VALERIE THURSTON
Artistic Director, Instructor & Owner
Valerie has loved tap dance since she started at the age of 11 years old! Since then, she has sought extensive training and is fortunate to have shared her joy of tap with students across Alaska since 2005. Valerie's teaching experience includes:
Valerie's previous training includes classes, workshops and festivals in Anchorage, New York City, Texas, Colorado and Canada. Teachers who have made a significant impact on her foundation, technical training and development as an instructor include Barbara Clausen, Jody Reed, Alice Bassler Sullivan, Kristen Vierthaler, Leslie Ward, Katherine Kramer and Lisa La Touche. Valerie is especially proud to be mentored by living tap legend, Dianne Walker.
Valerie Thurston completed the Level 1 Copasetic Canon Curriculum and holds a Tap Teacher Training Certificate from the American Tap Dance Foundation.
Artistic Director, Instructor & Owner
Valerie has loved tap dance since she started at the age of 11 years old! Since then, she has sought extensive training and is fortunate to have shared her joy of tap with students across Alaska since 2005. Valerie's teaching experience includes:
- The Tap Studio, 2015-present
- Alaska Dance Theatre, 2005-2015
- Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, 2011-2013
- Children's Dance Theatre, 2008-2012
- West High School Guest Artist, 2006-2012
- Dance Spectrum Alaska, 2008-2009
- Alaska Theatre of Youth, Guest Instructor (2023)
- OLE, Guest Lecturer (2023)
- Anchorage Ballet, Guest Teacher (2021)
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Guest Lecturer
- Studio 49, Guest Instructor
- Broadway Kidz, Guest Instructor
Valerie's previous training includes classes, workshops and festivals in Anchorage, New York City, Texas, Colorado and Canada. Teachers who have made a significant impact on her foundation, technical training and development as an instructor include Barbara Clausen, Jody Reed, Alice Bassler Sullivan, Kristen Vierthaler, Leslie Ward, Katherine Kramer and Lisa La Touche. Valerie is especially proud to be mentored by living tap legend, Dianne Walker.
Valerie Thurston completed the Level 1 Copasetic Canon Curriculum and holds a Tap Teacher Training Certificate from the American Tap Dance Foundation.