Therisa Barber-Shaw studied classical ballet from the age of four and graduated from the London Studio Center. After dancing in shows and on cruise ships around the world, Barber-Shaw moved to New York, where she created "The Ballerina Mime." For over 15 years, she has performed professionally as a "ballerina living statue" in the subway system and Central Park. Her other performing venues include the United Nations, Cipriani, Landmark on the Park, The University Club, Jacob Javits Center, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Barber-Shaw has been featured on the front pages of The Spirit and Our Town, as well as in The Wall Street Journal, Time Out, and New York Woman. She has appeared on NY1, the Associated Press, and in the Bloomberg Film Festival.