When she first saw Swan Lake as a child, Dale Sherman experienced a moment that would shape the course of her life. In that instant, a dream was born and a passion ignited—one that continues to burn just as brightly today. She knew immediately that ballet was where she belonged. What began as one class per week quickly grew to six, and the studio soon became her second home. A native New Yorker raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Dale later returned to Manhattan as a scholarship student at The Joffrey Ballet. Her artistic development was profoundly shaped by the lifelong love and mentorship of Barbara Sandonato, whose guidance would influence and define her both as a dancer and as an artist.

As a professional dancer, Dale’s career has spanned Broadway performances, ballet with the Russian Ballet Theatre, and multiple national tours. She further expanded her artistic range through appearances on daytime television, in commercials, live industrial productions, and on the runway, including performances at Carnegie Hall. Throughout her diverse career, ballet has always remained her foundation—an enduring source of discipline, expression, and attention to detail that continues to define her life.

Dale was awarded the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor’s Scholarship for the Arts in recognition of her artistic and academic excellence. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree on full scholarship from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Dale began volunteering as a chaperone with Philadelphia Ballet in 2005 and became Lead Performance Chaperone the following year. In that role, Dale supervises all students in productions involving young dancers and provides guidance and leadership to our parent chaperones. She has also performed in supernumerary and walk-on roles in dozens of Philadelphia Ballet productions. For over two decades, Dale has given generously of her time, passion, and expertise to lead students and volunteers and provide crucial support to Philadelphia Ballet staff. She truly cares about every child and parent, always offering warm, steady support backstage. Dale is adored by our students and families, and her presence is an inspiration and a joy. It is our great pleasure to present her with the Anthony Haller Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions.

Among her many accomplishments and achievements, Dale considers her greatest award to be the circle of family and friends who surround and support her. They include the love of her life, her husband Adam, her beautiful ballerina daughter, Halle, and her handsome, amazing son, Matthew. Their love and encouragement have been her constant source of strength and inspiration. Without them, and all of her most loved and cherished friends, her life would be impossible to imagine.