Episode 40: Leadership in Dance with Tamara Thompson Levi

Written By Erika Mayall

In this episode, I'm joined by Tamara Thompson Levi - the founder, director and CEO of Shine Dance Festival and The Dance Leadership Institute. We discuss Tamara's journey in the dance world: from growing up in Edmonton, AB her professional career that brought her out to Vancouver, BC and her vision to create the competition she felt was missing in the dance world at the time. Tamara is a passionate educator, presenter and event director who's success is grounded in vision, leadership and a values centred business approach.

Tamara Thompson Levi
A passionate educator, presenter, and event director, Tamara is the founder, director, and CEO of Shine Dance Festival and The Dance Leadership Institute.

Tamara found her second home in the dance studio where she started training in tap and jazz at age 3 in Edmonton, Alberta.   By 15 she was performing in industrials, on camera, and on stage and, fresh out of high school, at 17, she took the leap and moved to Vancouver to launch her dance career. She has danced on stages around the world for companies including Alberta Ballet, Calvin Klein, MAC Cosmetics, New Balance, and Festival Cruise Line. She has appeared on screen in an assortment of TV movies, commercials, music videos, and the award-winning dance film Black Angels.

In the early 2000’s she began teaching dance on a regular basis and found a true sense of purpose as an educator teaching dance in studios, schools, and at events across Canada leading master classes, preparing students for exams and competitions, and teaching at the post-secondary level on faculty at Capilano University and TDI Professional Dance Training Program in Vancouver. She completed the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance certification in 2019 and is deeply committed to promoting a wellness-centered approach to dance culture.

In 2005, seeking to create a more holistic environment for the next generation of dancers, Tamara started Shine Dance Festival, a series of annual dance events for youth.  Through her unique vantage point as a competition director, she has become a mentor and leader in Canada's dance community, especially notable during the pandemic where she facilitated virtual sessions for teachers and studio owners to navigate the continuous changes together in a supportive space. Also an active mentor with WeBC for women entrepreneurs, Tamara has been leading live and online programs and events that bridge communities and empower dancers, educators, and business owners across Canada and beyond.

You can connect with Tamara at:
Shine Dance Festival
The Dance Leadership Institute


Learn more about Erika Mayall:

Erika Mayall
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Episode 39: Managing Injuries at a Summer Intensive