years, a choreographer each
year, and was dance captain during sophomore and senior
years. This summer she is performing in a professional theater
production of Godspell, and will also work as dance captain for
the show. She loves dance and performance, and I really enjoy
working with young students!
Lincoln and will double major in Theater and Psychology this
coming fall. She has studied dance at Kearney School of Dance
and Gymnastics for fourteen years, and have been a member of
the studio performance team for six years. At KSDG, she taught
beginning level dance for four years. As a member of the
Kearney High School Dance Team she was a choreographer for
the team each year and served as captain her senior year. She
was named a UDA All-Star two years in a row at the Universal
Dance Association summer camps. At Kearney High, she
performed in show choir for three years, a choreographer each
year, and was dance captain during sophomore and senior
years. This summer she is performing in a professional theater
production of Godspell, and will also work as dance captain for
the show. She loves dance and performance, and I really enjoy
working with young students!
| Meet the Faculty and Staff of True Dance |
| Shari True - Owner/Director |
| Collen Johnson - Instructor |
Nebraska Wesleyan University studying elementary education and will be student teaching in
the fall. At Nebraska Wesleyan she has been on the dance team for the past three years and
was captain for two. This will be her fourth year on the team and her third year as captain. She
enjoys teaching at True Dance Academy and working with all the great students!
the fall. At Nebraska Wesleyan she has been on the dance team for the past three years and
was captain for two. This will be her fourth year on the team and her third year as captain. She
enjoys teaching at True Dance Academy and working with all the great students!
| Site Map Home | About TDA | Faculty | Contact TDA | Recital | Class Descriptions | Class Schedule | Summer Classes Junior Company | Senior Company | Company Schedule | FAQ Sheet True Dance Academy Shari True - Owner/Director 6120 S. 57th Lincoln, NE 68516 (402)-423-8838 |
Shari True started True Dance in 1980 and has since provided
instruction in classical ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, hip
hop and tap to area youth for over 30 years. In 1985, she founded
Ballet Midwest Dance Company now renamed Lincoln Midwest
Ballet which produces the Nutcracker each year and this particular
year will bring us a spring show of Snow White. Ms. True has
dedicated her life to children and has brought many fabulous
concerts, opportunities and dance excellence through her training
including fabulous ballet outreach programs to our community
children.
instruction in classical ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, hip
hop and tap to area youth for over 30 years. In 1985, she founded
Ballet Midwest Dance Company now renamed Lincoln Midwest
Ballet which produces the Nutcracker each year and this particular
year will bring us a spring show of Snow White. Ms. True has
dedicated her life to children and has brought many fabulous
concerts, opportunities and dance excellence through her training
including fabulous ballet outreach programs to our community
children.
Ms. True is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with degrees in Children's Education
and Dance. She was a member of the Orchesis Dance Ensemble, UNL Flag and Dance
Corps, and Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. She danced in Ballet Omaha's
production of The Nutcracker for five years and was assistant choreographer of the Lincoln
Community Playhouse production of The Nutcracker in 1982 and 1983. She has been on
staff with Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. Ms. True
wrote and choreographed an original ballet entitled The Crystal Slippers which premiered in
Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1993. In 1994, it was performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company
in Dallas, Texas. Ms. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas, and Kansas
City. She and her continue to study in New York City at Broadway Dance Center, and Steps.
She recently was on staff with the Rock School in Pennsylvania where she was a camp
counselor and took several of her students there to study classical ballet.
Ms. True has choreographed for Pinewood Bowl's productions of Hello Dolly, Carousel, and
for the Pinewood Players. In 1985, she danced with Academy West, Rolland DuPree, and
taught for Act III Studio in West Hollywood, California. Ms. True had the delightful opportunity
to appear in Universal Studio's movie To Wong Foo with a speaking part as the dance
teacher, and as an extra in the movie Staying ALive with John Travolta. She has
choreographed for UNL's Scarlett and Cream singers under the direction of Paula Bach. In
1996, Shari and her advanced jazz class filmed two commercials for Channels 10-11.
