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In addition to being the best and most patient teacher of dance, you are a very caring and compassionate person. Thanks for working so hard to help all of us, especially those who are new to the Sunday and Monday lessons. Although the lessons can be challenging to me and quite frustrating when I take so long to grasp what you are trying to tell me, I am really having fun. I am grateful for your persistence in working so diligently to make each of us great dancers. —Ron & Cindy

Cheri Ozorak

Dance Instructor, Coach, Choreographer, Performer, Showcase Producer and Director

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Since 1998 Cheri has competed at events including the Mid-Atlantic Regionals in Washington, D.C., The Cleveland Challenge in Ohio, Cardinal Classic in Stanford, CA, Autumn Classic in San Francisco, CA, and the Ohio Star Ball, where she and her partner placed among the top six in the Amateur Couples Division of the American Smooth.  

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania she taught adult classes at the Community College of Allegheny County. Moving to Erie she continued to teach for colleges including Allegheny College and Penn State Behrend.

Cheri has received coaching and guidance from teachers such as Canadian Ten Dance Champions, Pierre Allaire & Mirelle Veilleux; Ohio Star Ball’s Top Choreographer, Alfredo Horna; as well as other respected coaches including Rozanna Sweeney, Bill Graner, and PJ Navarro who is both a coach and competition judge. Their gracious and enthusiastic approach to the sport is something Cheri maintains to this day.

Cheri has performed with various partners at events throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio including the Crystal Ball in Pittsburgh; Alfredo’s Showcases in Toledo; Rainbow Gardens in Erie; The Fourteenth Annual Four Star Ball in Youngstown; The Erie Festival of Dance at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center in Erie; the Pittsburgh DanceSport Invitational at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh; The United States Amateur Ballroom Dance Association; and the Capital Dance Center Showcase in Sacramento. She has donated her time teaching and dancing for fundraisers such as the American Cancer Society, United Way, Project Water, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Marriage Encounters.

In 2007, Cheri was invited to play a role in the film “Schism”, directed by John C. Lyons.  Cheri and her partner appear in a short scene portraying a couple experiencing a flashback to their youth. The movie is a poignant story about a man’s decent into Alzheimer’s disease. The brief, but touching dance scene provides a moment of joy in a dark reality.

From 2002 to 2012 Cheri directed the Ballroom Dance Department for Long’s School of Dance in Erie, Pennsylvania. Under her care hundreds of people learned ballroom, Latin, Country Western and social dance styles.  Many of her students went on to compete and perform.  The My Dance Heaven Annual Showcase became a tradition as Cheri choreographed routines, trained the dancers, and produced and directed the show. These events, featuring her students and wedding couples, were received with anticipation and enthusiasm in the community, giving broader exposure to the art of partner dancing. In addition, she participated in the Long’s Annual Recital giving many of her students an opportunity to perform on stage to a sell-out audience at the historic, 2,250 seat, Warner Theatre.  She will always be grateful to the Long family for the opportunity they provided her to spread the joy of dance.

Now on the West Coast, Cheri continues to share her talent for teaching and performing. With a gift for helping people find their dancing feet, Cheri loves to inspire people and infuse them with the joy of dance. Whether it be the creation of an unforgettable "first dance" for a wedding couple, inspiring her dancers to perform, or simply encouraging confidence in her students to enjoy the hobby of dance, Cheri loves making “dance dreams” come true.

Contact Cheri at 814-602-6191 or cheri@mydanceheaven.com

Emails usually answered within 72 hours.