Local dancer pursues professional career

By Aaron Lombardi

 

A local dancer is continuing her professional career in Los Angeles with hopes of sustaining an income.

Tawnie Clarke, 19, began dancing at three-years-old, where she studied at Nancy Pattison’s Dance World. Since the earliest stages of her dancing career, Clarke’s passion for onstage performances was strong and recognized by peers and industry professionals. Clarke danced with the Windsor Dance experience and at Walkerville Collegiate Institue where she attended high school. By age 15 she was recognized by Dancemakers Inc., a company specializing in young talent and touring performances, where she and ten other dancers from North America toured in a performing company known as the Collective.

Following her work with Dancemakers Inc., Clarke signed with Movement Talent Agency at age 17, which operated out of Los Angeles. Living in LA, Clarke saw better results from her efforts such as working with professionals, booking jobs more, and taking part in videos and performances. Clarke credits the move as a major influence on her career and lifestyle, surrounded by others who pursue the same dreams in the arts world.

“I mostly want to stick to being a performer…I would also like to be a traveling choreographer, workshop teacher, and choreograph pieces for studios,” said Clarke.

Clarke received multiple awards throughout her career including scholarships from Walkerville High School, Sugar and Bruno Dance Camp, Millenium Dance Center, the Fame Award by Hollywood Connection and a Lifetime scholarship to all Dancemakers Inc. conventions. She has also worked with industry-known professionals such as Dejan Tubic, and Kathryn McCormick. Although Clarke believes the creative arts in Windsor is strong, she encourages others who wish to pursue careers in this field to make the move to areas where the work exists.

“I think it (Windsor arts) is great but very limited,” said Clarke. “People might not feel as comfortable to express themselves artistically. But in LA, being surrounded by so many people all striving to leave their mark on the planet only pushed me harder.”

 

 

Tawnie Clarke poses for a publicity photo in Los Angeles, where she is a working dancer.  Photo provided by Tawnie Clarke.