Taylor Simpson began her dancing training at the age of eight years old. As a Southern California native, Taylor attended Dunamix Dance Project until she was 19 years old, receiving Faith-based training from American Ballet Theater Certified Instructors. During this time, Taylor had the opportunity to perform in several classical ballets, such as Cygnets in Swan Lake, Waltz of the Snowflakes in the Nutcracker, and The Fairies of Jewels in Sleeping Beauty. At the age of 16, she began teaching young ballet students at Dunamix and was able to choreograph for various recitals. In the fall of 2017, Taylor began her college career as a undergraduate student at Belhaven University, a private Christian college located in Jackson, Mississippi. In the Spring of 2020, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science as well as her Certificate in Ballet and Modern Dance Technique and Performance. While in Belhaven, Taylor received her training from a variety of dance professors such as Laura Morton, Mia Whitehead, and Krista Bower, Belhaven University’s Chair of Dance. During her college career, she was a part of DOXA, Belhaven’s Dance Leadership Team, leading as an Event Coordinator and Collaborative Arts Member. A significant portion of Taylor’s college experience was spent working with Belhaven University’s Dance Athletic Trainer, Miranda Layman. During her internship with Ms. Layman, she was able to receive hands-on experience working with dancers through their injury, treatment, and recovery process. She also had the opportunity to Perform with Page, Belhaven University’s Dance Ministry Ensemble, as a company member and performer from 2018-2020, performing at a variety of venues and Christian organizations throughout the community. Through this experience, she was able to work with guest choreographers such as Vincent Harding, Abigail Harding, and Stella Amblade. As a part of the DOXA Leadership Team, Taylor was given teh opportunity to facilitate the DOXA Collaborative Arts Concert at Belhaven University, while choreographing and creating a piece titled “Type-ology” for the performance. She was also a part of a collaborative dance film titled, “Formed” in the Spring of 2020. As a student, Taylor worked alongside other students and peers in their creative process, being involved in a variety of student works created for the annual Senior Dance Concert from 2017-2020. In the fall of 2021, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona and was given the opportunity to work as a Performance Arts Instructor at Basis Charter school during the 2021-2022 school year. She has also been able to teach ballet and contemporary at a variety of dance studios in the valley, including Fuse Performing Arts, Ascend Dance, and Laveen Dance. Last Spring, she taught at Fountain Hills Middle School and High School, where she led the school program and directed their Spring Dance Concert. Taylor is excited to continue to be involved in the arts community as she pursues teaching opportunities to facilitate worship and communion with Christ, collaboration, and kinesiology integration. Her foundation and background in Exercise Science has given her the tools she needs to help prevent burnout, injuries, and over-training in dancers. She has the passion for working with students as they develop their own artistry, and hopes to instill a deep love for the Lord and for this art form!