Terri “Tati” Perrotta (October 6, 1965 - May 27, 2026) has a new view in the sky to watch her dancers shine.

Terri was born, raised, and committed herself to the community in Hyde Park. At the age of 17, two best friends who would come to be known as “Terrine” embarked on a life journey that would shape hundreds if not thousands of students. Terri and Corrine opened the doors to Dance Academy and their hearts to the always growing Dance Academy family. Terri, the passionate outspoken one, and Corrine, the gentle voice of reason, and together, an unstoppable force.

Terri Terri Stawberry poured her heart and soul into her students. She knew that every hand-made tap shoe bow, every perfect count of 8, every happy birthday cha-cha created unexplainable magic and life-long bonds of friendship. She had the unique gift of bringing out everyone’s potential. Terri was happiest watching her students find their confidence on and off the stage.  If she wasn’t at the studio, the recital, or one of many dance shows she whisked her dancers to for the opportunity to perform, you could find her at the beach. Disney was her favorite place; she often brought Dance Academy there or brought Disney magic to Hyde Park. Her huge heart extended to animals and the many cats she cared for. Her love language was acts of service beyond the usual. She constantly considered others and how she could help out in any circumstance above anyone’s expectations.

Terri created her family circle. She is remembered and loved by her partner in life, Patrick Greeley, her “Prince Charming, her brother Scooter Perrotta, her Hyde Park family David Christoper, her sister in every sense of the word in Corrine Melvin, her husband Robert, and their children who she treated as her own: Ashlyn and Robert Melvin, and her godchild Alexis (Melvin) Crowley and husband Gary. Her self-made family does not end there. She cherished long-lasting friendships filled with laughter. She helped raise hundreds of children, becoming something far more than a dance teacher with the care she had for each of her students.  The magic Terri brought to so many lives will continue on, in our memories, in our traditions, and on the dance floor. 

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday evening from 3:00-8:00 PM at the Most Precious Blood Church (25 Maple Street Hyde Park).  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM, also at Most Precious Blood Church, relatives and friends invited.  Interment will be private at families request.  Please in lieu of flowers all donations in Terri's memory can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theresa "Terri" Perrotta, please visit our floral store.