A True Community Arts Resource
The Mid Shore Dance Story
With a focus on community rather than competition, our family-friendly dance studio provides a wide range of high-quality experiences in dance for all ages and levels.
Whether they are pursuing a career in dance, or looking for a fun recreational experience, all of our students develop their artistry, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as their balance, strength, and agility. They build healthy, enduring relationships through supportive group interaction in a positive atmosphere.
Engage your child in dance and watch them soar!
Whether they are pursuing a career in dance, or looking for a fun recreational experience, all of our students develop their artistry, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as their balance, strength, and agility. They build healthy, enduring relationships through supportive group interaction in a positive atmosphere.
Engage your child in dance and watch them soar!
Our Founder
Meeting Challenges to Achieve a Vision
Owner and director Shari Smigo started in one room, with small groups of students, and a big vision of bringing professional quality dance instruction to our Eastern Shore community.
The 2020-21 Season marked our 25th anniversary, a year that brought unprecedented challenges for public gathering spaces, which we met with the very grace, poise, and discipline that dance instilled within us.
Most importantly, no matter what the circumstances, we keep dancing! After all... DANCE. IS. ESSENTIAL.
"Dancers must be flexible in every meaning of the term."
- 'Mrs. Shari'
The 2020-21 Season marked our 25th anniversary, a year that brought unprecedented challenges for public gathering spaces, which we met with the very grace, poise, and discipline that dance instilled within us.
Most importantly, no matter what the circumstances, we keep dancing! After all... DANCE. IS. ESSENTIAL.
"Dancers must be flexible in every meaning of the term."
- 'Mrs. Shari'
Photo: Mid Shore Dance Academy Founder & Director Director, Shari Smigo
Awards and Accolades
Leaping Beyond the Local Stage
Our dancers have been scholarship award winners at the Maryland State Dance Festival, and have participated in prestigious Summer Intensive programs, including with:
Joffrey Ballet
American Ballet Theatre
Washington Ballet
Delaware Dance Company
Nashville Ballet
American Dance Festival
Many of our dancers have also continued their dance training at the pre-professional and university level, including at these great schools:
Washington Ballet School, Baltimore School of the Arts,
Manhattanville University
Towson University, UMBC, DeSales University, AACC, UNC-Greensboro, James Madison University, Mercyhurst University
Joffrey Ballet
American Ballet Theatre
Washington Ballet
Delaware Dance Company
Nashville Ballet
American Dance Festival
Many of our dancers have also continued their dance training at the pre-professional and university level, including at these great schools:
Washington Ballet School, Baltimore School of the Arts,
Manhattanville University
Towson University, UMBC, DeSales University, AACC, UNC-Greensboro, James Madison University, Mercyhurst University
Meet Our Founder & Director
SHARI SMIGO
Shari Smigo is the passionate owner and director of The Mid Shore Dance Academy, a role she has held since 1996. Her dedication to dance began early, nurtured by local eastern shore studios and furthered through intensive training in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet exam syllabus at the prestigious School of the Baltimore Ballet and Peabody.
Shari pursued a dual major in Psychology and Dance, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University after completing her studies at Jacksonville University. Her university productions showcased her talent and versatility, including performances in the Royal Ballet version of the Nutcracker, works by dancers from Martha Graham's dance company, and restagings of classic pieces like Pas de Quatre and Doris Humphrey's Air for the G String.
After graduation, Shari returned to Maryland's Eastern Shore, where she not only delved into community mental health in Annapolis but also danced professionally with Kinetics Dance Theatre in Ellicott City, under the guidance of artistic director Alvin Mayes.
Shari pursued a dual major in Psychology and Dance, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University after completing her studies at Jacksonville University. Her university productions showcased her talent and versatility, including performances in the Royal Ballet version of the Nutcracker, works by dancers from Martha Graham's dance company, and restagings of classic pieces like Pas de Quatre and Doris Humphrey's Air for the G String.
