About Tanya

Licentiate (LCC) – Cecchetti Canada & Cecchetti International Classical Ballet, Advanced II
Tanya is widely recognized as a knowledgeable, fair, and passionate teacher and adjudicator. Her approach emphasizes technical excellence balanced with expressive artistry, inspiring dancers to reach their personal best both in performance and in training. She is deeply committed to fostering a love for dance through comprehensive, thoughtful instruction and views the lifelong study of dance as both a personal pursuit and a professional responsibility.

BIOGRAPHY & HISTORY IN DANCE EDUCATION

Tanya — Certified and Experienced Dance Adjudicator With over 18 years of adjudication experience, Tanya is a respected and qualified judge, certified by the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA), International Academy of Dance Adjudicators (IADA) and the Acro Dance Association (ADA). Drawing from decades in the dance industry, Tanya observed firsthand the need for more constructive and educational adjudication. Motivated to raise the standard, she began adjudicating nearly two decades ago, aiming to provide dancers with thoughtful, inspiring, and educational feedback. Today, she also mentors aspiring adjudicators, helping them refine their skills and deliver impactful, meaningful critiques.

Mentorship and Coaching for Dance Professionals Tanya is a sought-after mentor for dance teachers pursuing professional development, exam preparation, or adjudicator training. She offers personalized coaching sessions—both in person and online—tailored to individual goals or group needs. Her guidance is known for being clear, supportive, and results-driven.

Artistic Director and Educator at HSD As Artistic Director of Hinton School of Dance (HSD), a non-profit studio located near the Canadian Rockies, Tanya leads a faculty team of 8–10 instructors. She creates award-winning choreography and prepares dancers for international ballet exams each year, emphasizing attainable goals and personal growth at every level.

Classical Ballet Training and Credentials
  • Licentiate, Cecchetti Canada (2023)
  • Associate Diploma, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) – Theatre Faculty
  • Advanced 2 Certification, Cecchetti Classical Ballet (2009)
  • CDTA Associate , Ballet
  • Extensive training with esteemed mentors from the National Ballet of Canada, Alberta Ballet, and Royal Ballet of England

Additional Certifications
  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) – Levels 1, 2, and 3 (Certified 2019–2024)
  • Progressing Contemporary Technique (PCT) – Certified 2024
  • ACDTA Certified Instructor – Ballet Division (2024)
  • Acrobatic Arts Certified – Specializing in Back Handspring, Aerial, and Contortion
  • ADA Acrobatic Adjudicator Certification – 2020

Honors and Recognition
  • Margaret Saul Scholarship Recipient – 2024 Cecchetti International Ballet Competition, Holland, Michigan
  • Cultural Pillar Award – Town of Hinton, Alberta (2016)

Comprehensive Dance Background Tanya began her training in Eastern Canada, focusing on Classical Ballet with strong foundations in Jazz, Modern, and Tap. Her choreography and teaching also span Irish, National, Musical Theatre, and Hip-Hop. Many of her former students have gone on to successful professional careers in both performance and dance education.

Choreography and Performance Highlights
  • Soloist, Canadian Pavilion at Expo '86 – Cats
  • Lead Choreographer, Etcetera – an annual sold-out musical with over 100 performers
  • Choreographer, Alberta Winter Games Opening Ceremonies (2005)
  • Featured Choreographer, Alberta Tourism Commercial (2011)
  • Annual Choreographic Contributor, Stars of Hope at the Jubilee Auditorium in support of the Kids with Cancer Society

Leadership and Community Involvement Tanya currently serves as the Alberta Representative for Cecchetti Canada, where she supports teachers and organizes training opportunities across the province. She previously served as branch secretary and returned to the Representative for Alberta support role in 2023 to further assist with member support and educational outreach.