Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Websites
Certification
Choreography
Dance Companies
Performance Experience
Timeline
Generic

Tiana Sanders

Philadelphia

Summary

My goal in every performance is to entertain and connect with my audience, no matter the theme or subject matter. I believe that there is always someone in the crowd with whom I can form a meaningful connection, and I strive to do so with every show. The concept of creating meaning through dance is something I deeply explored during my time at Temple, and it’s a philosophy I live by in my work. When choreographing, I focus on the small, intricate details that allow the audience to experience the full depth of the performance. I also firmly believe that everyone deserves access to affordable, high-quality arts education. As a teaching artist, I am committed to reaching as many people as I can, whether through community African dance classes for all ages or hip-hop classes at private studios where I teach.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Dance Educator

School District of Philadelphia
08.2022 - Current
  • Optimized available space within classrooms or studios by designing creative spatial arrangements conducive to effective movement exploration.
  • Crafted comprehensive lesson plans aligning with national standards for Dance Education while adhering to state guidelines regarding physical education credits requirements where applicable.
  • Organized successful recitals showcasing students'' progress and talents, increasing community engagement in the arts.
  • Organized field trips to live performances, exposing students to diverse professional dance works within their community.

Dance Instructor

Christina Cultural Arts Center
09.2021 - Current
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors to plan and execute successful recitals showcasing students'' progress and achievements.

Hip Hop Dance Instructor

The Garden Arts Center
08.2024 - Current
  • Adapted lesson plans and teaching methods to accommodate students with diverse learning needs, ensuring equal access and engagement for all participants.
  • Enhanced students'' skills by incorporating diverse hip hop dance techniques and styles into lessons.

Hip Hop Dance Instructor

Wissahickon Dance Academy
08.2024 - Current
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
  • Expanded student understanding of hip hop culture through historical context discussions and multimedia presentations.

Substitute Dance Instructor (various styles)

Christina Cultural Arts Center
10.2016 - Current

Hip-Hop/ African Dance Instructor

Route 9 Library
02.2021 - 09.2023

Substitute Hip-Hop Dance Instructor

Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts
05.2022 - 06.2022

Summer Camp Counselor/ Hip-Hop Dance Instructor

Christina Cultural Arts Center
06.2021 - 08.2021

Style Consultant (part time)

Target
05.2018 - 05.2021

Sales Lead/Associate (part time)

Loft
05.2017 - 04.2018

Hip-Hop Instructor

William Hicks Anderson Community Center
10.2016 - 05.2017

Early Childhood Movement Instructor

Ark Learning Center
01.2016 - 05.2017

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
05.2022

Associate of Applied Science - General Business

Delaware Technical Community College
Wilmington, DE
08.2021

Christina Cultural Arts Center
Wilmington, DE

DCNS Summer Dance Intensive
Pennsauken, New Jersey

Eleone Dance Unlimited
Philadelphia, PA

Certification

M'Singha Wuti

Choreography

  • Just Another Day, 2024, Concourse Dance Bar, Philadelphia, PA
  • The University of Delaware's Suite Blackness: Black Dance in Cinema, 2023, Thompson Theatre, Newark, DE
  • Lion King, 2023, Wilmington Drama League, Wilmington, DE
  • The Black Woman: an Endangered Species, 2022, Conwell Dance Theater, Philadelphia, PA
  • ROUTINE CHAOS, 2021, Conwell Dance Theater, Philadelphia, PA
  • Listen to me, 2020, Virtual Festival, Owls Together Arts Festival

Dance Companies

  • Eleone Dance Theater, 09/24-Current, Philadelphia, PA
  • Eleone Connection, 09/15-05/17, Philadelphia, PA


