Michael Sheridan

Michael Sheridan headshot
Faculty

Michael Sheridan is an associate professor and studio practice coordinator in the School of Dance.

Biography

Michael Sheridan is a Philadelphia-based artist, activist, and educator originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. After an impressive professional career spanning over two decades with Pennsylvania Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet, among other companies, he was appointed assistant to the artistic director at Pennsylvania Ballet. He also serves as assistant to Damian Woetzel at the Vail Dance Festival and for additional projects, such as Vail Dance Festival: ReMix NYC at New York City Center and DEMO: Heroes at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Sheirdan’s extensive repertoire includes numerous principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, John Cranko, Merce Cunningham, Ben Stevenson, Paul Taylor, Hans van Manen, and Matthew Neenan. Television and cinematic credits include featured appearances on the nationally acclaimed PBS television series Dance in America, and in 2010, he was a member of the production team of Darren Aronofsky’s Academy Award–winning feature film Black Swan.

Additionally, Sheridan co-founded Shut Up & Dance, an annual AIDS benefit for MANNA (Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance) presented by the dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet.He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of BalletX, for which he currently serves as a guest company teacher.

Sheridan has also represented University of the Arts’ School of Dance at international platforms and conferences, including Ballet Why & How: Stockholm; Beyond Ballet Why & How: Holland; Dance UK: London; Montpellier Danse: France;  and workshops in Seoul, South Korea.

Experience

Sheridan holds an MFA in Dance from University of the Arts. 

Awards & Accolades

Michael's work has been recognized numerous times.

  • In 2017, he received the first-ever MANNA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the organization at the 25th anniversary of Shut Up & Dance. 

  • In 2022, he was recognized again with the MANNA Gold Apron at the 30th anniversary of Shut Up & Dance. 

  • He is a two-time recipient of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Fellowship for Emerging Choreographers. 

  • Additional honors include a 2005 Rocky Award for Excellence in the Arts, a 2017 Rocky Award in recognition of his service to the field, and a 2013 Outstanding Mentorship award presented by UArts’ Peer Support, Peer Education. 

Tap into creativity and bring something to the world that’s going to affect people’s lives and hopefully last for a long time. – Alonzo King