Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerri Cooksey
Hi Kerri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area March 27, 1985. Dance has been part of my life since I was toddler, just old enough to stand on my tip toes. By the age of 8, I was competing, winning, and thriving in the competition world. What many didn’t realize was the act of competing fed my confidence, where the art of dancing fed my soul, two distinct core values that have never left me. It is a beautiful balance between athleticism and artistry.
For years to come, I was gifted with several leading roles in local, yet iconic ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Swan Lake. I jumped at opportunities, such as a master class with the Radio City Rockets or auditioning for a ballet intensive program with The Joffrey Ballet in New York City. There wasn’t a day or a moment I wasn’t dancing. The stage felt like home and still does to this day.
In the later part of college and after graduation, I found myself teaching what I loved to a new generation of performers. As a high school dance team coach, I learned the importance of being nurturing and encouraging, firm and loving, not only in the disciplines of dance, but in the path a young person’s life. The environment in which a young person is coached has a lifelong impact on their confidence, strength (mentally and physically), and overall purpose.
In 2009, I met my husband, Shane Cooksey, while working in downtown Boston. He was a native Texan, originally from the Dallas area, full of life, love, and adventure. After a few months of dating long distance, I moved my life to Texas and never looked backed. For the next decade I worked in the pharmaceutical industry earning my way up the corporate ladder, educating myself in business, and thriving in incredibly competitive environment. Although satisfied, I struggled to find fulfillment. In 2022, I found myself restless for a change. A dear friend of mine once told me, “Stop listening to your head, and start listening to your heart”. Deep down I knew what was missing in me, saw a significant need, and heard the desire for a high-quality dance studio in the community. It was the perfect pairing to create Woodforest Dance Company.
Woodforest Dance Company is now entering into our 2nd year in business! As a mom of two young children, I am exposed to the overwhelming pressures, expectations, and burnout that our society has endured on our youth. My mission in creating Woodforest Dance Company was to bring forth something truly different, to provide a safe, fun, and community supported environment for students of all ages to learn, love, and thrive in the art and athleticism of dance. I, along with the WDC faculty and leadership, strive to create a strong foundation built from creativity, collaboration, and expression. Our goal is to foster an appreciation for the art of dance and provide our students with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and secure their future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think with any new venture there are a lot of unknowns, it’s impossible to think of everything even with all the research and planning that goes into it. I learned a lot about myself, and how building something of value from the ground up takes manpower, delegation, support and patience. I’ve surrounded myself with an amazing team of trustworthy and reliable people who understand the vision and can take ownership of their role to solve problems quickly. From my Director of Marketing and Business Relations, Samantha Martin, Director of Customer Relations, Heather Horton, my faculty, Jodie Miles, Lauren Serrano, Tiffany Moore, Simone Brooks, Andrew Smith, and Brian Dehne, to my biggest fan and supporter, Regina Sullivan, also known as, “Grandma” of the studio and my mom, these people are the backbone of Woodforest Dance Company! No matter how well I plan, or prepare there will always be challenges, it’s how we handle those challenges that makes all the difference.
We’ve been impressed with WoodForest Dance Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Woodforest Dance Company is more than a store front, a lit-up sign, or a place to enroll your children for the passer by, it’s a lifelong romance with every aspect and discipline in the art of dance.
WDC, established in 2023, is located in Woodforest’s Pine Market. I am a long-time active resident of Woodforest and a highly accomplished 20-year veteran in the performing arts and dance industry. I created Woodforest Dance Company when I saw the significant need and heard the desire for a high-quality dance studio in the community.
Woodforest Dance Company’s mission is to provide a safe, fun, and community supported environment for students to learn, love, and thrive in the art of dance. WDC strives to create a strong foundation built from creativity, collaboration, and expression. WDC’s goal is to foster an appreciation for the art of dance and provide our students with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and secure their future.
I believe there are three main components to life-long success that starts in the classroom as a child and lasts long into adulthood. Passion (heart), Precision (body), and Purpose (mind). Building confidence and strength through these 3 components is at the core of what we do at Woodforest Dance company.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://woodforestdance.com
- Instagram: WoodforestDance
- Facebook: Woodforest Dance Company
Image Credits
Marisa Fahrner Photography
Samantha Martin Design
