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
Bailey Debold- Teacher
Bailey is from Salina, Kansas and has been dancing since the age of 4. She started competing at the age of 8 and traveled around the world dancing at numerous competitions and conventions. In high school she was a captain of her dance team for 3, as well as a choreographer. She has been teaching students since the age of 15 and has worked at True for the past 2 years. Bailey was a Tremaine Performance Company member for 4 years, allowing her to assist many choreographers such as Paula Abdul, Derrick Schrader, Meghan Sanett, and many others. Bailey has choreographed numerous solos, duos and trios in Salina, and here at True. She loves to choreograph for dance teams when she goes home too.
Bailey is currently a Junior at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Communications. She is also on the Husker Scarlets Dance Team, and a proud member in Delta Gamma Sorority. Outside of dance Bailey loves to hangout with friends and family, workout, and spend time with her dog, Bear! She is passionate about teaching and loves to watch her students' love for dance shine, and grow each year!
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 - Business Admin
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.
Lexi Christensen - Teacher
Lexi is from Omaha, Nebraska and has been involved with dance since she was three. She danced at Kitty Lee Dance Company for 15 years gaining exposure with all genres of dance. She also was a member for the nationally recognized Millard North Dance Team throughout her high-school years. Competing four years on the UDA nationals stage bringing home many national championships to Nebraska.
Lexi is currently a sophomore at The University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in marketing. She is also on the Husker Scarlets Dance Team, and involved with her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma on campus. Outside of dancing, Lexi loves to spend quality time with friends, family, and trying new things. She is excited to share her knowledge and passion for dance with her students.
Emma Luci - Teacher & Social Media Director
Emma is a passionate dance educator and performer with over 20 years of experience. A proud alumna of True Dance & Company, Emma began her training at 3 years old and is thrilled to return to the studio where her love for dance first began.
She was a 10-year member of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company, performing annually in The Nutcracker, and she spent many years competing with TDC’s award-winning competition team. She also danced with Lincoln East High School’s nationally recognized dance team, competing at UDA Nationals and earning top honors.
Emma continued her dance journey in college as a four-year member and senior year captain of the Husker Scarlets. At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln she earned her degree in Journalism studying Sports Media and Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Communications all while she was competing on the national stage. Emma is excited to give back to the studio and community that shaped her. She brings a deep love of dance, a strong competitive background, and a genuine commitment to helping young dancers grow, both on and off the stage!
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!
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!
Josie Fillmore - Teacher
Josie Fillmore is a passionate dancer and dedicated educator with a lifelong love for the art of dance. Beginning at age two, she trained for nine years on the True Dance competition team and spent eight seasons performing in the Lincoln Midwest Ballet’s Nutcracker. Josie also competed at Youth America Grand Prix, further refining her ballet technique and artistry.
A graduate of Grand Canyon University with a degree in Dance Performance, Josie performed in numerous faculty and student concerts, guest artist residencies, and had her choreography selected for adjudication at the American College Dance Association in California.
Combining her strong technical background with a love for teaching, Josie is committed to creating an inclusive, inspiring environment where dancers can grow in both skill and confidence.