Shari Shell-True started her own dance academy in Lincoln in 1980 and has since provided instruction in classical ballet, jazz, pointe, and tap to many area youth. In 1985, she helped form Ballet Midwest Dance Company in order to give young dancers the opportunity to perform in major works of classical ballet. This is Ms. True's twelfth season to choreograph The Nutcracker.

Ms. True is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with degrees in Children's Education and Dance. She was a member of the Orchesis Dance Ensemble, UNL Flag and Dance Corps, and Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. She danced in Ballet Omaha's production of The Nutcracker for five years and was assistant choreographer of the Lincoln Community Playhouse production of The Nutcracker in 1982 and 1983. She has been on staff with Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. Ms. True wrote and choreographed an original ballet entitled The Crystal Slippers which premiered in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1993. In 1994, it was performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company in Dallas, Texas. Ms. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas, and Kansas City. She and six of her students studied in New York City Broadway Dance Center.

Ms. True has choreographed for Pinewood Bowl's productions of Hello Dolly, Carousel, and for the Pinewood Players. In 1985, she danced with Academy West, Rolland DuPree, and taught for Act III Studio in West Hollywood, California. Ms. True had the delightful opportunity to appear in Universal Studio's movie To Wong Foo with a speaking part as the dance teacher. She choreographs for UNL's Scarlett and Cream singers under the direction of Paula Bach. In 1996, Shari and her advanced jazz class have filmed two commercials for Channels 10-11.