Home » Sheri Turgeon: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Through Dance

Sheri Turgeon: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Through Dance

by Shanine Sealey

With more than 25 years of experience, Sheri Turgeon’s journey through dance is a powerful story of passion, perseverance, and inclusion.

Sheri’s love of movement began at the age of three when she joined the Kids In Motion program with the University School of Dance. She remained with the school until age 18 before advancing to competitive dance with Dance Ink in Saskatoon.

Her commitment to her craft has taken her far beyond the local dance scene, including two formative summers training in New York City with the renowned Kitty Lunn, a ballerina who adapted the traditional ballet syllabus for dancers who use wheelchairs.

Over the years, Sheri has performed at a wide variety of events and fundraisers, including Telemiracle, Dancing for Dogs, the Regina International Film Festival, Saskatchewan Fashion Association Fashion Week, and various professional conferences in Saskatoon and Edmonton. Her talent has also graced the stages of events like Dare to Dance and Dance on the Saskatchewan.

Sheri has participated in numerous competitions across Saskatchewan, but her proudest achievements have been at the Dance World Cup, an international competition where she earned gold medal standings in 2017, 2023, and 2024, and is already qualified to compete again in the 2025 season in Whistler, BC. Notably, she is the only dancer in a wheelchair to have ever qualified for the Dance World Cup. To earn a place in the competition, dancers must not only reach a high-performance benchmark but also receive unanimous invitations from all three international adjudicators.

“Meeting dancers from around the world is always one of my favourite parts of attending the Dance World Cup,” Sheri noted.

In addition to training in lyrical, ballet, and contemporary styles, Sheri has taken on a new role as an instructor. Invited by Dance Ink Director Ashley Berrns, she began co-teaching Dance Inklusive classes, an inclusive program designed for dancers of all abilities. What started as two classes has now grown into three, highlighting a growing interest and demand for inclusive dance spaces.

“I believe that dance is for everyone as it allows you to express yourself in many ways,” Sheri said. “Whether you’re considering a career in dance or just looking for a fun activity, I highly recommend trying a class at Dance Ink. There are classes for everyone, from preschoolers to adults, and no experience is required. You’ll feel welcome the moment you walk through the doors.”

Sheri Turgeon continues to be a trailblazer in the world of dance, proving that with dedication, heart, and community support, the art form truly has no limits.

You may also like