Type Of Business:
Dance Studio
Expertise:
Mrs. Tanner-Gunn's expertise includes dance education and student instruction.
Major Product/SVS:
Vocal Coaching, Dance Classes including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop Including Pop-Locking, Street Funk and Jazz-Funk, Acting Classes, Musical Theater, Private Lessons
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending Time with her Family
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance, Roger Williams University (1995)
Affiliations Awards:
Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce; Rockville Centre Mercy League; National Association of Professional Women
Place of Birth:
Rockville Centre, NY
Industry:
Dance Instruction
Date of Distinction:
6/25/2009
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Mrs. Tanner-Gunn separates herself from other professionals in her industry by consistently educating herself on the ever-changing world of dance. Miss Colleen also maintains a close relationship with all of her children and keeps and open door, so that her students can come to her with any problem or situation.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Mrs. Tanner-Gunn's greatest personal achievement was the birth of her daughter Kiera. Without the knowledge and experience of having her own child, she would have never been able to walk a mile in her clients' shoes and truly understand their wants and needs for their children.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlights of her career include the day she signed the papers for her own salon, which she felt was a surreal experience, and when she performed on The Rosie O'Donnell Show. The most gratifying aspect of her career is being able to form personal and professional bonds with each student that she teaches, from toddlers to adults.
Charity:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Number Of Years In Profession:
14
Number Of Years In Current Position:
6
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to the support she receives from her husband Brian, daughter Kiera, mother Dolores Edwards, and father John Tanner.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession 20 years ago when she was accepted into The Roger Williams University dance program.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mrs. Tanner-Gunn is the artistic director and founder of Miss Colleen's Elite Dancentre, located in Rockville Centre, N.Y. Miss Colleen was recently appointed to represent Rockville Centre for young professional executives for the year 2009 and was listed in the National Directory of Who's Who in Dance Educators in New York. Her career outlines a fascinating journey in the world of dance and the performing arts. At Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., she studied with some of New York City's greatest artists including Sean Curran, Heidi Latsky, Molissa Fenley, Adrienne Hawkins, members of the Shoda Moving Theatre and the Groundwerx Dance Theatre, Kathy Smith, Josh Hilberman and Creech Koester and Company. Immediately after graduation, Miss Colleen accepted her first job with Circle of Dance Repertory Company as a principal dancer alongside artists such as Carl Paris of Alvin Ailey and Diane McCarthy. Soon after graduation, she was asked to contribute to the New York State curriculum for public schools. She taught dance education in the Sachem School District for two years. She started accepting projects choreographing for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, NBC, ABC television, Disney, J-Records with Clive Davis, Costa Cruises and took a permanent position choreographing and dancing for Phat Cat Records and DJG Productions, Inc. In addition, she choreographed off-Broadway productions with New York City writer Mike Albo, all of which received favorable reviews from ‘Backstage’ performing arts news and ‘The Village Voice.’ ‘Colleen Tanner’s choreography is fresh and innovative with a real MTV kick to it!’ said one of her reviews. Some of Miss Colleen's most memorable times include working side-by-side with vocal artists such as Reina, LFO, Ashley Parker Angel from MTV's ‘There and Back,’ O-Town, Nick Lachey, 98 Degrees, Jesika, Delsena, Mighty and C+C Music Factory. Recently, Miss Colleen privately trained with Rockville Centre's own Matthew Nolan from the new NBC reality television shows ‘Grease You’re the One that I Want.’
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing Business Operations, Teaching Dance, Billing, Answering Questions through E-mails and Phone Calls
Awards/Honors:
Who's Who in Dance Educators (2005)