Shirel Jones (She/Her)
Wolf Trap & Dance Teaching Artists
Shirel was born in Trinidad and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is a teaching artist now based in Detroit, MI. Shirel studied Performance and Choreography at the California Institute of the Arts and trained at the Ailey School and American Ballet Theater. Through Living Arts, shirel has worked closely with preschool teachers to create art integrated lessons. Shirel is also the creator of Lil’ Dumplins.
Lil' Dumplins is an early arts virtual and in-person program designed to teach ballet through play. With over ten years of experience as a teaching artist, she has finely tuned skills in connecting with young dancers, and supporting their creativity while building confidence.
Q: What is the funniest thing you’ve heard a young person say?
A: When giving and open ended answer a 6 year old turned to me and said, "you need to go back to school because I don't think you know how to be specific."
Q: If you could be BFF’s with any fictional character, who would it be?
A: Edna from Pixar's The Incredibles! She is hilarious, chic, massively intelligent and straightforward. She is also so perceptive- I would definitely want her as my BFF.
Q: What is the most memorable or impactful art experience you’ve had as an adult?
A: My most impactful art experience was writing and producing a dance tutorial. It is incredible to have an idea, imagine yourself doing it, and then actually creating it!