Faculty

Sherry's Dance Center....the ONLY place to be for dance!

We ARE training over trophy!

Artistic Director

Sherry Dennison started dancing at the age of 2 and began intense training in classical ballet, jazz and tap at 8 years old. She has more than 25 years of teaching experience and was selected for inclusion in the editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers for 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Who's Who In Executives and Businesses and Professionals for 2001-2009.

Ms. Dennison was also selected from the American Biographical Institute for the prestigious title Woman of the Year–2004 for her accomplishments and contributions to society.

Student Accomplishments

Students from Sherry's Dance Center have won many local and national honors and have gone on to perform many prestigious roles in productions such as:

Music Video - Eminem & Michael Jackson / Justin Timberlake & Selena Gomez
The Oscars & The Voice

Dancing with the Stars
Glee
Films & National Commercials

Artistic Director Sherry's Dance Center Owings, MD

Many of Ms. Dennison's students have performed in numerous productions under the direction of Debbie Allen performed at The Kennedy Center. Other honors accorded to students from SDC include, The Dance Theatre of Harlem's Residency Program, Washington School of Ballet, The Kirov Academy, scholarship to The Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York, which included a performance with the company in their street festival tour, "Dancing Through Barriers," The Edge Performing Arts Center, Tremaine Dance Center, The Performing Arts Center, Winner's Showcase, all located in Los Angeles, California and The Broadway Dance Center, located in New York City.

Career

Ms. Dennison's dancing career has included an appearance at The Patriot Center, where she performed in a gala featuring Gladys Knight. Ms. Dennison was one of eight dancers featuring professionals from Los Angeles, California and New York City.

She spent the summer of 1993 in Los Angeles, California, where she had intense training at the Tremaine Dance Center. She has studied with masters such as Joe Tremaine, Gus Giordano, Doug Caldwell, Marguerite Derricks, Mia Michaels, Mark Meismer, Savion Glover, Matt Mattox and Luigi.

In 1993, Ms. Dennison restaged the role of the bon bons in "The Nutcracker" production performed by The National Ballet Company. In 2004, she choreographed for Calvert County's 350th Historical Pageant.

She studies the Cecchetti Ballet Method, in which she passed her Associates Teaching Degree examination, now holding a Level V certificate in the method. Ms. Dennison is a member of the Cecchetti Council of America. She continues her training in classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and tap in Los Angeles and the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Instructors

Mary Buettner

Mary Buettner began dancing at SDC at the age of 2. While her focus was mainly in tap and hip hop, she eventually added ballet to her curriculum, in order to gain a stronger foundation, fluidity and a better understanding of her body to enhance her training.

Miss Buettner trained as a recreational dancer in her elementary school years, however, became very serious about her dance education in 2013. From 2013 to 2016, she dedicated herself to her training, adding jazz, contemporary and musical theatre classes, in hopes of becoming an SDC Company member. In 2016, Miss Buettner joined the competitive company and also became an instructor’s assistant in multiple dance styles

During her time in the SDC Company, Miss Buettner received several awards from various competitions and also received two scholarship finalists awards at the dance convention, West Coast Dance Explosion in 2018 and 2019.

Miss Buettner has become very skilled in tap, allowing her the opportunity to participate in advanced workshops in tap. She has also choreographed tap pieces for SDC Company members.

In 2018, Miss Buettner became a student instructor and after graduation joined the SDC faculty for the 2020 summer session.

Miss Buettner’s warm and welcoming personality is known by many, especially amongst her SDC dance family. She enjoys teaching dancers of all ages and will give dancers a positive environment to grow in, while encouraging them to find their creative side.

April Camp

April Camp started dancing at the age of 5. At age 15, she began intense training in ballet, jazz and lyrical at Sherry's Dance Center. During her time here, Ms. Camp was a member of the Competitive Showtroupe receiving Regional and National awards. After graduating high school, she was an instructor here for 2 years before leaving for college to continue her dance training.

Ms. Camp attended Anne Arundel Community College receiving her A.A. in Dance. While attending AACC, she was a member of their dance company, directed by Lynda Fitzgerald, and was the active president her final year.

In October 2007, Ms. Camp was a backup dancer for Tatiyanna Voche in The Miss Gay America Pageant in Memphis, TN. In December 2007, she was a guest artist for Triple Threats' Christmas Around the World, choreographed by Paula Lynn.

Ms. Camp continued her studies in dance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, receiving her B.A. in Dance. While studying at UMBC, she worked with Carol Hess, Doug Hamby, Liz Walton, Sandra Lacy and Charlie Abel. Ms. Camp received Best Choreography Award for What the Flock?!?! and Never Have I Ever in 2010 from the dance department. She was a member of the court in Deviated Theatre's Lore in 2009.

Ms. Camp is currently a dancer for Dragonfly Dance Experiment, directed by Megan Morse Jans in Annapolis, MD.

Mary Jo Crews

Mary Jo Crews – (Instructor) is a dedicated dance educator and choreographer with over 25 years of teaching experience. Her journey began at age 7 under the tutelage of esteemed mentors, María Carrera and Ana García at Ballets de San Juan in her native Puerto Rico.

