tara shelby

Tara began dancing at the age of 3 at Suncoast Academy of Dance. She continued her training at Academy of Ballet Arts under the instruction of Suzanne Pomerantzeff. She spent her summers training at various places including Sacramento Ballet (on scholarship), Oklahoma City Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and The Tallahassee Ballet. Tara attended Florida Southern College, earning a Master’s in Accounting and a minor in Dance. She is excited to begin her first season with NWA Ballet!

get to know the dancer

Where are you from?

Dunedin, FL

In 1-2 sentences, describe your "discovery" of—or pathway to—ballet?

My older sister started dance classes and I couldn't wait to join too! I loved dancing around the house.

Do you remember the first ballet you ever saw? What was it and how did it affect you?

I think it was the Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet. I don't really remember much beyond that.

What do you like to do outside of dance (hobbies, interests, etc.)?

I like to paint my old pointe shoes, read, go to museums, knit, bake, and hang out with friends!

What are some of your other talents?

 I played the piano for about 10 years and sang in choir for 8. I also have a degree in accounting.

What are some of your indulgences?

Dark chocolate or playing video games with my sisters

What is your favorite role that you have performed? Have not performed?

My favorite role that I've performed would either be Karen from the Red Shoes or the Sugarplum pas de deux. My dream roles to perform are Myrtha in Giselle or Nikiya in La Bayadere.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

No

If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be?

I would have either been a doctor or a lawyer. I love learning about human anatomy! Everyone says I would make a good lawyer and I do enjoy a good debate.

How do you spend your summer breaks?

At summer intensives and visiting family or going on little road trips.

If I could visit any country in the world, it would be…. 

Germany is next on my list!

What does Northwest Arkansas mean to you? Why is it special or different (in a good way) from other places you've danced/trained?

 I haven't been yet but what stood out to me, over the phone, was how much they cared about their dancers’ well-being and how important community was to them.

What are three things people might not know about you?

One of my favorite things to read is National Geographic and National Geographic History. I also love makeup and used to work at Sephora. I am right-handed but mostly a lefty for dance.