# 833 - 432- 6232

Barbara Deglar

Barbara Degler ("Mrs. D.") returns to the DanceLife Center as its Ballet Mistress, and started dancing at the age of four. Growing up in Shelbyville, she studied Ballet, Tap and Jazz with Fred Hensey of Decatur. While in high school, she received a Ballet and Modern Scholarship to Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. After graduating, she moved to Chicago and became a member of the Illinois Ballet Company. Upon returning to Central Illinois, Barbara opened her own dance studio in Mattoon, teaching Ballet, Tap and Jazz.

She also taught at Millikin University's School of Music Preparatory Department. Barbara was Co-founder and Co-Director of the Central Illinois Youth Ballet, which did its first "Nutcracker" at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan in 1970.

Through the years, "Mrs. D." has choreographed musicals for local high schools, community performing groups and Eastern Illinois University's Summerfest Professional Theater in 1994. Barbara has been a member of Dance Master's of America, Inc. since 1973, with a certification in Ballet. She and her husband Steve have a daughter, Julia, and two grandchildren, Jackie & Jacob. Mrs. D is a much-loved member of the DanceLife family!