Sojourner’s Truth Staff
The Touch a Dream Studio presented their annual dance recital on Sunday, June 13 at the Stranahan Theatre aptly titled “Masterpiece.” And after a year’s absence from the live stage because of the pandemic, the instructors and dancers of Touch a Dream had much more time to prepare their masterpiece and they used it wisely.
Because of the lingering impact of the pandemic and the social distancing requirements in the Stranahan Theatre, the studio presented two shows on Sunday, at 2 and 6 p.m., rather than the usual one show. And both shows were sold out!
Touch a Dream, now in its 13th year, is truly a family affair. The partners and co-owners are mother and daughter Terri and Tanisha Shelmon. The studio is sponsored by Terri’s husband/Tanisha’s father, Theodis Shelmon, owner of The Shelmon Group, LLC, concrete specialists.
Both mother and daughter have vast training and experience in a variety of dance styles.
Terri started in ballet as a child and continued in ballet through her college years, gradually expanding her repertoire into other forms, particularly tap.
Tanisha also started dancing at an early age and during her college years was chosen to become part of the WNBA Detroit Shock Women’s Basketball dance team – the “Shockwave.” She eventually was selected to be part of the Detroit Pistons Dance Team, “Automation.”
Touch a Dream Dance Studio has grown over the years to include five instructors and approximately 60 students. The studio’s program includes both a recreational portion, which is open to all comers, and a competitive group that prospective dancers audition for. About 35 dancers are in the competitive group.
Over the years Touch a Dream has introduced a variety of dance styles to its students and audiences – ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz and lyrical, says Tanisha.
Additionally, the studio has added a modeling class under the direction of model Sharlyn Rodela.
The Masterpiece performance was just that – according to a thrilled audience. “What an amazing recital tonight! I have watched you help develop my daughter into the powerful dancer and model that she has blossomed into,” said one pleased parent after the show.
