“Every year since 2003, Shari Polis has worked with the Hannah Senesh Community Day School middle school students to present a full-scale musical production. Shari acts as director and choreographer, artfully guiding the students and expertly teaching them the fundamentals of musical theater. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles and work as assistants in direction, crew, sets, choreography, and sound. Collaboration is encouraged! Shari helps her students reach new heights as performers and develop confidence in their abilities; the middle school musical is one of the highlights of our school year!”

“We were very fortunate to have had Shari Polis as our son’s kindergarten teacher thirteen years ago shortly before she ventured into directing and owning her own dance school in 2002. Shari’s choreographing and directing abilities are by far the best out there! Shari has the ability to turn a non dancer into looking like they have been dancing for years! Shari also has the ability to turn non actors into actors! My now 14 year old daughter started dancing with Shari at the age of five. Shari has turned my then very shy five year old into a confident and beautiful dancer and actor! If you need to choreograph a dance or prepare a monologue for auditions in theater or entry into a hard to get into performing arts school, Shari is the only person for the job! ”

“I can easily say that after watching Shari Polis over the last ten years, she is one of those rare arts professionals and educators who possesses extraordinary talent in the areas of acting, singing, choreography, dancing, casting, directing, staging and producing. I have witnessed this with my own niece and nephew, who were both lucky enough to be a part of her wonderful stage productions, both theatrical and dance.”

“Shari epitomizes professionalism. She is the most well rounded choreographer/ director I know. She takes the time to know her performers and students, always making them feel special and unique. She identifies their strengths and weaknesses in order to showcase their best talents, bettering the performance and the experience as a whole.
As a professional she is not only serious and organized with her work but she knows exactly how to balance that more formal side with a fun work ethic. She has loads of energy and has an amazing sense of humor. Not only does she have an amazing personality, but more importantly, a warm heart. She is creative with her choreography and has the best taste in music. She has been such an influential figure in my life. I would never have reached the level of appreciation I have for the arts today if It weren’t for her. I have always been able to trust both her judgement and vision. She takes so much pride in her work that she always invests every ounce of energy into what she’s doing. She has a great eye and knows exactly how to create a memorable performance. Shari is the best at what she does. I will be forever thankful to her.”

“Shari has been a true inspiration in my daughter Ayden’s life. Not only has she learned to be a great dancer but has learned how to be a true performer as well. I see Shari’s infectious smile and incredible stage presence every time my daughter performs. I have seen first hand how Shari’s gentle but firm encouragement has instilled in these kids a sense of self confidence that was never there before. I feel very fortunate that Ayden was able to have been a part of the Up bring experience.”

“Shari holds the incredible ability to bring out the best in all of the people, particularly children, with whom she works. The kids cannot help but to show her everything they can do, and Shari carefully assigns them to roles that best showcase their abilities, whether it be singing, dancing, or acting. Her stage directions and choreography are fun and easy to follow. Shari works with the kids to make sure everyone understands her blocking and choreography. She makes a space for kids to feel safe and comfortable to create and collaborate on a one-of-a-kind production. Anybody would be lucky to have Shari and a director and choreographer.”