Meet Dance Teacher, Tayler

Meet Dance Teacher, Tayler

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Orange County, CA and went to USC. I got my BA in musical theater and have been doing musical theater since I was 10 years old. I’ve been a choreographer since I was 12 and have been choreographing ever since.

What made you start dancing?

I started learning how to dance for musicals and was hooked. I seem to have a nitch for it, so I kept at it.

What style of dance do you do?

A variety of ballroom and social styles. As a performer I cover them all, as a competitor, my strengths are in rhythm styles. Such as chacha, rumba, and swing.

Do you do any other type of dance other than Ballroom?

Yes. Salsa and I’m a mean moon walker! In addition to ballroom, I’ve choreographed for freestyle, hip hop, jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap.

What is the hardest part about dancing?

The more you learn the more you realize you have to work on. As a competitive dancer, there is always room to grow. It’s not a skill you learn over night.

What is your favorite type of dance?

My favorites are salsa and tango.

How would you describe your dance style?

Since I come from a choreography background, I tend to be the rebel dancer. Even though technique is important, I believe in feeling the music and expressing yourself through your dancing.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I believe that keeping things simple is the best way to learn. I want people to have fun and love dance the way I do and not feel like it’s a chore.

What benefits has dancing given you?

It keeps me in shape, and it improves the pain that my chronic condition causes. It also has given me an outlet for creativity and allows me to express myself through dance.

What is your most memorable moment? (While teaching or just in general, you can choose)

The first time I got a video of a finished product of the dance I choreographed for a wedding. I cried because I was so proud of my students and so thankful to be apart of that moment.

What have you accomplished?

I won first place for a USA dance in Rhythm and qualified for Nationals. As a choreographer, I’ve had the opportunity to choreograph for many professional companies and USC as well.

What is it that drives you?

As a dance teacher, seeing my students accomplish something and be proud of themselves. As a choreographer, watching my vision come to life. And as a dancer, feeling as if I’m invincible when I’m on the floor and nothing can get me down. It is my outlet and also one of my lifelines.

What is important to you?

God and family.

What other interest do you have other than dancing? (Hobbies, interests)

Singing, going on random adventures, spending time with family and friends.

If money didn’t matter, what would you be doing?

Dancing and choreographing with some singing on the side. I’d also produce my own shows.

What is your favorite:

Color? Blue

Movie? Gladiator

Song? “You Send Me”- Sam Cooke

Band/Group/Music Artist? Queen, Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake (don’t judge), Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Etta James

 Do you watch any sports? If so which ones and whose your favorite team(s)?

Yes Football, fight on USC.

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Canadian Bacon & Pineapple.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

That I’m a pretty positive person.

Why are you sooo Coool??

Who me?

Anything you want to add?

I feel so blessed to be able to dance for a living. Most people don’t get the chance to live their dream, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

Article by Jacqui