In 1943, 13-year-old Mary Lou Sheffield invited some neighbor children into her living room for dance lessons. Still practically a child herself, "Miss Mary Lou" already danced and taught with a passion that has carried through decades of instruction. Today, her daughters, nieces and grandson - all accomplished and respected dancers themselves - continue that tradition at Sheffield School of the Dance, Mobile’s oldest dance school. Sheffield says her mother always encouraged her drive to teach. In the summers, she took her daughter to New York to study at the prestigious School of American Ballet. "I received the best training, and that really increased my desire to share my experience and expertise with my students." Sheffield's studio grew from the living room, to a converted garage, to a studio in downtown Mobile. One of her first students, Louise Quick, recalls, "There's a song in 'A Chorus Line' about taking lessons 'up a steep and narrow staircase.' When I first heard that, I flashed back to Mary Lou's studio." Quick, who danced on Broadway in many of the top shows of the 1960s and served as assistant to choreographer Bob Fosse, credits Sheffield with her success. "She introduced me to her New York teachers, and I went on to study with the best, but I'm so lucky to have started with her. Even at a young age, Mary Lou was an outstanding teacher, and she gave me a solid technical background that carried me through my career." Understandably, Sheffield is proud of her many students who have gone on to high profile professional careers on Broadway and in other live shows, movies, and television. But, the dance instructor says, she was never focused on just turning out professional dancers. "A timid child can just bloom on the stage. Dance gives children poise and self-confidence. Dance styles may change, but that aspect remains the same." Today, Sheffield's daughters Celi Shinn and Theresa Noletto-Hutchins, nieces Madeline Avinger and Joanie Noletto, grandson Colby Shinn, and former student Courtney Crowe continue to teach and inspire young dancers. "We all feel blessed to carry on mother's legacy," says Celi Shinn. "Our goal remains the same - to produce dancers strong in body, mind, and spirit." Colby Shinn says his greatest reward is inspiring young dancers. "The eagerness and energy I see in their eyes is contagious. Because of my students, I continue to push myself artistically. It's a full circle." Sheffield School of the Dance 4358-B Old Shell Road, Spring Hill 343-2940 1901 Dauphin St., Midtown 479-3926 4570 Hermitage Ave., Tillman's Corner 661-4893 sheffielddance.net Image information: Mary Lou Sheffield, in her traditional ballet attire, helps daughter Theresa keep her balance as she practices an arabesque. Theresa now teaches at her family's namesake studio.