After graduation, Shari returned to Maryland's Eastern Shore, where she not only delved into community mental health in Annapolis but also danced professionally with Kinetics Dance Theatre in Ellicott City, under the guidance of artistic director Alvin Mayes.
In addition to her extensive studio work, Shari served as dance faculty at Queen Anne's County High School, bringing her expertise and passion to young dancers. She also lent her choreographic talents to Centreville Middle School's musical productions and contributed to aerial choreography for Peter Pan. Shari's created expressive liturgical dances for Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, showcasing her ability to blend spirituality and movement seamlessly.
Her dedication to the dance community is further evidenced by her years of service on the Board of MD Council for Dance, where she held a variety of roles including Board Secretary, Membership Chair, Festival Registrar, Treasurer, and eventually Executive Director.
Outside of her busy dance schedule, Shari finds joy in spending time with her husband and four young adult children, and is blessed with two grandchildren as well. An avid DIY-er, Mrs. Shari can also happily be found working on renovation projects on the family's turn-of-the-century farmhouse.
Her dedication to the dance community is further evidenced by her years of service on the Board of MD Council for Dance, where she held a variety of roles including Board Secretary, Membership Chair, Festival Registrar, Treasurer, and eventually Executive Director.
Outside of her busy dance schedule, Shari finds joy in spending time with her husband and four young adult children, and is blessed with two grandchildren as well. An avid DIY-er, Mrs. Shari can also happily be found working on renovation projects on the family's turn-of-the-century farmhouse.
With the most qualified staff in the area, your child receives the very best.
Meet Our Amazing Staff
All of our instructors are adult dance professionals with pre-professional and university training, professional performance credits, and years of teaching experience.
Our staff are dedicated to providing amazing experiences in dance, and empowering our students
to develop their inner grace, confidence, poise, and discipline.
Aimee
Instructor
Aimee Jennings started dancing at 3 and trained from 8 at Chamber Ballet, Williamsburg, VA. She holds a ballet-focused degree from North Carolina School of the Arts and a B.A. in dance from Goucher College. Post-college, she performed with Surge Dance Company and Howard County Ballet. With 23+ years in teaching, Aimee has contributed to Aesthetics Dance, Harford Community College, and others, developing curriculum and ballet suites. She recently moved to the Eastern Shore with her family.
Aimee Jennings started dancing at 3 and trained from 8 at Chamber Ballet, Williamsburg, VA. She holds a ballet-focused degree from North Carolina School of the Arts and a B.A. in dance from Goucher College. Post-college, she performed with Surge Dance Company and Howard County Ballet. With 23+ years in teaching, Aimee has contributed to Aesthetics Dance, Harford Community College, and others, developing curriculum and ballet suites. She recently moved to the Eastern Shore with her family.
Kendall
Instructor
Kendall (Davis) Chaires, with a decade of experience as a choreographer and performing arts educator, holds a B.A. in English and Theatre, complemented by minors in Creative Writing and Dance. Certified in Group Fitness (ISSA) and Progressing Ballet Technique, her comprehensive training includes Mat Pilates and dance conditioning. Kendall's leadership roles at Washington College and extensive choreography work at Eastern Shore theaters underscore her expertise and commitment to dance education.
Kendall (Davis) Chaires, with a decade of experience as a choreographer and performing arts educator, holds a B.A. in English and Theatre, complemented by minors in Creative Writing and Dance. Certified in Group Fitness (ISSA) and Progressing Ballet Technique, her comprehensive training includes Mat Pilates and dance conditioning. Kendall's leadership roles at Washington College and extensive choreography work at Eastern Shore theaters underscore her expertise and commitment to dance education.
Michele
Instructor
Michele Land has been a seasoned performer since age 9, having performed at the White House and in several TV and film projects. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography from Towson University. She co-founded La Maison de la Danse, leading it for 35 years, and has extensive teaching experience across prestigious institutions. Michele enriches her expertise through workshops with dance notables and contributes as an adjudicator for the Maryland Council for Dance, affirming her esteemed position in the dance education community.
