Shelley Shearer shuffles into retirement, kicks it up a notch

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This article was published 26/06/2020 (2265 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After 34 years, Shelley Shearer is passing the keys to her dance school to Kickit Dance Studio — but the name is staying the same.

The Shelley Shearer School of Dance opened in 1986 and has been a top dance school in the city. Shearer said she knew this was going to be her last school year in charge and she’s been working on a succession plan for a while.

“I was looking for the right fit in terms of someone who had business and entrepreneurial skills, and someone that would have the vision to meld their culture and goals with what I built,” said Shearer. “I just thought it was a perfect fit. I’m quite thrilled because it’s a win-win for everyone. A transition with me into retirement and perfect expansion for the Kickit owners and for my clientele, staff and students.”

Lori Watson and Robert Boge from Kickit are the new co-directors at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance. Shearer said Watson used to be a dancer and a teacher at the school, so there is history there. The Kickit owners and Shearer agreed to keep the school’s name the same.

Shearer said the new owners will bring different strengths to the school and bring a younger energy.

“I think there’s’ going to be some interesting synergy that these new directors will have the opportunity to develop between their strengths and ours,” she said. “It’s going to be quite incredible in terms of the dance community to have our staff and their directors come together in this way.”

When the dance school was closed in mid-March due to COVID-19, Shearer said it took them just two days to move their classes online through Zoom calls. However, with the province in Phase 3 of reopening, Shearer said they are able to have their final recitals in person at the studio.

Shearer is happy she could watch recitals in her final year in charge, even if it meant the dancers had to be six feet apart while performing.

“The teachers love seeing the kids, seeing them over Zoom is one thing but I think everyone in Winnipeg is so fortunate our numbers are so low and we are afforded this opportunity in June,” said Shearer. “I feel very grateful we were able to do that.”

Shearer knows she’s leaving the dance studio in capable hands, but she is staying involved in an advisory role and as founding director.

She added that she doesn’t think the studio will have a drop in registration when it opens on Thursday.

“I think there’s kind of an optimistic sense in the city with weather improving and the city opening up,” she said. “For the kids and parents there is a pent up demand and interest to get back to as much of a normal life as they can.”

kellen.taniguchi@freepress.mb.ca