Written by Tanya Terry
Source: Creative Expressions Dance Studio website
Sheila Miller-Graham, known for her dance studio Creative Expressions in Berston Field House and her other remarkable contributions to the community, died May 1 at age 66.
Creative Expressions’ big annual show was held on Sunday at Whiting Auditorium, and Miller-Graham died on Monday. The show’s theme was Vibin’ to a 90s Groove/Back to the 90s and celebrated 41 years of dance excellence at Creative Expressions.
In a letter in the program book, it reads: “Life is precious, and we truly value each and every person that has had a hand in making Creative Expressions a success.” Some community members are viewing this line in the letter as a farewell.
Miller-Graham was born in Flint. She previously worked as a teacher at Flint Northwestern High School, where she returned to teach dance in the Fine Arts Department and served as the chair before her retirement in 2018.
In 1982 is when she opened Creative Expressions Dance Studio.
County Commissioner Charles Winfrey, executive director of the Floyd J. McCree Theatre, remembers Miller-Graham fondly. He shared his memories with the Courier.
“I first became acquainted with Sheila because of where I work, McCree Theatre,” Winfrey said. “I wasn’t there at the time, but the theatre was established in 1970. By 1971, the theatre was offering classes and workshops in dance, theatre, visual arts and photography to the north side community. Sheila Graham lived immediately across the street from the theatre’s first location, which was the Father Blasko Hall, located at 735 E. Stewart Avenue. Sheila lived on Crissman Street, right adjacent to the theatre. So, when the theatre opened its doors to those classes, Sheila was one of the first students to enroll in McCree Theatre’s dance classes.”
Winfrey said the city has experienced a great loss in the arts community because of Miller-Graham’s death. He stated Miller-Graham was instrumental in the building of the McCree Theatre.
Winfrey stated the McCree Theatre is like a “mothership” to many of the arts programs in Flint, particularly in the inner city. He added Creative Expressions is a “spin-off” of the McCree Theatre, along with Tapology and Kuungana African Drum and Dance Company.
When the McCree Theatre ceased operation of its afterschool programs because of funding shortfalls, the City of Flint hired Miller-Graham to teach dance at Berston Field House.
“Because Sheila was so intricately attached to McCree Theatre and our history, she would come back from time to time to choreograph for us,” said Winfey. “She is an honor, not only for what she did through dance, but the type of person she was. Every kid that’s ever had dance lessons with Sheila has a great deal of respect for her. I think she’s one of a kind. So many of the choreographers in the area were touched by Sheila, either by her instruction or by interacting with her!”
Miller-Graham earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in dance. Additionally, her post-graduate studies include University of Kansas special education, Eastern Michigan University education certification studies and Marygrove College teacher certification.
Miller-Graham was a founding member of the Flint Chapter of Pierians Inc., member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Beta Omega Chapter, member of the NAACP Flint Chapter and member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Gamma Delta Chapter. She also served as director of the Fine Arts Ministry Dance Department at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church.
In 2022, because of her outstanding contributions to the community and service to Flint residents, Mayor Sheldon Neeley honored Miller-Graham with a Key to the City.
“The loss of Sheila Miller-Graham will leave a significant void in our community, and I am deeply saddened by her death,” Neeley said. “Sheila was a beacon of light, a mentor and an advocate for many children in Flint. She leaves as her legacy a love for dance, compassion for youth and commitment to the Flint community. The city of Flint will forever be grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and daughter.”
The Courier joins the rest of the Flint community in honoring the life of Sheila Miller-Graham.
