Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Spataro.
Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It started as little girl with flat feet. My doctor suggested to my mother that she put me in ballet to strengthen my arches, not knowing it would start a whole knew trajectory for my life. After being in dance for a few years, I was asked to audition for a competitive dance company. Another moment that unknowingly shaped my life. Young, enthusiastic, but also naive, I started my knew journey as a competition dancer. Twists and turns led me to a few different dance studios, ending with a studio who was directed by a dance teacher who is well known to this day. I loved performing and also had an interest in choreography. Creativity is essential for me. I vividly remember sitting in our long Saturday rehearsals observing the teacher and in my head thinking about the decisions I would make or how I would teach if that were me. I had a passion for stage and screen, however, as years passed I began to struggle with body dysmorphia as well as mental, emotional and even physical health. I really started to struggle in the performance environment. I ended up being given a teaching job at a local YMCA. This was suppose to be temporary until I started working as a performer. I started to see how I can impact young dancers, share my passion, cultivate others passion and help shape a community of people who at times feel incredibly different. I began to find that choreography really sparked my creativity. I enjoy being a story teller, impacting my audiences, striking real emotion. They gave me the opportunity to start a whole dance program with a dance company. This was a great learning experience for me. I grew a lot during this time. After time I realized our visions didn’t aline and I needed to grow more. I was involved with a start up studio called Dance Theatre Of New Jersey, under the ownership of Jaimie Bernstein. Our mission was to create a high level competitive program for kids without negatively effecting their emotional wellbeing. We started with about 30 dancers. It grew to over 300 dancers and a company of 75. Doing so was all consuming. At times we felt super excited and felt like we really reached our goal. And at times we felt as if we failed. After 15 years in business our building was bought. We learned that the new landlord will be removing us to take over the building. In a panic we tried to figure out what to do. At that time the decision was made to close. We where at the top of our game. It was hard to comprehend. Not only to our families but to Jaimie and I as well. 75 company members are now displaced. I was left with the decision of what to do next. Take a break? Freelance? Teach at a few different studios? Maybe one studio? I was blessed to be offered many jobs by many wonderful studios. I felt the weight of this decision. I knew many of my students would follow my lead. I was offered a position by a studio that I followed for many years. I always admired their artistry. Their work environment was known for being a positive one. This studio is MVMT located in Saddle Brook NJ, under the ownership of Elizabeth Laakmann and Jackie DiPalma. They saw an opportunity for both us and them and jumped in to help the dancers find a home. We opened a second location in Franklin Lakes. Here I am today, now 25 years after the YMCA, 16 years after Dance Theatre Of New Jersey, starting all over building a program again. After trying to figure out who I was over the years, I guess you can say, I not only like to teach and create choreography, but in fact whole dance programs where my students can find themselves and thrive!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all risks, there are some bumps in the road. Many of those bumps made me who I am today. Struggling with mental health gave me the awareness, empathy, and knowledge to help others. During my time at the YMCA I was finding the confidence to be open with my sexuality and the judgement that came along with that. During my time at DTNJ SO MUCH happened. In my goal to have a child I suffered pregnancy losses. Finally I was able to have my son Kole. The most wonderful thing in my life. Shortly after he was born my partner left me. I became a single mother over night. The community at DTNJ helped me through this unbearable time. We went through COVID, My father passing away. This experience changed me in so many ways. I met my wife who changed everything for us and we got Married. The studio, which was my constant closed reminding me that things can change in a minute. At the age of 45 I once again finding a new path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
On a daily bases I teach classes and hold rehearsals. I mainly teach Jazz and Contemporary. In Jazz Focusing on body alignment, strength training, injury prevention. In Contemporary focusing on artistry, quality of movement, working with concepts and emotions. I spend a lot of time helping the dancers becoming their best selves. understanding that striving to be someone else will never allow you to thrive as you. Embracing who they are as dancers and humans. Watching them find a passion for dance is so rewarding. As for my choreography, there has been many dance pieces I am proud of over the years. Everything from competitive dances, Artistic projects and dances for non competitive performances. Such as benefit performances raising money for organizations such as Project Literacy Of Bergen County and The Julia’s Butterfly Foundation.
What matters most to you? Why?
I think there are a few things I view as very important. I find it very important to keep growing and learning. Being open to new ideas and ways of teaching or approaching things breathes life into everything I do. Keep my creativity flowing. holding on to the the confidence to trust myself and my work. Not closing myself into a box, or doing something just because I think I should be doing it.
As for my classroom, cultivate discipline, awareness and focus, but at the same time freedom, passion, expression and growth
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsdancenj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visions.spataro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPW3YX6gDM4&list=RDmPW3YX6gDM4&start_radio=1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhBfHM09We0&list=RDqhBfHM09We0&start_radio=1
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mvmt_dance?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
