Owner & Executive Director

Kerri Cooksey experienced her first class at 2 years old. At the time, in the mind of that child, it was mirrors, and lights and catchy tunes to draw the attention of a toddler. No one expects to be captured at that age by the artistry, but she was. By the age of 8, she was competing, winning, and thriving in the competition world. What many didn’t realize was the act of competing fed her confidence, where the art of dancing fed her soul. She would get lost in the rhythm of the music, escaping the watching crowd, and feeling the freedom of movement. It became a passion that surpassed any audience, applause, titles, or trophies. At the age of 9, she was presented with her first pair of pointe shoes. She still remembers how they felt, the smell of rosin and the heart beating excitement of her first pointe class.

For years to come, she was gifted with several leading roles in iconic ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Swan Lake. She jumped at opportunities, such as a master class with the Radio City Rockets or auditioning for ballet intensive programs with The Joffrey Ballet in New York City. There wasn’t a day or a moment she wasn’t dancing. The stage felt like home to her and still does to this day.

In the later part of college and after graduation, Kerri found herself teaching what she loved to a new generation of performers. As a high school dance team coach, she learned the importance of being nurturing and encouraging, not only the disciplines of dance, but the inner calling it can bring to someone’s soul. Woodforest Dance Company is a business on paper, but for Kerri, it’s her purpose. This is the moment in time where she gets to share her knowledge in the art of dance, build confidence in the youth of our community, and capture the heart of a new generation!