Friday, January 22nd 11:15 am-12:45 pm
The power of Hip Hop for Healing, Expression and Empowerment.
Tara Wilson, is a dancer, educator and choreographer based in Calgary Mohkínstsis with a background in Contemporary dance and over 25 years of experience in Hip Hop and Streetdance.
Her passion for dance began at the University of Calgary where she pursued a degree in dance. She was introduced to Hip Hop and Streetdance at the Bates Dance Festival through Rennie Harris of Rennie Harris Pure Movement - and she was forever changed. For more than 20 years, Tara trained intensively in these styles and has since traveled around the world to train with masters and hone her skills.
She has had the privilege of learning from many of the pioneers of Hip Hop and Streetdance and has extensive knowledge of the dances as well as the history and culture. She is the founder and creator of “Get Down” – a yearly workshop event that featured pioneers of the culture coming to Calgary to train and educate dancers from 2002 – 2010. This summer program helped to bring authentic Hip Hop education to dancers from across North America and was the first of its kind in Canada.
From 2007 to 2018, Tara worked with Blueprint for Life – a Hip Hop outreach program based in Ottawa Ont. founded by Stephen “Buddha” Leafloor. Through her work with BFL, Tara helped to pioneer the organization’s powerful work in youth corrections. She has been a part of BPL programming in youth corrections in Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary and has worked with many at risk youth throughout Canada through this unique program that draws on Hip Hop knowledge and experience to empower youth.
Today, she teaches Hip Hop at the University of Calgary and at her own dance studio: PULSE Studios - which specializes in Hip Hop and Streetdance.
She is deeply committed to sharing her love of dance with others and strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for her students to explore their creativity and develop their skills.