danzarts toronto profile
Tara and Nicole Pillon have travelled a more than two decade-long journey in dance at DanzArts Toronto .
First as students and now as instructors and program leaders , the sisters ’ lifelong association with the Columbus Centre began as toddlers in the daycare , before graduating to participation in the centre ’ s dance , athletic and camp programs , and ultimately to their positions today on DanzArts ’ faculty .
“ DanzArts Toronto has been a huge part of our lives ,” says Tara , who now serves as the studio ’ s Interim Artistic Director . “ We grew up at the Columbus Centre and developed many relationships , memories and experiences here .”
Nicole , who is set to graduate this spring , has chosen to focus on teaching and choreography . Tara , in addition to her role at DanzArts , works as a professional dancer and choreographer with some of Toronto ’ s top companies including a new one of her own creation , ACE Dance Theatre . She leverages these links to provide opportunities for DanzArts students to learn from other professional dancers and perform with them . These and other changes introduced by Tara are part of her goal to take DanzArts “ to the next level .”
For both sisters , however , there ’ s far more to their work at the Columbus Centre than dance alone . “ It ’ s not just about dance ,” says Tara . “ It ’ s about culture , art , family and community .”
Both Tara and Nicole evolved with the studio ( previously called the Columbus Centre School of Dance ), starting in Kinderdance classes and progressing as it launched its competitive program . They represented the studio in its first competition , earning many awards from that day onward .
The sisters both got their start in dance instruction while in high school – at DanzArts , naturally . After graduating , Tara studied in Ryerson University ’ s performance-focused dance program , and Nicole enrolled in York University and the National Ballet School ’ s joint teacher training program .
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