St. Catharines teen heading to Juilliard ‘s dance program

Ryan Sherk is one step closer to following his dream of being a professional dancer now that he’s been accepted into The Juilliard School in New York.

“I feel like it was my purpose, and what I was meant to do, and I know that’s where I see my life going,” Sherk said.

The program is highly competitive with a 7 per cent acceptance rate.

Sherk’s diligent training on a regular basis at Dance FX Studio and Niagara Ballet School prepared him for this moment.

“Ryan has always been a dancer. We always say he danced before he could walk. When I brought him to his first lesson at Dance FX Studio, I remember the director telling me that this boy has something special, he’s got a sense of music and musicality and he’s going to end up doing a lot more dancing than we realize.” Sherk’s mother said.

Sherk heads off to New York at the end of his month where he will begin his four-year program.

Sherk’s long-time dance teacher and owner of Dance FX Studio has started a GoFundMe to support the dancer and his family in his journey as an international student.