Tanze Performing Arts Studio
I created Tanze (German, pronounced Tan ts e), in 1989. My vision was to provide an environment where many artists could gather and share precious handed down forms of dance and theatre arts. I believe every human being has the capacity to create, regardless of you physical limitations, age, cultural or social background, ability level or education.

Our programs are multi-cultural, multi-generational and are created with social sensitivity, striving to give a community what they desire, or perhaps need. I believe the arts are a means to peace and harmony within a community. Tanze has been, and will continue to be a host site for many known artists. Past artists have been Savion Glover from "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk", Anysura Yoga expert, John Friend, the dance company "Essence of Africa", Fanchon Shur-Licensed Movement Therapist and choreographer and Jeannie Speier-Licensed Movement Therapist and specialist in Dunham Technique and Balinese Dance.

My method or approach of teaching is a collection of theories and standards, which, I believe, are unique in the dance industry. Personally, I embrace Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory, Dabrowski's Theory of Overexcitabilities in Artists, and Educational Kinesiology (the theory of movement and brain development and whole brain functioning). I follow the National Dance Standards, developed by The National Dance Association in 1996, form the basis for providing depth of knowledge and achievement in dance for all students K-12.

It is necessary to have this foundation to develop a highly effective dance program for all ages. There are many ways to teach the art of dance. I feel it is vital to use an array of knowledge and skills to teach dance, such as: creation, history, culture, perception, analysis, aesthetics, performance, production and appreciation. In addition, I firmly believe each class should be a positive experience in self-discovery and personal growth artistically, athletically and technically.

Our teaching philosophy at Tanze is to nurture creativity in all people and provide an atmosphere for growth and development physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are "situation providers" for people to discover their own personal connection to the world of movement and dance. Our learning environment is a combination of structure, freedom and love. Structure in the sense of a framework that encourages the discovery of dance concepts and movement, freedom to present an opportunity to explore movement ideas and allow imaginative experiences to blossom, and love to reinforce self worth. We believe movement has the power to heal and transform the participant and the witness. The human body is meant to be in motion.

      ~Susan Moser  choreographer, composer, director, dancer, actor