Wall 5 — the vantage point where precision meets compassion.
Rooted in classical tradition and shaped by years of experience, I offer adjudication that is both clear-eyed and kind. Honest feedback is a tool for growth, and every dancer’s journey is honored with care and respect.

Go to:Tanya's Bio

Go to: Adjudicating Experience

Educational Credits:

Professional Education & Certifications
  • Licentiate Member, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (L.I.S.T.D.) – Theatre Faculty
  • Licentiate, Cecchetti Classical Ballet (CICB)
  • Advanced 2 Certification, Cecchetti Classical Ballet (CICB)
  • ACDTA Certified Instructor, Ballet Division
  • Artistic Director, Hinton School of Dance (HSD)
  • International Dance Adjudicator, Certified by IADA & ADA
  • Acrobatic Arts Certified, including Back Handspring, Aerial, and Contortion Specialties
  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Certified – Levels 1, 2, and 3
  • Progressing Contemporary Technique (PCT) Certified
  • Graduate, Cecchetti Dance Theatre Teacher Training Program – Mentored by Hanne Livingstone, FISTD & Cecchetti Examiner
  • Ongoing Fellowship and Enrico Cecchetti Diploma Studies – Training with international Cecchetti mentors

    Recognition
  • Margaret Saul Scholarship Recipient – 2024 International Cecchetti Classical Ballet Competition, Holland, Michigan

    Supplementary Training
  • Alberta Ballet Teacher Training Program (TTP)
  • Ottawa School of Dance
  • Edmonton School of Ballet Teacher Training Program
  • Cecchetti Ballet Institute
  • Cecchetti Dance Theatre

    Intensive Studies
  • Cecchetti Canada & Cecchetti International Intensives
  • Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) Teacher Intensives
  • Ongoing training in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Quebec, and Winnipeg
Tanya – Adjudicator, Educator, Mentor
Tanya is passionate about supporting dance events, students, and teachers through positive, insightful, and inspiring adjudication. With over 42 years in dance, including 35 years of teaching, 20 years as an adjudicator, and more than 20 years directing dance festivals, Tanya brings a deeply informed and multifaceted perspective to her work. As both a teacher and a dance parent, she understands adjudication through the lenses of education, studio and competition operations, and—most importantly—the personal development of each dancer.
What Tanya Offers:
  • A well-rounded, educated approach to dance
  • Constructive and encouraging feedback
  • Sensitivity to today’s mental health needs (certified in Mental Health First Aid)
  • An integrated anatomical, artistic, and technical lens
  • A strong commitment to professionalism and excellence in adjudication
An experienced and accredited dance teacher and adjudicator, Tanya shares her decades of training with integrity, compassion, and strength. Known for her warmth, depth of knowledge, and clear communication, she has earned a respected reputation across the dance community.
Originally a dancer, Tanya has grown into a dedicated educator and lifelong learner. Her journey took her across Canada as a young adult, where she eventually met her life partner. Today, she is a proud mother of three daughters and a grandmother to one.
Tanya began her training in Eastern Canada and now lives just east of the Canadian Rockies, where she continues to teach and serves as Artistic Director of a board-governed dance school.
She is frequently sought after as a mentor to teachers preparing for advanced studies or teaching qualifications, recognized for her rigorous yet supportive guidance. Tanya also travels nationally and internationally to teach, adjudicate, and pursue professional development, continually expanding her expertise and influence in the field.

My perspective as an educator has continually evolved. I understand the dynamic nature of teaching and learning in dance, and the unique challenges and rewards that come with both.

 I believe that every dancer’s journey holds value and deserves thoughtful support and encouragement.

 My commitment is to ensure that students  walk away from performance experiences feeling seen, supported, and empowered—recognizing the worth of their effort, growth, and dedication in the studio.​