Faculty
Shari True - Director
Ms. Shari True started her own dance academy, True Dance & Co., in Lincoln in 1980, and has since provided instruction in classical ballet, jazz, Pointe, lyrical and tap to countless area youth. In 1985, she helped form Ballet Midwest Dance Company (now Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company) in order to give young dancers the opportunity to perform in major works of classical ballet.
Ms. True is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with degrees in Children's Education and Dance. She was a member of the Orchesis Dance Ensemble, UNL Flag and Dance Corps, and Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. She danced in Ballet Omaha's production of The Nutcracker for five years and was assistant choreographer of the Lincoln Community Playhouse production of The Nutcracker in 1982 and 1983. She has been on staff with Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. Ms. True wrote and choreographed an original ballet entitled The Crystal Slippers, which premiered in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1993. In 1994, it was performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company in Dallas. Ms. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas and Kansas City. She and six of her students studied in New York City at Broadway Dance Center.
Ms. True has choreographed for Pinewood Bowl's productions of Hello Dolly, Carousel and for the Pinewood Players. In 1985, she danced with Academy West, Rolland DuPree, and taught for Act III Studio in West Hollywood. Ms. True had the delightful opportunity to appear in Universal Studio's movieTo Wong Foo with a speaking part as the dance teacher. She choreographs for UNL's Scarlett and Cream singers under the direction of Paula Bach. Shari and her competitive team travel nationally and hold many prestigious awards. She welcomes students of all ages, who have the desire to study all genres of dance.
McKenzie Dosch - Academy Director
Miss McKenzie Dosch grew up dancing at True Dance & Co from the time she was 2 years old. She was born and raised in Lincoln, NE and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating in 2015 with a bachelors in Elementary Education. She began teaching TDC's tiniest dancers in 2011, and has truly built our Academy Classes to be what they are today. Her curriculum and lesson plan development over the years has become second to none and because of that, our young children's program is absolutely thriving! In the Summer of 2022 Miss McKenzie was promoted to TDC's Academy Director where she now leads our team of Academy teachers to be the best they can be!
In addition to dance, Miss McKenzie also owns, directs, and teaches at True Knowledge Preschool, located within the TDC building. Working with small children and preparing them for life beyond her classroom is truly her greatest passion and talent. All of Miss McKenzie's graduating pre-k students know how to spell & write their name, count to 30+, and read 3-4 letter words before going on to attend Kindergarten. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about True Knowledge Preschool, please visit www.trueknowledgelincoln.com
Ashley Durst - Teacher
Ashley Durst grew up dancing at True Dance & Company and is excited to be a part of the teaching faculty this year. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, she was a ten-year member with the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, performing roles such as Snow Queen, Spain and Clara. She has spent summers studying with the American Ballet Theatre, the American Academy of Ballet, and the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company. In high school Ashley was a member of the True Dance & Company competition team in which she earned numerous awards and scholarships. In 2005 she was Nebraska’s Junior Miss, and in 2009 was Miss Central Nebraska where she placed in the top eight at Miss Nebraska. She is still very active in the pageant world judging and coaching dancers for pageants.
Ashley attended the University of Nebraska for one year where she was a member of Scarlet’s Dance Team. She transferred to Oklahoma City University where she received her Bachelors and Masters degree in Dance Performance and Dance Teaching. While in Oklahoma she taught and choreographed for numerous dance studios throughout the state, including judging and teaching for Dance Masters of America Dance Convention. At Oklahoma City University she was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company, in which she toured with the company serving as the company representative. She also danced on the school’s Pep dance team, Liturgical Dance Team, and spent a summer as a dancer in the Oklahoma City Theme Park Production Shows. Post graduation Ashley spent eight months dancing and traveling with Carnival Cruise Lines as a dancer in their Production Shows. In the fall Ashley will be teaching dance part time at Creighton University as well as teaching dance at True Dance & Company.
