Another honour for Sherry Walsh

After closing her local dance studio in 2014 after 34 years, Sherry Walsh continues to add to her dance resume after a trip to Germany earlier this month.

Walsh was in Germany at the beginning of December where she tested for and gained her international judging licence with International Dance Organization.

The examination process features a six-hour oral and written theoretical exam, which she took last May at the American Dance Awards head office in New Haven, CT and was supervised by Bill Fowler, who is the honorary president of the International Dance Organization.

She then served as a mock judge at the World Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany earlier this month.

“Walking into the Sachsen Arena was a very surreal experience for me--but it was taking my place at the Canadian judge's table, when I felt my nervous energy kick in,” Walsh said. “I tried to think positive thoughts to calm myself down. I felt I had prepared well and I knew that I was going in with high scores in the theoretical written and oral exams. I just had to judge objectively and fairly.”

Following the completion of the event, Walsh can now evaluate classical ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, jazz and show dance.

Her new licence has to be renewed every three years.

(Photo: Sherry Walsh with Russian Judge Vladimir Kirsanov. Courtesy Sherry Walsh)