Judy Sharp

University of California, San Diego and California Ballet School and Company

Career Roadmap

Judy's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Music, and Teaching / Mentoring

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

CBC Ballet Mistress & Education Coordinator; UCSD Lecturer in Dance

I teach ballet, choreograph when I have opportunities, and have a variety of jobs for a ballet company.

Bachelor's Degree: Dance, General

Graduate Degree: Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management, General

My path in life has been direct

1.
I was raised in a musical family: Dad/concert master, Mom/pianist. We each played an instrument.
2.
I began taking ballet at the age of 7 from Richard Carter and Nancy Johnson in San Diego.
3.
Once hooked on ballet, piano slid, but I can play a bit still.
4.
I began performing at age 7, with many opportunities at the Civic Theatre until I left for college.
5.
Dad conducted the ballets; I danced; many great ballets under directors Sonia Arova & Thor Sutowski.
6.
Although we performed, I choreographed my first ballet at Indiana University.
7.
Injuries in my mid teens & getting married at 22 caused me to stop performing and focus on teaching.
8.
Returning to San Diego I reconnected, taught, choreographed, grew, and started teaching at UCSD.

THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
Although I was not gifted with a "perfect ballet body" I was never discouraged from focusing on dancing as well as I could. I knew for myself that I would not be able to get into a big company. My noise was the reality of that.
How I responded:
I was encouraged to go to college to become a more well rounded person. Doing so was definitely the right thing for me. It opened windows to explore other areas of dance, not just performing. I learned I had the ability to teach comfortably and that creating my own pieces was a merging of 2 loves: Music and Dance.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

I was victim of violence - a one time life threatening incident. Don't hide it - discuss it - accept it - move on. Be optimistic! Treasure the good times and make them happen.

No related leaders found