Shari has students recieve scholarships and been accpeted to the following programs:
Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Butler University, Creighton University, OKlahoma City
University, American Ballet Theater in NewYork, Washington Ballet, Ballet MET in Ohio,
Pacific Northwest Ballet, University of Arizona, and many other world renowed ballet
programs.
Ms. True's Choreography has won many awards both regional and nationally and continues
to encorage children to dance through her love of the art and the children she teaches.
and Dance. She was a member of the Orchesis Dance Ensemble, UNL Flag and Dance
Corps, and Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. She danced in Ballet Omaha's
production of The Nutcracker for five years and was assistant choreographer of the Lincoln
Community Playhouse production of The Nutcracker in 1982 and 1983. She has been on
staff with Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. Ms. True
wrote and choreographed an original ballet entitled The Crystal Slippers which premiered in
Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1993. In 1994, it was performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company
in Dallas, Texas. Ms. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas, and Kansas
City. She and her continue to study in New York City at Broadway Dance Center, and Steps.
She recently was on staff with the Rock School in Pennsylvania where she was a camp
counselor and took several of her students there to study classical ballet.
Ms. True has choreographed for Pinewood Bowl's productions of Hello Dolly, Carousel, and
for the Pinewood Players. In 1985, she danced with Academy West, Rolland DuPree, and
taught for Act III Studio in West Hollywood, California. Ms. True had the delightful opportunity
to appear in Universal Studio's movie To Wong Foo with a speaking part as the dance
teacher, and as an extra in the movie Staying ALive with John Travolta. She has
choreographed for UNL's Scarlett and Cream singers under the direction of Paula Bach. In
1996, Shari and her advanced jazz class filmed two commercials for Channels 10-11.
Shari has students recieve scholarships and been accpeted to the following programs:
Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Butler University, Creighton University, OKlahoma City
University, American Ballet Theater in NewYork, Washington Ballet, Ballet MET in Ohio,
Pacific Northwest Ballet, University of Arizona, and many other world renowed ballet
programs.
Ms. True's Choreography has won many awards both regional and nationally and continues
to encorage children to dance through her love of the art and the children she teaches.
| Courtney Piccoli - Instructor |
Courtney has been involved with Dance and Theatre Arts for over 30
years. The last eight years have been spent teaching at True dance,
and working both on stage and as a director/choreographer for
numerous productions at Pinewood Bowl, Lincoln Community
Playhouse, and the Haymarket theatre.
years. The last eight years have been spent teaching at True dance,
and working both on stage and as a director/choreographer for
numerous productions at Pinewood Bowl, Lincoln Community
Playhouse, and the Haymarket theatre.
Some of here favorite shows in the last few years have been Crazy for you (PW -
Director/Choreographer), Cats (PW-Director/Choreographer), Sweet Charity (LCP -
Nickie/Choreographer), Cabaret (Haymarket Theatre - Sally Bowles/ Choreographer), and
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator/Choreographer). Courtney loves
seeing the kids grow as dancers and as individuals. This is reinforced through her
instruction in technique, creative showmanship, and stage presence.
Director/Choreographer), Cats (PW-Director/Choreographer), Sweet Charity (LCP -
Nickie/Choreographer), Cabaret (Haymarket Theatre - Sally Bowles/ Choreographer), and
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator/Choreographer). Courtney loves
seeing the kids grow as dancers and as individuals. This is reinforced through her
instruction in technique, creative showmanship, and stage presence.
Betsy has been teaching dance in the Omaha and Lincoln area
for 15 years.She earned a BSBA in HR Management from UNL
where she was an advanced ballet student and dance
scholarship recipient. She has been involved with LMBC since
1989 and appears in their annual production of The Nutcracker.
She has been a member of LMBC's artistic staff for 4 years. She
currently dances for the Omaha Modern Dance Collective and
was in their award winning production "Dancefest 2009". Betsy
is excited to return to True Dance!
for 15 years.She earned a BSBA in HR Management from UNL
where she was an advanced ballet student and dance
scholarship recipient. She has been involved with LMBC since
1989 and appears in their annual production of The Nutcracker.
