...has been a Professor of Dance at Western Oregon University since 1987 where she teaches ballet, pedagogy, dance history, dance production and dance in musical theatre courses.  Professor Oberst earned her bachelor’s degree in Dance and Theatre with a Secondary Education Teaching Certification from Lamar University (Texas) and master’s degree in Dance from the University of Oregon.  She attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston and studied at the Houston Ballet Academy with Nick and Ann Polajenko, Ben Stevenson, and Fred Strobel.  Sharon feels incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to study with such masters as Nathalie Krassovska, David Howard, Robert Joffrey, Gwen Verdon, James Clouser, Roni Mahler, Bill Evans, and Dame Merle Parks.  Sharon has performed with the Houston Ballet, Houston Allegro Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Beaumont Ballet Theatre and Theatre Under the Stars throughout the United States and Poland.  She has performed leading roles in such ballets as Swan Lake, Alice in Wonderland, Tarantella, and Cinderella.  In addition to choreographing for the annual Spring Dance Concerts, Sharon has choreographed many WOU Theatre productions including No, No Nanette, 42nd Street, and Grease, and has directed and choreographed Winnie-The-Pooh, The Sound of Music, Something's Afoot, Kiss Me, Kate, Victor/Victoria and West Side Story.  Sharon is a member of CORPS de Ballet International (an organization of university ballet teachers) and has served on the board of directors and as treasurer and was honored with the organization’s 2007 Award for Outstanding Service.  Ms. Oberst is the 2006 recipient of the Mario and Alma Pastega Excellence in Teaching Award.