Meet the Director
Tamsyn Simon, CCI
From sitting on a blanket as a toddler watching her grandparent's clogging class to attending barn dances and jam sessions to dancing around while her pawpaw played the Jew's harp, the Ozarks culture is undeniably in her blood. Clogging is part of that culture and something she's passionate about passing along to the next generation.
Tamsyn spent much of her youth clogging with the Cedar Bluff Hoedowners, a competitive team in Southwest Missouri under the direction of Pat Skinner Boshe. Pat was the driving force in her desire to share her love of clogging and one day become a Director as well.
When it came time to take a break from the competitive scene, Tamsyn danced with different teams and took every opportunity to learn from other instructors. At the age of 16 she accepted a teaching position at a local dance studio and 20-plus years later, she's still going!
Tamsyn enjoys getting to know each member and genuinely cares about their experience. She prides herself on providing fun, challenging classes where members are encouraged and supported. She has crafted a true community within the studio.
Her mission is to preserve America's Folk Dance through whole dance education - not just teaching movements, but its history as well, connecting members to the clogging community, and empowering them to become part of the evolution.
In addition to clogging, Tamsyn has studied various other forms of dance, took acting and voice lessons during a brief stint in theater, and had a successful career in pageantry. She's a firm believer in "never stop learning" and continues participating in workshops and seminars.
Tamsyn is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two daughters. She enjoys volunteering within her community, going on adventures, and cooking.
Affiliations
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Certified Clogging Instructor - The National Clogging Leaders Organization, Inc.
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Member: C.L.O.G. - The National Clogging Organization
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Member: Arkansas Clogging Council
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YPAD Safety & Wellness Certification - Youth Protection Advocates in Dance Learn More
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Stewards of Children Certification - Darkness to Light
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Adult/Child/Baby First Aid/CPR/AED Certification - American Red Cross
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BMI, ASCAP, & SESAC Licenses
