Faculty
Allee Blake Passmore
owner, Artistic Director, Teacher
Allee Passmore is a lifelong resident of Lawton who has dedicated her career to education, dance, and service to the Lawton–Fort Sill community. She began dancing at the age of seven under the instruction of Ms. Sherri and quickly developed a love for both performing and teaching. By age 14, Allee was assisting and teaching classes at Sherri’s Dance Center, sparking a lifelong commitment to dance education.
A proud graduate of Lawton High School, Allee served as Captain of the Highsteppers dance team before continuing her education at Cameron University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing a degree in Theater. While in college, she performed with the Lawton–Fort Sill Cavalry Dance Team and later served as Dance Team Coordinator.
Ms. Allee is certified through the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Social Studies, English, Secondary Principal, and Dance. She has an extensive background in coaching, having led the Lawton Highsteppers and Cheerleaders, and also served as Activities Director at Lawton High School. In addition, she taught for Epic Charter Schools for three years.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Allee is a member of the Texas Association of Teachers of Dance and attends annual conventions to further her dance education. She holds Level 1 Certification in the Progressing Ballet Technique Method and strongly believes that continued professional growth is the best way to enrich and inspire her students.
For more than 15 years, Allee has choreographed for pageants, cheer and dance competitions, and variety shows, while teaching dancers of all ages. Her passion lies in fostering both artistry and confidence in her students, ensuring they grow not only as dancers but as individuals.
A proud graduate of Lawton High School, Allee served as Captain of the Highsteppers dance team before continuing her education at Cameron University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, and is currently pursuing a degree in Theater. While in college, she performed with the Lawton–Fort Sill Cavalry Dance Team and later served as Dance Team Coordinator.
Ms. Allee is certified through the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Social Studies, English, Secondary Principal, and Dance. She has an extensive background in coaching, having led the Lawton Highsteppers and Cheerleaders, and also served as Activities Director at Lawton High School. In addition, she taught for Epic Charter Schools for three years.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Allee is a member of the Texas Association of Teachers of Dance and attends annual conventions to further her dance education. She holds Level 1 Certification in the Progressing Ballet Technique Method and strongly believes that continued professional growth is the best way to enrich and inspire her students.
For more than 15 years, Allee has choreographed for pageants, cheer and dance competitions, and variety shows, while teaching dancers of all ages. Her passion lies in fostering both artistry and confidence in her students, ensuring they grow not only as dancers but as individuals.
Aisha Valle Quinones
Teacher
Aisha Valle Quinones danced at Sherri’s Dance Center for a total of nine years. Along with dancing for Sherri’s she is a former Highlanderette who danced for four years on the MacArthur High School dance team. In those years she landed officer positions making her a lieutenant her junior year and captain her senior year. After graduating high school Ms. Aisha went to Cameron University to obtain her degree in Early Childhood Education, and then continued at Cameron to obtain her master's degree in Reading. Outside of working at the dance studio, Ms. Aisha currently works at Eisenhower Middle School as an ELA and 6th grade Reading teacher. She is also in charge of the EMS Dance Team. Aisha is loud, sweet, quirky, and full of spunk. She loves to teach and find the beauty in curiosity.
Valli Duffy
Teacher
Valli started out dancing at Sherri's Dance Center in 2017. She began assisting classes in high school and has taught ages 3-8 for 5 years. She is currently in her last semester at Cameron University where she is pursuing her degree in early childhood education, and student teaching at Flower Mound School. Valli loves working with children and sharing her passion for dance with her students. Her favorite part about teaching dance is getting to know all of her students and helping their personalities bloom along with their dance skills.
Jordan Bailey
Teacher
Jordan is thrilled to begin another year teaching at Sherri’s Dance Center—a place that has felt like home since she first stepped into the studio as a preschooler. Growing up in Lawton, Oklahoma, Jordan spent 14 wonderful years as a dedicated SDC student, falling in love with every style of dance, though ballet will always hold a special place in her heart. In high school, she was an active member of the dance team, serving as Lieutenant her junior year and Captain her senior year.
Outside of dance, Jordan enjoys all things mystical, spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and a good book. She finds it deeply rewarding to work with children, guiding them to discover their passions, explore their creativity, and see the world in new ways. In her classes, Jordan encourages students to use their imagination while building strong technical skills in a safe, positive, and inspiring environment.
Outside of dance, Jordan enjoys all things mystical, spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and a good book. She finds it deeply rewarding to work with children, guiding them to discover their passions, explore their creativity, and see the world in new ways. In her classes, Jordan encourages students to use their imagination while building strong technical skills in a safe, positive, and inspiring environment.