Anna Knouse - Office Manager
Anna is a Lincoln Native, Pius X Graduate, and attended UNL where she received her business degree in Business Management. After graduation, she began her professional career as the Human Resource Manager for HyVee. In this position, she managed over 400 employees, oversaw hiring, training, scheduling, employee relationships and store policies. Anna maintained a successful business and was soon promoted to an Assistant Store Manager. After 10 years of working for HyVee, Anna left to raise her 3 children. Mrs Knouse has joined our team to handle communication, billing, and student enrollment. She is excited to share her time and talents and join our TDC Administrative Team.
Haley Kotopka - Teacher
We are also excited to announce Miss Haley Kotopka as a new Academy teacher! Haley is a Lincoln native and a graduate of Pius X High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Haley began dancing at the age of five at a local studio and since then has trained in the areas of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and contemporary, competing and earning awards for excellence in these areas. Haley also danced as a part of the Pius X Dance Team. Haley went on to become a member of the Scarlets Dance Team at the University of Nebraska for two years. Following college, Haley worked as an elementary school teacher for several years before making the switch to staying home with her three children. Haley also worked for several years as the assistant dance team coach and later the head coach for the Pius X Thunderettes Dance team. Haley is so happy to have the opportunity to return to the classroom but this time teaching dance, which has always held such a big piece of her heart.
Olivia Lempka - Teacher
Olivia Lempka has danced since age of three and danced competitively for nine years. She was an integral part of TDC's award winning competition team, and in TDC's dance program for 5 years. Olivia was also a company member of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's performance and danced in the Nutcracker for 5 years. Throughout high school, Olivia was a member of LSW Emerald's dance team. She was captain both her junior and senior year of LSW. Olivia has taught for True Dance & Company bringing her time talent and passion to the students at TDC assisting and teaching the past two years. Olivia assists TDC with office managerial tasks throughout the summer and fall.
Olivia is currently a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she is studying biological sciences, with a minor in leadership & communications. She is on a Pre-PA (Physician's Assistant) track, and will hopefully attend graduate school after her four years at UNL in 2025. On campus, Olivia is a member of the Nebraska Scarlets dance team, involved in Alpha Phi sorority, and a mentor with the NHRI program.
Makenna Lichty - Front Desk/Teacher
Makenna Lichty is from Bennington Nebraska. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and competing since age 8. Over the years, Makenna competed with No Limits and The Dancers Edge, where she won many awards and scholarships. In high school Miss Lichty was a part of the Bennington Varsity Dance team for four years and was captain her senior year.
Currently, Makenna is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is pursuing Pre-Pharmacy. She plans to attend Pharmacy School at UNMC. On campus, Makenna is a part of the Alpha Phi sorority and the Pre-Pharmacy club.
In Miss Lichty’s free time she enjoys a variety activities and exploration as she loves staying active. Dance is a very big passion for Miss Makenna and to continue it with TDC has fulfilled a huge dream of hers.
Emma Lollman - Teacher
Miss Emma is excited for another year of teaching at True Dance and Company. Emma began dancing at the age of three and spent 15 years studying ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop at a local studio. She began competitive dance at the age of eight and won numerous scholarships and awards while competing at the regional and national level. She was honored to place in the top 20 for senior soloists at Spotlight Nationals in her final season of competitive dance. Emma danced two years in the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker, in the roles of Big Mouse and Russian Background. She was a two-year member of the Waverly High School Dance team. As a Dance Major at UNL, Emma has been selected to perform in several student choreographed pieces in the Annual Student Dance Project.
Teaching dance has been a passion of Emma’s for many years. While in high school, she worked as an Assistant Dance Teacher at a local studio for 4 years. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance. Emma is looking forward to another amazing year of dancing with her students at True Dance and Company.
