The Faculty: JP Tarlit

Jul 22, 12

Name: JP Tarlit

Hometown: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Occupation: Dance Instructor

WBD: Who are your biggest influences?

The biggest influences in my life would be:

1. My family (Mom & my 2 brothers). My mom’s supported me in dance since I decided I wanted to make it my career =) She’s always telling me to purse anything that makes me happy, she also re-posts all my youtube videos on her Facebook =P

2. Cezar Tantoco. Back in 2005 Jerome Esplana introduced me to him, and thats when I got my first ever teaching job. Cezar helped open A LOT of doors for me and without him and his guidance I wouldn’t be dancing/teaching today.

WBD: What is your ultimate goal as a dancer?

To travel around the world teaching at different countries, learning from different teachers and hopefully performing at different places.

WBD: What is one dance performance that stands out in your mind?

It’s sooooo hard to pick out 1 dance performances =P but if I had to pick out 1, the first thing that came to mind was my recent project at “Vancity Project 3.0″ I had the chance to work w/ Manuel Jacinto & Brian Lui, these 2 are some of the most talented dancers/choreographers in the city. I actually taught Manny & Brian a couple years ago and seeing their progress over the years and how much they’ve improved is so inspiring. We all collabo’d on this project, so we all choreographed this whole piece together. Just want to say thank you again guys for doing this project w/ me, it was a huge privilege to perform and work with you guys =)

WBD: Who would you love to work with and why?

I would love to work with Michael Jackson, he’s inspired me soooo much when I was a kid, biggest “dance” influence in my life. Like many kids MJ is the reason a lot of us started dancing, and he was (still is) the artist all dancers wanted to dance for/work with. R.I.P MJ.

WBD: Tell us one of the coolest things that’s happened in your career so far.

One of the coolest things that’s happened in my career so far would be…. When I first got my harbour class in the summer of 2009. I remember looking at the wall of choreographers back when I was just taking class and hoping one day I’ll have a class of my own =), then I met Shauna Smith. She was the one that got me to start subbing classes at harbour, so big shout out to Shauna! =) thank you soooo much!

WBD: In dance, where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration mostly comes from friends esp. my faculty bros. They continue to push me to become a better choreographer, dancer, teacher and person. I know its pretty cheesy but it’s the truth =P

WBD: What advice do you have for aspiring professional dancers?

Anything worth having is worth working hard for =)