Mary Berryhill
Mary started S & R Dance, originally known as Sunshine & Rainbows Dance Studio. After 24 years, in 2007 she handed over the reins to Nikki Spinden-Meagher. Her love and passion for dance and for her students hasn't changed as she continues to instruct at the studio, teaching noncompetitive and parent-child classes.
Mary began dancing at the age of 13 under the direction of Sherry Johnson, who lived in Chadwick, later moved to Dixon, then to California. Mary danced at Stardance Academy until graduating from high school in 1977. She attended Northern Illinois University for 2 years, studying to become a physical education major with a dance minor. Her love for dance made her realize that she wanted to get into teaching. She lived in Downey, CA, for one year, teaching at the Sundance Studios there, and then moved back to Illinois to teach for Sherry for the next 3 years, before starting up her own studio in 1983.
Mary was a "Silverette dancer" for NIU and traveled with the show band to perform at NIU football, soccer & basketball games, and the Chicago Bears games. They also toured to California to perform at Disneyland & a Denver Bronco vs. San Diego Chargers game. She has
taken instruction from various well-known dance instructors throughout the nation at many different dance conventions throughout her dancing career. She also had instructors come teach master classes to the S & R students, such as Jay and Connie Fagan, Billy Muller, Teddi Burgess, Mr. Taps, Bril Barrett, Corrina Lindholm & Jason Beitol.
She is so proud of her many former students who have continued on with their dancing, performing & teaching at various levels throughout the United States. S & R competitive dance teams have done very well at the regional & national levels, but most importantly exemplify high standards by being friendly & supportive of all other groups, which receive compliments often by other studios.
When she's not dancing, Mary stays active in her church, community, and mission work. In January 2006 she found a new love by taking violin lessons and enjoys entertaining nursing home residents.
Mary is married to Tim Berryhill and they have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. Children Derek, Rich & Rose are military veterns and have all served overseas in some capacity, two in the Air Force and one on a Navy nuclear aircraft carrier.
