Ken & Teresa Shiry

Teresa Shiry competed professionally for 18 years and has been a Professional Ballroom instructor for over 20 years. Teresa was a 1995 United States American Smooth Champion and a 1995 World Showdance finalist. She has coached University teams and dance programs, children?s dancesport summer camps, pro-am and amateur competitive couples and professional finalists in the American Smooth Division. Teresa has judged the USDSC, The Emerald Ball, The Embassy Ball, the Southwest Regionals, Pacific Dance Sport Championships and the USABDA Amateur Ballroom Dance Championships . She holds Licentiate Degrees in International Standard & Latin from the U.S. Terpsichore Association and American Smooth & Rhythm from the USISTD as well as being a member of the NDCA. Ken Shiry began formal dance training with the Fred Astaire Studios in Los Angeles in 1978. He earned a 5th place finish in Disco Hustle at the Fred Astaire Nationals in Las Vegas in 1981. Following a brief excursion to Canada to open a new studio, Ken returned to the U.S. to continue his dance training, winning the Professional American Rhythm style in Los Angeles in 1985. After expanding into International Latin style and competing briefly with his future wife, Teresa Judge, Ken stumbled into teaching Cotillion. More than 15 years and thousands of students later, Ken continues to teach Cotillion to appreciative audiences all over the Los Angeles area. "It is a real privilege to teach children ? They are refreshingly honest, learn so very quickly, and always challenge me to become a better dancer.