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When Gerry Corso’s mom enrolled her
four-year-old daughter in dance, Gerry
never imagined it would be a lifetime
commitment. But it was–and is.
The Biloxi native learned to shuffle in tap shoes, earned her pointe shoes in ballet,
and turned cart wheels in acrobatics (as it was called in those days). Lessons were three
times a week – a lesson for each area of dance.
Gerry’s older sister, Georgia, was her dance partner through high school, and the
two were regular performers for special occasions in the Biloxi area.
By the age of fifteen and a sophomore at Biloxi High School, Gerry was serious and
talented enough to begin teaching her own students. After graduating high school, she
enrolled in the University of Southern Mississippi and joined the Dixie Darlings Dancers. As
a college student, she would travel to and from Biloxi to continue to teach her dance
classes. With no obvious regrets, Gerry admits not finishing college. “All I wanted to do
was dance,” she said with unwavering commitment to her lifelong pursuit.
Hometown Rankin • 21