At BSJ, she also worked with Frederick Franklin, Ivan Nagy, and Melissa Hayden. She shared the stage with luminaries, such as, Rudolf Nureyev, Fernando Bujones, and Cynthia Gregory.

Ms. Crews' repertory includes, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, La Fille Mal Gardée, Terruño, Gisselle, Pas de Quatre, Carmen, and more.

Ms. Crews' tenure at the Alabama School of Fine Arts allowed her to refine her teaching skills and craft, classical and Spanish character works, imparting her knowledge to aspiring artists. Birmingham Southern College and Jacksonville University, also benefited from her expertise, where she served as a Guest Artist in the Spring of 2021.

An apex of Ms. Crews' career emerged, when she assumed the role of Associate Director at the School of Ballet San Antonio. Her leadership extended to the position of Ballet Mistress for Ballet San Antonio's Winter 2020 Season, demonstrating her talent for choreography and guidance. She also left a virtual footprint, as an Artist in Residence at Jacksonville University, enriching the academic dance landscape.

In her academic pursuits, Ms. Crews earned a Bachelor's Degree in Dance and Physical Education from Adelphi University, a Master's Degree in Education from Samford University and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University.

As a testament to her dedication, she became an ABT® Certified Teacher, completing the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She constantly renews herself and attends conferences and workshops to stay current with teaching methods and choreographic trends.

Ms. Crews' legacy resonates through the dancers she has nurtured and the educational institutions she has touched. Her students have danced in ballet companies such as The Alabama Ballet, Alonzo King's Lines, ABT Studio Company, Alvin Ailey II, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet Austin, Ballet San Antonio, The Orlando Ballet, Ballet Nacional de España, Paris Opera, The Australian Ballet.

While some students followed academic pursuits in university dance programs, others embarked on performance journeys with the Radio City Rockets, Disney World, and Broadway's Chicago, Lion King, and Phantom.

Cameron Gregg

Cameron Gregg is a young dancer and choreographer born in Baltimore, MD. He trained at B. Funk Dance Company throughout high school in Hip Hop and Jazz Funk.

Mr. Gregg is currently a training member of LED Company in Ellicott City, MD, as well as, a nominee for the “Monsters Of Hip Hop” dance convention.

After graduating from his competition team, Mr. Gregg began assisting his former teachers in the following years, until being offered his own teaching position at his home studio.

Mr. Gregg has been teaching since 2018, and has gained much knowledge pursuing dance professionally in LA and Atlanta, credits include, performing for Migos, Cardi B, Missy Elliott and Brandy. He has also worked in film and television, working with Disney, ABC and Warner Bros.

Mr. Gregg is grateful to be back in his hometown to help the new generation of dancers grow!

Brandi Hutchins

Brandi Hutchins - (Coach) began training in Acrobatics and Gymnastics at the age of 9. At the age of 16, she began coaching young gymnasts under the guidance of her coach.

Ms. Hutchins continued training while coaching, which led her to coach competitive gymnasts for four years in the Southern Maryland area.

Ms. Hutchins took time away to start a family and begin her nursing career. She returned to coaching in 2018. She is certified under the USA Gym Safety, US Center for Safe Sports and USAG Acrobatics Membership.

Ms. Hutchins training philosophy focuses on improving students flexibility, strength and acro abilities by building a strong foundation and building from the basics. Students build confidence and body awareness, which assists growth in both acrobatics and dance.

Coaching for Ms. Hutchins is not a job, but a passion. She feels she has the opportunity to make a positive impact on young students lives that could last them a lifetime. Instilling and building students confidence, determination and self-discipline are life long skills that will take them into adulthood. She is grateful for each and every student and their unique abilities and enjoys the opportunity to help students build on their natural abilities, to be the best they can be, both in the studio and out in the community.

Jessica Moser

Jessica Moser began dancing at the age of 2 and began intense training in classical ballet, jazz and tap at 8 years old. She grew up studying the Cecchetti Ballet Method, in which her studies took her to a student level IV. She was a member of the SDC competitive showtroupe for 10 years, earning regional and national honors. Ms. Moser served as an assistant and substitute instructor from 1998 - 2002. In 2003, she was a student instructor and was the assistant for the Junior Competitive Showtroupe.

In 1996, Ms. Moser was offered the opportunity to dance with the Dance Theatre of Harlem's Residency program, sponsored by The Kennedy Center. In 2004, Ms. Moser received a dance scholarship to study with professionals from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She had additional training in Los Angeles and New York studying with Doug Caldwell, Eddie Garcia, Michael Rooney and Gino Vaccaro. Ms. Moser continues her training in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Sydney Nauman

Sydney Nauman began training in classical ballet at SDC at the age of 4 and before long, she added jazz and lyrical to her curriculum. From an early age, Miss Nauman demonstrated a strong passion for dance, which continued throughout her school years. At the age of 11, Miss Nauman began intense training and added hip hop to her schedule to further her dance education.

With hard work and her love for dance, Miss Nauman became a member of the SDC Competitive Company in 2016. She then added contemporary and musical theatre to become a more well rounded dancer.