Michele Land has been a seasoned performer since age 9, having performed at the White House and in several TV and film projects. She earned her BFA in Dance Performance/Choreography from Towson University. She co-founded La Maison de la Danse, leading it for 35 years, and has extensive teaching experience across prestigious institutions. Michele enriches her expertise through workshops with dance notables and contributes as an adjudicator for the Maryland Council for Dance, affirming her esteemed position in the dance education community.
Kristen
Instructor
Kristen Tyler, Fine Arts Department Coordinator at QACPS Performing Arts, holds a Masters in School Leadership from Salisbury University and a BA from Randolph-Macon. Teaching dance since 2001, Kristen is passionate about the full spectrum of arts education. She enjoys Barre class, crafting, and beach time with her husband, children, and four dogs. Kristen's husband, Brian, is a Special Educator passionate about art and students on the Autism spectrum.
Kristen Tyler, Fine Arts Department Coordinator at QACPS Performing Arts, holds a Masters in School Leadership from Salisbury University and a BA from Randolph-Macon. Teaching dance since 2001, Kristen is passionate about the full spectrum of arts education. She enjoys Barre class, crafting, and beach time with her husband, children, and four dogs. Kristen's husband, Brian, is a Special Educator passionate about art and students on the Autism spectrum.
Jerry
Instructor
Jerry Wright began dancing at age 3 and trained at Feet of Fire Dance Academy for 14 years, competing for 12 of those years. She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a Double Minor in Dance and Neuroscience from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, graduating with honors. During college, she played a key role in the dance program, serving as a Dance Teaching Assistant for the dance minor and as President of the Dance Company. Her choreography earned recognition from the faculty for its creativity and impact. Jerry looks forward to joining the dance family at Mid Shore Dance Academy!
Jerry Wright began dancing at age 3 and trained at Feet of Fire Dance Academy for 14 years, competing for 12 of those years. She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a Double Minor in Dance and Neuroscience from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, graduating with honors. During college, she played a key role in the dance program, serving as a Dance Teaching Assistant for the dance minor and as President of the Dance Company. Her choreography earned recognition from the faculty for its creativity and impact. Jerry looks forward to joining the dance family at Mid Shore Dance Academy!
Rachel
Instructor
Rachel Andrew is one of MSDA's very own - dancing for 15 years in our program. A natural leader in the studio, she was a member of our dance company for 9 years, dancing in lead roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. Rachel essentially piloted our DELTA program, as our first student class assistant. She expanded on her training beyond our studio, participating annually in Master Classes at the MD State Dance Festival, where she was a scholarship recipient. Now a Junior at Salisbury University, Rachel has continued to engage in her love of dance with student organized university performances, returning to take classes at the studio, and assisting with our First Steps Recitals.
Rachel Andrew is one of MSDA's very own - dancing for 15 years in our program. A natural leader in the studio, she was a member of our dance company for 9 years, dancing in lead roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker. Rachel essentially piloted our DELTA program, as our first student class assistant. She expanded on her training beyond our studio, participating annually in Master Classes at the MD State Dance Festival, where she was a scholarship recipient. Now a Junior at Salisbury University, Rachel has continued to engage in her love of dance with student organized university performances, returning to take classes at the studio, and assisting with our First Steps Recitals.
Gabby
Office Assistant, Instructor
Gabby Pfeifer started dancing on the Eastern Shore when she was three years old. Following the same footsteps as her mother, she trained over 10 years with Mrs. Wally Dashiell in Stevensville, Maryland. She continued to dance throughout high school as the Kent Island Varsity Dance Team Captain, 2020 All-State Maryland Dancer, and a passionate member/choreographer of the Kent Island High School and Anne Arundel Community College Dance Companies. She recently graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BFA in Dance (Concentrations in both Performance & Choreography and Business Administration) and holds a 200hr Teaching Certification for Yoga. Gabby is thrilled to be back on the Eastern Shore and start helping the next generation of young artists in her community.
