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Sharon Ingebritson studied dance in Iowa and is a former ballroom dance instructor. Sharon is in her 34th year as a teacher at Miller-Marley. She is an expert at training students in their formative years. Sharon is an integral part of our "Joy Of Dance" program and is Director of the Miller-Marley TiniTainers and was Co-Director of the Miller-Marley Entertainers for the past twenty-two years. Those who attended the funeral of Sharon Ingebritson witnessed an outpouring of love and support from hundreds of Miller-Marley families who came to celebrate the life of our beloved teacher and friend who passed away on October 30th. This not only speaks volumes about our wonderful families, but also about Sharon, who Rev. Dr. Michael Peck praised as, “the woman who lived to bring joy to her students.” In her 35-year career with the studio, Sharon assumed many roles. Whether she was teaching, directing the Tini-Tainers or working behind the desk, Sharon 's dedication and attention to detail made her a standout. For over 24 years she served as the Co-Director of the Entertainers and for the past five years, as the Director of the Tini-Tainers. Sharon may be gone, but she will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all the children whose lives she touched. High school juniors and seniors: Laura Kaufman, Jeanette LaFreniere, Abby Harrison, Samantha Fernandez, Brianne Fitzpatrick and C.J. Bradley shared their memories about their first dancing teacher. Laura Kaufman : None of us would still be here at Miller-Marley were it not for Sharon 's initial influence. Whenever I'm in ballet class and hear “I Love Somebody” coming from the room next door, all these wonderful memories of Sharon come flooding back to me. It is because of her that I love to dance. Jeanette LaFreniere : She made us feel like a family. Long after we left her class, she kept track of us and always made it a point to tell us “good job” at the recitals. Abby Harrison : I lived for her to bring out the mats so we could do somersaults. Samantha Fernandez : She created a great atmosphere for learning. Brianne Fitzpatrick : My love of tap began with Miss Sharon. C.J. Bradley : I was 5 years old and the only boy in the Combo Class. I told Sharon that I didn't want to do ballet because ballet was for girls. After this conversation, Sharon announced that we were going to do jazz, instead of ballet. I was so excited and never realized that Sharon was still doing the same thing as before; just calling it by another name. All the students proudly proclaimed that they still have their coveted necklaces. To Sharon, each little bead on the string represented a milestone in their journey together. As testament to this, many students, young and old, wore their necklaces to the visitation and the funeral. Morgan Weiler (age 12), Brittany Rouse (age 13), Jessica Siplon (age 12) and Kate Rumsey (age 12); all members of the original Tini-Tainers troupe, reminisced about their unforgettable experiences with Sharon when they were first graders. Morgan Weiler : One day, Sharon asked a group of us to stay after our dance class and told us to sit down on the green bench in Studio 2. That's when we found out that she had chosen us to be the Tini-Tainers. We were so excited. Brittany Rouse : Our first performance was at the Miller-Marley Christmas Party and we did “Reindeer Boogie.” We thought we were so cool because we got to wear antlers with bells attached to them. Jessica Siplon : My favorite memory is the 4th of July performances when we danced with the pom poms and the flags. I was so proud that I was one of the people Sharon chose to carry the American flags out to the stage. Kate Rumsey : Sharon always told us to hang onto our flags and not to drop them. Dropping the flag showed disrespect for our country. Well, eventually, practically everyone had dropped her flag. But, Sharon never yelled at us and just reminded us to try harder. When asked about their all-time favorite dance with Miss Sharon, the girls' response was unanimous - “Topsy Turvey!” Rachel Thomas, former student and member of the Entertainers wrote, “ Sharon really was one of the most caring and admirable people I've ever met. She put up with a lot from us Entertainers. She will be missed!” Of his long-time friend and colleague, Brian McGinness said, “Each dance teacher brings to the classroom an individual legacy passed along as a gift to his or her students. Miss Sharon's special gifts shaped the fundamental years of dance education for hundreds of students and later, those students' children. She began this process with her own style of patience, discipline and encouragement. From the first recital costume and the introduction to an expressive art form, the life-long joy of dance begins.” To honor her memory, the family of Sharon Ingebritson has established a fund in her name at the Valley View Bank, located in the Wycliff West Shopping Center . Contributions may be made payable to: The Sharon Ingebritson Miller-Marley Scholarship Fund. |
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