Tanji

Classical Ballet - Jazz

Dancing has been a part of Miss Tanji's life for as long as she can remember. She started ballet at just 2 years old and quickly branched into tap, clogging, and jazz. Ballet has always been her true love, and growing up in a dance studio felt like having a second home. Being surrounded by this art form throughout childhood shaped who she is today.

Miss Tanji has been teaching dance for over 30 years and has loved every minute of it. Her passion for children and the joy of sharing a time-honored family skill made teaching a natural path for her. In high school, she danced on the Dance Company for all three years, serving in the presidency her senior year. She was also a Varsity Cheerleader for three years and served as captain her senior year, leading the team to a Nationals win. Tanji was honored to be the Dance Sterling Scholar for Cottonwood High School and earned multiple dance scholarships.

Throughout her training, she performed lead roles in many beloved ballets, including Wendy in Peter Pan, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella in Cinderella, and Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. Performing has always been one of her greatest joys. Today, she continues to stay involved in the dance world as a professional judge for multiple competitions across Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho and is a member of the Utah Dance Judges Association.

Outside the studio, Tanji is a mother of four wonderful children—two boys and two girls (both of her daughters dance at UDA!). She is also a licensed cosmetologist with a salon in her home. She loves all animals, camping with family, is a huge movie fan, and absolutely adores all things Disney. She tries to make a family trip to Disneyland every few years.

Dance has shaped Tanji's entire life, and she feels incredibly blessed to share that love with the dancers and families here at UDA.