Morgan Means - Teacher
Morgan was born and raised in Lincoln and has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She began her dance career at a local studio in Lincoln and have been trained in ballet, pointe, tap and jazz. Morgan graduated high school from Lincoln Southwest where she was a member of the cheerleading team for 4 years. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated with her bachelors degree in elementary education.
She is currently beginning her first year teaching first grade within Lincoln Public Schools. She has a strong ability for working with kids of all ages and can’t wait to share her passion for dance with them too!
Emily Nolte - Teacher
Miss Emily is so excited to be teaching at the studio she grew up at! She began dancing at the age of 3 at TDC under the direction of Ms. Shari True. She graduated from the TDC program as one of our best students. She was a diligent learner, and excellent at all forms of dance! Miss Shari & Miss Emily had many wonderful years together as teacher and student. She spent 5 years teaching all forms of dance during college and Nursing school. She has worked in healthcare as a CNA and RN for 10 years before deciding to focus her time on family. Emily is married and has 3 children and is very excited to be able to teach at her childhood studio as well as watch her own daughter follow in her footsteps and grow as a TDC student! We are so happy to have her on our TDC staff!
Marley Petrick - Teacher
Marley is originally from College Station, Texas. She is studying interior design at the University of Nebraska, where she serves as the Sisterhood Director for her sorority, Alpha Phi. Marley started dancing at the age of 5 and it has continued to be a huge part of her life. She trained at a competitive studio in Texas, where she studied a variety of styles: ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary.
In high school, Marley served as a dance officer for drill team her junior and senior year, leading the team to Nationals in Hawaii during her senior year. These experiences have deepened her love for teaching dance. Marley worked with young dancers as a class assistant at her home studio and as a leader for summer dance camps. Sharing her passion for dance and inspiring the next generation of dancers is one of her greatest joys.
Outside the studio, Marley enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new coffee shops, and staying active through cycling and yoga.
Marley is thrilled to join the team at True! She is excited to bring her love of dance, leadership, and teaching to our fabulous true students!
Rachel Robinson - Teacher
Rachel grew up dancing at True Dance and Company and is very excited to be a part of the faculty at TDC!
Rachel was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and was a member of True Dance’s first competitive dance team. Rachel performed in team dances, duos, trios and as a soloist earning many awards and scholarships. Rachel danced as a cast, corps, soloist and principal dancer for Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company where she performed many fantastic roles; her favorite was Arabian Princess. Rachel attended the University of Nebraska and was a member of the Scarlets Dance Team. After college, Rachel coached the Lincoln Southwest Emeralds for seven years, during which time she taught PE and Health and earned a master’s degree in counseling.
Rachel is now a mother of three children, and is teaching her two daughters Ellie and Finley at True Dance and Company! Her son Brecken is active in gymnastics.
Clara Thorson - Front Desk
Clara Thorson joins our TDC faculty as a receptionist! Clara danced for 13 years at a local dance studio where she performed ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, and irish. Clara was also a part of the LMBC Nutcracker for seven years. She is currently a junior at Lincoln East High School and is planning on attending UNL or UNO to major in BioChem to become an orthodontist! Clara has been on the East cheer team for the past 3 years and has spent the last year being a captain of the JV team! Outside of the studio, Clara enjoys being with friends, cooking, and traveling! Clara is very excited and extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work at TDC!
Ali Weber - Front Desk/Teacher
Ali Weber joins the True Dance and Company staff sharing her talents of dance to our students, and her fabulous office skills as a receptionist. Ali is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Nutrition and Health Exercise Sciences. In addition to her academics, Ali grew up dancing at TDC where she excelled both as a ballerina receiving many fabulous roles, but also on TDC competition team dancing jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and musical theater. Ali was a part of the Emeralds dance team in high school for Southwest. Ali danced all through her childhood, from many local studios but her heart is at TDC. She now loves that she can combine her passion for health and fitness, and her love for dance by working at TDC. Ali enjoys getting involved and joining campus organizations, as well as traveling and spending time with her family.