Madalynn Elkouri
TEACHER
Madalynn ElKouri was born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. She danced for Sherri’s Dance Center for 15 years. Along with studio dancing, Madalynn was a four-year member of the Eisenhower Pom team in high school, serving as captain her senior year. After graduating, she continued her studies at Cameron University, where she was a member of the Cameron Dance Team. Throughout her high school and college career, she attended National Dance Association dance camps, further developing her passion and skill for dance.
Madalynn graduated from Cameron University with a degree in Strategic Communication, concentrating in Public Relations, and a minor in Marketing. She now works for the City of Lawton as a Multimedia Specialist, combining her creativity and communication skills to serve her community. Her dream is to make a difference in her hometown and leave a lasting impact on every student who walks through the studio doors.
Madalynn graduated from Cameron University with a degree in Strategic Communication, concentrating in Public Relations, and a minor in Marketing. She now works for the City of Lawton as a Multimedia Specialist, combining her creativity and communication skills to serve her community. Her dream is to make a difference in her hometown and leave a lasting impact on every student who walks through the studio doors.
Margo Laman
Teacher
Margo grew up dancing since the age of 3 in a dance studio in I Pennsylvania. Beginning when she was in middle school, she was an assistanat for dance classes of all ages. She continued her dance education in college at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, NY. During her training there, she trained with working and retired professionals in class settings as well as choreographing peer performed pieces during her final semester. She completed the dance theatre certificate program at AMDA in 2017. Margo now lives in Lawton with her husband and two children. Margo says dance has always been the center of who I am and I have held onto the positive traits and morals that it taught me. After taking time off from my desires to have children & establish my family, I am at a place where I can step back & become myself again. My heart hasn't known how much I have missed dance until finding this opportunity at Sherri's Dance Center.
Ariana Roig
Teacher
A proud Lawton native, Ariana has been passionate about dance for as long as she can remember. She spent 15 years training at Sherri’s Dance Center, a place she lovingly called her second home, where her love for movement and performance grew. In high school, Ariana was a dedicated member of the Eisenhower Pom Team for four years, serving as co-captain during her senior year and helping lead her team with energy, discipline, and heart.
Currently, Ariana is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Cameron University, balancing her academic goals with her continued love for dance. For Ariana, dance has always been more than just choreography—it has been her safe space, her creative outlet, and her source of strength. She dreams of sharing that same experience with the next generation of dancers, creating a supportive and inspiring environment where they, too, can feel at home.
Currently, Ariana is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Cameron University, balancing her academic goals with her continued love for dance. For Ariana, dance has always been more than just choreography—it has been her safe space, her creative outlet, and her source of strength. She dreams of sharing that same experience with the next generation of dancers, creating a supportive and inspiring environment where they, too, can feel at home.
James & Dee Burkey
Acro Teachers
James & Dee Burkey are lifelong educators. James began teaching gymnastics at his gym in Wayne, Oklahoma over 25 years ago. It was there that he met his wife Dee. They both moved to southwest Oklahoma where they began coaching cheer and gymnastics for various gyms and school districts.
Amber Wuergler
Acro Teacher
As the daughter of James and Dee Burkey, Amber grew up in Oklahoma and began her gymnastics journey in Wayne, OK at the age of 5. She participated in competitive gymnastics until age 12 before beginning competitive cheerleading. Throughout her time in cheer, she won 2 state championships with Wayne, 3 national titles with the Oklahoma Twisters, as well as several individual awards.
Amber began coaching gymnastics for James and Dee Burkey while in high school. She coached a few cheer teams before moving to Washington. While in Washington, Amber coached preschool gymnastics at the YMCA. Now that she is back in Oklahoma, Amber is excited to teach Acro at Sherri’s Dance Center and is also teaching at Lawton High School. Amber has a passion for working with kids of all ages and strives to make class fun and challenging.
Amber began coaching gymnastics for James and Dee Burkey while in high school. She coached a few cheer teams before moving to Washington. While in Washington, Amber coached preschool gymnastics at the YMCA. Now that she is back in Oklahoma, Amber is excited to teach Acro at Sherri’s Dance Center and is also teaching at Lawton High School. Amber has a passion for working with kids of all ages and strives to make class fun and challenging.
Tannon Meaders
Acro Teacher, Choreographer
Tannon Meaders has been dancing for over nine years, training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Hip-Hop, and Acro at Sherri’s Dance Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. She began assisting classes at the age of 14 and has now spent over five years teaching and choreographing for students of all ages. Tannon has taught a wide range of classes, including Bitty Bop for toddlers, Musical Theater for teens, and Acro for intermediate and advanced dancers.
In addition to her work at the studio, Tannon served as Assistant Choreographer for Lawton Community Theatre’s 2023 production of Matilda the Musical and has stage managed multiple recitals. She has attended the Texas Association Teachers of Dance (TATD) summer convention both as a student and, most recently, as a teacher. During high school, she was a proud member of the MacArthur Highlanderettes dance team and part of the 2021 Oklahoma state championship team. Tannon was also recognized as an All-American dancer at NDA summer camp in Edmond, OK.
