Shirley Schram

With over 40 years of experience, Shirley’s lifelong dedication to dance began in her youth, mastering styles from ballet to jazz. After transitioning from elementary education, to founding the Shirley Schram School of Dance, she established the award-winning Bluewater Dance Troupe. Her mentorship has launched successful careers, with students earning scholarships to New York and L.A., performing globally on cruise ships, or pursuing advanced degrees at institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University and George Brown College. Shirley has also served as dance adjudicator for numerous competitions across Canada and the US.

As an active member of the Sarnia Theatre community, Shirley has choreographed several musicals including South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Chicago. In appreciation of her many contributions to the Sarnia arts community, Shirley was named to the Mayor’s List, an honour awarded annually to citizens making a significant contribution to the city.

Shirley has studied the Cecchetti Ballet Method and is a certified Licentiate member of the Cecchetti Council of America and holds her Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada. Shirley was the founder and Artistic Director of the St. Clair Youth Ballet in Sarnia, staging and choreographing The Nutcracker for ten years.

Former students have studied at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, the Quinte Ballet School, the Cecchetti summer program in Holland Michigan, and performed in Europe.

In 2010 she closed her studio but continued teaching and preparing students for ballet exams. This eventually grew into a new studio known as The Sarnia Ballet School. At the same time, Shirley began her study of Pilates and Barre Fitness and became a certified Stott Pilates Instructor and Barre Fitness teacher. She utilized her Pilates training at a local physiotherapy clinic, assisting clients with their rehabilitation programs. 

Shirley is honored to be part of KSD and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and fostering a love for dance.