Performance Experience

  • Blackified, 2025, Universal Audenried Charter School, (E. Leon Evans, Wayne St. David, Anthony Rhodes, Dara Meredith) Philadelphia, PA
  • Own Accord, 2025, The International Association of Blacks in Dance at Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Gary Jeter, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Carols and Color, 2024, The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE/ Universal Audenried Charter School, Philadelphia, PA
  • SEARCH & HOLD, 2023, Wilmington Drama League, Siani Beckett, Wilmington, DE
  • The Alt.terre, 2022, Fidget, Megan Bridge, Philadelphia, PA
  • Power to the Proletariat, 2022, Conwell Dance Theater, Asha Yates, Philadelphia, PA
  • Guided, 2022, Conwell Dance Theater, Lindsey Garnhart, Philadelphia, PA
  • The Black Woman: an Endangered Species, 2022, Conwell Dance Theater, Tiana Sanders, Philadelphia, PA
  • Everyone's drinkin' it, 2022, Conwell Dance Theater, Destiny Nyguen, Tiana Sanders, Asha Yates, Philadelphia, PA
  • Arts at the Great Marsh, 2021, Great Marsh Institute, Megan Bridge, Elverson, PA
  • The Alt.terre, 2020, Maryland Hall (livestream), Megan Bridge, Annapolis, MD
  • R E C O N N A I S S A N C E, 2020, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Cierra Woods, College Park, MD ACDA - Mid Atlantic North Conference
  • ENDOLVE: her subtle bodies, 2019, Conwell Dance Theater, Marion Ramirez, Philadelphia, PA
  • Victorious, 2019, Conwell Dance Theater, Tanagna Princess Payne, Philadelphia, PA
  • Pissed: An Ode To The Black Woman Warrior, 2019, Conwell Dance Theater, Enya-Kaila Jordan, Philadelphia, PA
  • Parallel Loss, 2019, Conwell Dance Theater, Tanaisha Alvis, Philadelphia, PA
  • 868 Irving Street, 2019, Conwell Dance Theater, Makayla Peterson, Philadelphia, PA
  • DCNS 15th Anniversary Celebration, 2018, Suzanne Roberts Theater, Philadelphia, PA
  • Eleone Connection Spring Showcase, 2016-2017, New Freedom Theater / Arts Bank, Philadelphia, PA
  • Eleone Dance Theater Black History Month Show, 2016-2017, Mandell Theater, Philadelphia, PA
  • Carols and Color, 2015-2016, The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE/The Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
  • DCNS 10th Anniversary Celebration, 2013, Suzanne Roberts Theater, Philadelphia, PA
  • Dave the Potter, 2014, Mitchell Hall, Newark, DE
  • Christi Awards, 2012-2015, Delaware History Museum, Wilmington, DE

Timeline

Hip Hop Dance Instructor

The Garden Arts Center
08.2024 - Current

Hip Hop Dance Instructor

Wissahickon Dance Academy
08.2024 - Current

Dance Educator

School District of Philadelphia
08.2022 - Current

Substitute Hip-Hop Dance Instructor

Pennsylvania Academy of Dance Arts
05.2022 - 06.2022

Dance Instructor

Christina Cultural Arts Center
09.2021 - Current

Summer Camp Counselor/ Hip-Hop Dance Instructor

Christina Cultural Arts Center
06.2021 - 08.2021

Hip-Hop/ African Dance Instructor

Route 9 Library
02.2021 - 09.2023

Style Consultant (part time)

Target
05.2018 - 05.2021

Sales Lead/Associate (part time)

Loft
05.2017 - 04.2018

Substitute Dance Instructor (various styles)

Christina Cultural Arts Center
10.2016 - Current

Hip-Hop Instructor

William Hicks Anderson Community Center
10.2016 - 05.2017

Early Childhood Movement Instructor

Ark Learning Center
01.2016 - 05.2017

Associate of Applied Science - General Business

Delaware Technical Community College

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

Temple University

Christina Cultural Arts Center

DCNS Summer Dance Intensive

Eleone Dance Unlimited
Tiana Sanders