Musical Theatre | Artist Faculty
July 29 – July 31
Sheila Barker is a spirited dance leader, educator, choreographer, mentor, and coach. She’s a distinctive force of energy in the dance industry who radiates passion not only during her classes, but throughout her life. Sheila’s influence on the world of jazz dance through her mentorship of professionals and young artists alike has created a renowned legacy.
Sheila received her BFA in Dance and is a native born Harlem New Yorker. Her extensive training embodies jazz, modern, ballet, musical theater, tap, and the African and Dunham techniques. She stands on the shoulders of leading performing teachers, choreographers, mentors, and educators including Dianne McIntyre, Thelma Hill, and Frank Hatchett.
An honorary 2023 Dance Teacher Award recipient, Sheila’s work as a teacher, choreographer, and performer has brought her to many places around the world and across the globe. Her dancing and choreography includes soap opera, regional and dinner theatre, industrials, music videos, and recording artists. She’s performed on Broadway, Off Broadway, and on television. At this time, Sheila is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Marymount Manhattan College. She’s had the pleasure of being on Dance Magazine 2021, 2022, and 2023 Awards Selective Committee, the Dance/NYC 2022 Symposium Mentorship in Dance Practice Panel, and currently serves on the Young Choreographers Festival Advisory Board. Additionally, Sheila leads the It’s About That Walk Workshop, which has helped many dancers accentuate the power in their heels by highlighting their glowing purpose. Recently, Sheila led a weekend-long jazz workshop at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College. Sheila has also been on faculty at intensives such as Momen & Friends and The Storytellers, among others.
Sheila’s publication features are Dance Teacher Magazine, Dance Geist and Podcasts. To learn more about Sheila, visit her Instagram at @sheilabarker629.