During her time on the SDC Competitive Company, Miss Nauman attended numerous dance conventions in the DMV area. She had the privilege of training in all styles of dance with top professionals from across the country. Miss Nauman was a scholarship finalist at West Coast Dance Explosion dance convention in 2019 and 2020. She was also awarded Studio Dancer of the Year at Tremaine dance convention in 2020.

Miss Nauman's work ethic and dedication earned her a position in the Assistant Apprenticeship Program at SDC and with determination and consistency in her training, she became a student instructor before joining the SDC faculty in 2020.

She has had the opportunity to train with many esteemed choreographers in the industry. In 2018, she traveled to Los Angeles, CA to continue her training at the Edge Performing Arts Center. Miss Nauman trained with choreographers, such as, Michael Rooney, Terri Best, Havoc and Eddie Garcia. She also had the opportunity to train with LA choreographer, Chris Dupré. Miss Nauman was recognized in class for her technique, mature dancing and her ability to express emotions through dance.

Miss Nauman's contagious smile and enthusiasm offers dancers a positive and energetic learning environment.

Kiera Richardson

Kiera Richardson began her dance journey at Sherry’s Dance Center at the age of 2. She trained in tap, classical ballet, hip hop, and lyrical from 2005-2014. In 2015, Miss Richardson became an SDC Company Member. Being a member of the company allowed her more training hours and opportunities at SDC. She trained for 15 hours weekly in contemporary, musical theatre, classical ballet, hip hop and jazz. Miss Richardson joined the SDC Assistant Apprentice Program, which is a training program to become an assistant for SDC faculty members. While in the apprenticeship program, she helped to lead warm-ups, demonstrate movement and show proper technique for the students in the class.

While competing as an SDC Company Member, Miss Richardson earned multiple awards and scholarships. She attended an All-Star Dancer’s New York City Experience. During this adventure, she trained with top professionals in the dance industry, which included a class with the world-famous New York City Rockettes.

In addition, Miss Richardson trained at the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in NYC and a week long intensive, “Camp Me”, held in California and led by the infamous Eddie Garcia. She was also awarded, “Dancer of the Year 2022", during her senior year at Southern High School in Anne Arundel County.

In 2022 and 2023, Miss Richardson interned for Southern Middle School’s dance program, where she had the opportunity to choreograph dances for their annual dance production. While shadowing the instructor, Miss Richardson learned the proper techniques to work with children with educational disabilities and behavioral problems.

After graduating from high school in 2022, she continues with her dance training and is currently working towards her major in Dance at Anne Arundel Community College. At AACC, Miss Richardson attends classes in modern, ballet, and improvisation. She was selected to join the AACC Dance Company and was chosen to choreograph for other members of AACC Dance Company.

Miss Richardson will be transferring to the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus in the fall of 2024, to continue her studies in dance, while receiving her dance education certificate to instruct dance in the school systems.

Miss Richardson’s love for children and dance is undeniable in the classroom.

Kellie Smith

Kellie Smith grew up in Owings, Maryland and began dancing at the age of 3. She took a break to pursue sports endeavors, however, her passion for dance was strong and she always found her way into “bring-a-friend” classes with her friends.

During her middle school years, Ms. Smith returned to the world of dance by joining her middle school dance team. She also participated in dance classes offered by the school and a member of the Pom squad.

From 2009-2014, she was a member of the Baltimore Ravens Dance Team, where she won numerous awards and was Captain of the team for 3 years.

While dancing for the Ravens, Ms. Smith would often be found at Sherry's Dance Center taking private lessons to keep up with her technical skills needed for the dance team.

Ms. Smith has always had a desire to teach and coach. In 2005, she was a coach at a local Cheer gym and pioneered the first ever competitive dance team. She also returned back to her high school to coached the dance team/pom squad, where she led her team to numerous championship awards and accolades.

Ms. Smith’s passion for dance and love for teaching and inspiring the youth, brings a very energetic and positive environment for dancers!

Kiana Wood

Kiana Wood - (Guest Instructor), grew up dancing competitively in Alexandria, VA. She went on to receive her BFA in Dance and Choreography, studying modern and ballet at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Miss Wood danced court side on the VCU, Gold Rush Dance Team, as captain and co-choreographer. After graduating from VCU, she signed her first professional contract, as a main stage dancer for Disney Cruiseline.

Miss Wood moved to Los Angeles, CA, in 2016, and signed with a reputable talent agency in LA. She worked with choreographers, such as, Dana Foglia, HiHat, Yanis Marshall, Oththan, and more.

Notable credits in Miss Wood’s dancing career, include, award shows, music videos and live performances, for artists, Dua Lipa, Pharrell, LL Cool J, Migos, Teyanna Taylor, TLC and Alina Baraz.

Her experiences on set as a dancer, transformed into a passion for behind the camera work. This passion lead her to start her own video/photography company, Kigenix Creative.

Miss Wood is thrilled to combine her expertise in dance and also on camera, to explore the dancer’s organic movement, artistry and stage performance.