Gabby Pfeifer started dancing on the Eastern Shore when she was three years old. Following the same footsteps as her mother, she trained over 10 years with Mrs. Wally Dashiell in Stevensville, Maryland. She continued to dance throughout high school as the Kent Island Varsity Dance Team Captain, 2020 All-State Maryland Dancer, and a passionate member/choreographer of the Kent Island High School and Anne Arundel Community College Dance Companies. She recently graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BFA in Dance (Concentrations in both Performance & Choreography and Business Administration) and holds a 200hr Teaching Certification for Yoga. Gabby is thrilled to be back on the Eastern Shore and start helping the next generation of young artists in her community.
Camilla
Guest Instructor
Camilla McCann's journey in dance began within our studio's nurturing environment. As a dedicated member of the AACC Dance Company, she refined her skills, paving the path for her remarkable achievement – earning a coveted BFA in Dance from UNC-Greensboro. After contributing her expertise to our studio post-graduation, Camilla ventured to San Diego, CA, enriching the dance community with her passion and knowledge across various esteemed studios.
Camilla McCann's journey in dance began within our studio's nurturing environment. As a dedicated member of the AACC Dance Company, she refined her skills, paving the path for her remarkable achievement – earning a coveted BFA in Dance from UNC-Greensboro. After contributing her expertise to our studio post-graduation, Camilla ventured to San Diego, CA, enriching the dance community with her passion and knowledge across various esteemed studios.
Adrienne
Guest Instructor
Adrienne Kraus Latanishen is an accomplished dancer and choreographer from Baltimore, holds degrees with honors in Dance from The Community College of Baltimore County and The University of Maryland. With extensive professional experience, including principal roles with BlueShift Dance and Trajectory Dance Project, she has contributed significantly to dance education and choreography across schools and theaters. Adrienne's dedication is further highlighted by her service on the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences.
Jenna
Substitute
Jenna DeLashmutt, with 23 years of studio training and a BS in Exercise Science, has developed a comprehensive dance instruction approach, blending ballet, lyrical, modern, and jazz with Pilates and yoga principles. A former Sugar Bears Dance Team member, Jenna has 18+ years of teaching experience and has choreographed for high-profile events, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At Loudoun School of Ballet, she's known for her innovative choreography and commitment to fostering dancers' growth and self-expression.
Jenna DeLashmutt, with 23 years of studio training and a BS in Exercise Science, has developed a comprehensive dance instruction approach, blending ballet, lyrical, modern, and jazz with Pilates and yoga principles. A former Sugar Bears Dance Team member, Jenna has 18+ years of teaching experience and has choreographed for high-profile events, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At Loudoun School of Ballet, she's known for her innovative choreography and commitment to fostering dancers' growth and self-expression.
Kerianne
Substitute
Kerianne Hinerman, trained under Joyce Morrison and at prestigious institutions like the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Harid Conservatory, has excelled in ballet from a young age, earning scholarships and performing with notable companies. Transitioning to modern and aerial arts, she gained recognition with Arts United and Updraft. With extensive teaching experience, Kerianne shares her deep knowledge and passion for dance on the Eastern Shore of MD, inspiring students of all ages.
Kerianne Hinerman, trained under Joyce Morrison and at prestigious institutions like the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Harid Conservatory, has excelled in ballet from a young age, earning scholarships and performing with notable companies. Transitioning to modern and aerial arts, she gained recognition with Arts United and Updraft. With extensive teaching experience, Kerianne shares her deep knowledge and passion for dance on the Eastern Shore of MD, inspiring students of all ages.
Partnerships and Professional Affiliations
Staff Resource Page
Information and links for staff
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