About Me

My name is Yasmiin Tarlton and I am the Dance Director at Myers Park High School. This will be my 18th year teaching dance at Myers Park.  I am passionate about dance education and believe that every student should be given the opportunity to take dance in the public schools.

Education: 
UNC-Charlotte - Graduate Certificate in Teaching Dance & post baccalaureate dance courses
Appalachian State University - BS in Communications- Public Relations Major & Political Science Minor 

Family: I am married and we have two daughters.

Hobbies: dancing, choreographing, reading, writing, being outdoors, traveling, white water rafting

More info about me:
Dance has always been a focus in my life.  My goal is to inspire and educate students to dance!  My own personal dance journey began during my middle and high school years in the Durham Public Schools dance programs.  These opportunities provided my first disciplined learning experiences in the field. During my childhood years, I grew up in the Middle East and my family and community also instilled a love of music and movement at a young age. After high school, the next step in my path was performing with the dance team at Appalachian State University. Upon graduation I began teaching dance part time at local studios and gyms in Durham and Charlotte while working full time in the non-profit industry. I now have 24 years of dance teaching experience. I have the most experience teaching jazz, modern, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop and cheer/pom style dance techniques.  I also incorporate other forms in the MP program such as African, Ballet and Latin.  I have a strong appreciation for all dance forms and love to teach students a wide variety of dance genres and styles through my own knowledge/training and from guest teachers within the community.  I am always looking to broaden and grow my dance knowledge and believe dancers should always keep learning! 

I have lived in Charlotte since 2002 and have been a part of Myers Park High School since 2003. I was the Head Cheerleading Coach at Myers Park for eight years (2003-2005 & 2006-2012*competed in state competitions for 6 years).  I initiated the dance program at MPHS in 2008 with the wonderful support of the administration. I have also choreographed some of the MPHS musicals (The Wiz, Guys & Dolls, Big Fish, Little Women, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Freaky Friday) over the years and coach the after school MPHS Competition Dance Team. Under my direction, dancers from the Dance Company Class and Dance Team have participated in the NC Scholastic Dance Festival since 2015, and have received Excellent and Superior ratings.  I am a member of NDEO (National Dance Educator's Organization) and regularly attend local and national dance related workshops, conferences and professional development.