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 was accepted into the American Tap Dance Foundation's Tap Teacher Training program as a 21-22 cohort. Upon successful completion, she will earn her certification from this prestigious program. 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 and Katherine Kramer. Valerie is especially proud to be mentored by living tap legend, Dianne Walker.
Did you know that Miss Valerie traveled through all 50 States in 42 Days in the summer of 2017?! Not only that, she took the time to dance the SHIM SHAM in every state too! You can view her "50 States of Shim Sham" video on YouTube!
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
- Anchorage Ballet, Guest Teacher
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Guest Lecturer
- Studio 49, Guest Instructor
- Alaska Theatre of Youth, Guest Instructor
- Broadway Kidz, Guest Instructor
Valerie was accepted into the American Tap Dance Foundation's Tap Teacher Training program as a 21-22 cohort. Upon successful completion, she will earn her certification from this prestigious program. 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 and Katherine Kramer. Valerie is especially proud to be mentored by living tap legend, Dianne Walker.
Did you know that Miss Valerie traveled through all 50 States in 42 Days in the summer of 2017?! Not only that, she took the time to dance the SHIM SHAM in every state too! You can view her "50 States of Shim Sham" video on YouTube!