Tannon is currently pursuing a degree in Communication at the University of Oklahoma. She brings her energy, creativity, and love for performing into every class she teaches and is passionate about helping young dancers grow in skill and confidence.
In addition to her work at the studio, Tannon served as Assistant Choreographer for Lawton Community Theatre’s 2023 production of Matilda the Musical and has stage managed multiple recitals. She has attended the Texas Association Teachers of Dance (TATD) summer convention both as a student and, most recently, as a teacher. During high school, she was a proud member of the MacArthur Highlanderettes dance team and part of the 2021 Oklahoma state championship team. Tannon was also recognized as an All-American dancer at NDA summer camp in Edmond, OK.
Tannon is currently pursuing a degree in Communication at the University of Oklahoma. She brings her energy, creativity, and love for performing into every class she teaches and is passionate about helping young dancers grow in skill and confidence.
Adla-Marie Tait
Choreographer
Adla-Marie Tait, raised in Cincinnati began dancing at a young age and continues to this day. She trained at a studio in Cincinnati, where she began competing at the age of seven and continued her studies in dance through college at Bowling Green State University. At BGSU, Adla-Marie went on to earn a BS in Dance Education, minoring in Business Administration while choreographing and performing in multiple dance performances with her program, as well as with the Bowling Green State University Dance Team. As a part of the BGSU Dance Team, she performed at all home football and basketball games, and also competed at UDA Nationals each winter. Adla-Marie continued developing her skills by training for a summer at Gus Giordano Dance School in Chicago; she also performed in the Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, Missouri with Kristi Faulkner Dance. Her main focus is aiding students in becoming a well-rounded dancer, developing skills that can be used to help them continue to grow within their dancing and throughout life.
Class Assistants
Sherri's Dance Center class assistants help the teaching staff with our level 1 and level 2 classes. Our wonderful assistants are selected based on their leadership, dependability, and reliability as well as their dance skill. These dancers are great role models, and are happy to help anytime they are needed.
Sherri CoNwell
Founder
Sherri Conwell founded Sherri’s Dance Center in 1982. She is a member of the Texas Association of Teachers of Dance. She was a founder of Southwest Oklahoma Dance Alliance and served on the board for Arts for All. She was named a Lawton Cultural Award winner as an Educator in the Arts. Sherri was Miss Lawton 1978. She has danced in productions of “Oklahoma,” “A Chorus Line,” and with the Oklahoma University Modern Dance Company.
Sherri has choreographed for many different events including; SODA’s Choreographer Showcase, local pageants, a commercial for The Salt Cellar as well as The Drowsy Chaperone for Cameron University. Sherri was also an Artist-in-Residence for the Oklahoma State Arts Council for 15 years.
Students of Sherri’s Dance Center have been accepted into many dance departments including Walt Disney World, the Oklahoma Summer Arts Intensive at Quarts Mountain, the Bill Evans Dance Institute, the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and the University of California at Irvine. She also has taught students in several musical theater programs including the University of Central Oklahoma, and Oklahoma University. In addition Ms Sherri has had students accepted into a to a variety of Oklahoma University Youth Programs.
Miss Sherri's Students have also attained honors such as: winners of several area and state level pageants, a finalist for Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant, soloists for SODA’s Nutcracker Ballet, OK Kids Scholarship winners, LA Dance Force Scholarship Winners, National KAR solo finalists. Miss Sherri's students also have obtained careers as cast members of Broadway musicals to include; Hamilton, Les Miserables, and Radio City Rockettes' Holiday Spectacular.
Sherri has choreographed for many different events including; SODA’s Choreographer Showcase, local pageants, a commercial for The Salt Cellar as well as The Drowsy Chaperone for Cameron University. Sherri was also an Artist-in-Residence for the Oklahoma State Arts Council for 15 years.
Students of Sherri’s Dance Center have been accepted into many dance departments including Walt Disney World, the Oklahoma Summer Arts Intensive at Quarts Mountain, the Bill Evans Dance Institute, the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and the University of California at Irvine. She also has taught students in several musical theater programs including the University of Central Oklahoma, and Oklahoma University. In addition Ms Sherri has had students accepted into a to a variety of Oklahoma University Youth Programs.
Miss Sherri's Students have also attained honors such as: winners of several area and state level pageants, a finalist for Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant, soloists for SODA’s Nutcracker Ballet, OK Kids Scholarship winners, LA Dance Force Scholarship Winners, National KAR solo finalists. Miss Sherri's students also have obtained careers as cast members of Broadway musicals to include; Hamilton, Les Miserables, and Radio City Rockettes' Holiday Spectacular.