She has been a member of LMBC's artistic staff for 4 years. She
currently dances for the Omaha Modern Dance Collective and
was in their award winning production "Dancefest 2009". Betsy
is excited to return to True Dance!
| Betsy Andersen - Instructor |
| Sarah Preston - Instructor |
Sarah Preston has been dancing since the age of three. She
has been a part of the True Dance Academy for the last fourteen
years. She has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical,
and hip-hop. Sarah has been a member of the True Dance
Academy’s competitive team for 10 years, traveling and winning
awards in small groups, solos, duos and trios. Outside of
training with the True staff, Sarah’s dancing has taken her all
over the nation. Her summer studies include the American
Theatre of Ballet, New York City Dance Alliance summer
intensive, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Intensive, and other master
classes in New York City. While attending Lincoln East High
she was on honor roll for four years and on National Honor
Society her senior year. As a member of the Apollonaire’s dance
team, she excelled as a leader and team member. Sarah is
currently majoring in Health and Nutrition Sciences at the
University of Nebraska Lincoln. She plans on pursuing a career
as a Physical Therapist.
has been a part of the True Dance Academy for the last fourteen
years. She has trained extensively in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical,
and hip-hop. Sarah has been a member of the True Dance
Academy’s competitive team for 10 years, traveling and winning
awards in small groups, solos, duos and trios. Outside of
training with the True staff, Sarah’s dancing has taken her all
over the nation. Her summer studies include the American
Theatre of Ballet, New York City Dance Alliance summer
intensive, Lincoln Midwest Ballet Intensive, and other master
classes in New York City. While attending Lincoln East High
she was on honor roll for four years and on National Honor
Society her senior year. As a member of the Apollonaire’s dance
team, she excelled as a leader and team member. Sarah is
currently majoring in Health and Nutrition Sciences at the
University of Nebraska Lincoln. She plans on pursuing a career
as a Physical Therapist.
| Liza Thalken - Instructor |
| Teia Maria Dix - Instructor |
Teia Marie Dix has been dancing since she was 3 years old.
Her passion for dance has lead her to explore, and study many
different styles. She has studied under famous dancers and
choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Brian
Friedman, Cris Judd, and several others. She choreographed
and was featured in a college recruitment video. She has
choreographed for C.A. Dance Companys' competition team.
She is currently a student at UNL, and is a member of Pi Beta
Phi Sorority.
Her passion for dance has lead her to explore, and study many
different styles. She has studied under famous dancers and
choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, Brian
Friedman, Cris Judd, and several others. She choreographed
and was featured in a college recruitment video. She has
choreographed for C.A. Dance Companys' competition team.
She is currently a student at UNL, and is a member of Pi Beta
Phi Sorority.
| Natasha Grimm - Instructor |
Natasha Grimm is currently a professional ballet dancer with
Ballet Nebraska and previously with Omaha Theater Ballet. She
spent her summers training on scholarship with Kansas City
Ballet and touring with Manhattan Dance. Natasha has enjoyed
performing with the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha as
well as having the opportunity of working with world renowned
choreographers. Her favorite performances include Princess
Vasilisa in Firebird, Snow Queen and Dew Drop in The
Nutcracker, The Snake in The Rainforest and the dancing
Amneris in Aida. Natasha teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical and Zumba.
Ballet Nebraska and previously with Omaha Theater Ballet. She
spent her summers training on scholarship with Kansas City
Ballet and touring with Manhattan Dance. Natasha has enjoyed
performing with the Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha as
well as having the opportunity of working with world renowned
choreographers. Her favorite performances include Princess
Vasilisa in Firebird, Snow Queen and Dew Drop in The
Nutcracker, The Snake in The Rainforest and the dancing
Amneris in Aida. Natasha teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical and Zumba.
