OUR TEAM
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TANISHA GIBBONS
Principal & Artistic Director
Tanisha Gibbons is the Principal, founder and Artistic Director of Gentle Steps Arts Academy. This NIFCA award winning Dancer and choreographer has worked consistently with budding dancers over the past 9 years. She attained an Associate Degree in Dance from the Barbados Community College in 2011 and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Education at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College as well as her Associate with internationally accredited Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD). She holds both an Intermediate and Advance Level certificate in Modern Theatre Dance as well as a gold level certificate in Latin Dance, under the ISTD.
OUR
TEAM
Nathan Gibbons
(Technical Director & Marketing Assistant)
Dr. Yvonne Weekes
(Managing Member)
OUR STAFF
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TUESDAI POUNDER – Senior Modern
Miss Pounder, a recipient of the Prime Minister's scholarship, Madame Ifill Award and the Arden's Clarke Founder's Trophy in 2008 for her self-choreographed piece entitled "Fallen in Agony" started her journey as a dancer at age nine and was exposed to various genres of dance, namely ballet (RAD certification through Grade 1 to Intermediate Foundation). Apart from dance, Miss pounder is pursuing her Master's Degree in Business Administration with Specialism in HR Management.
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STEFANIE TAKEI-TAYLOR – Junior & Senior Ballet
Mrs Takei-Taylor was born in California where she trained at Pasadena Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, and Austin Ballet. She then went on to receive a BFA in dance from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts as a Trustee Scholar and later a Masters in Tourism Marketing from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.
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KEMAL MARSHALL – Junior Modern
A professional artist skilled in choreography, dance, theatre performance, and dance education, he holds associate degrees n Theatre Arts and Dance from the Barbados Community College and a Bachelor's of Fine arts in Dance with First Class Honours from UWI Cave Hill (2023). Passionate about dance, Marshall aims to let it be his voice, living by the mantra, "Dance is more than just movement, it's a lifestyle.".
ASHA ELCOCK - Senior Acting
A talented creative destined to become a household name in the world of performing arts. Asha's journey as an actor has been dotted with several notable stage plays and play readings, including "Angels in White," "The Mad Bull," "Outta School Rules," "Tales of an Obeah Man, "Breaking Ground". Additionally, she has been with the esteemed Laff-It Off family since 2019 where her talent has flourished among the outstanding cast. She is one to look out for with her diverse talents.
CLAIRE HUNTE - Junior Vocal
Claire Hunte is a professional singer influenced by Jazz and R&B. She earned Associate Degrees in Languages and Music from the Barbados Community College. Known for her interpretation of Jazz, Neo Soul, and R&B in languages like French, Spanish, and Italian, Claire has traveled across Europe to collaborate with international artists. Today, she shares her knowledge and skills with learners of all ages.
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RENE' J. BLACKMAN - Hip Hop Coach
René J. Blackman began his formal dance training with Praise Academy of Dance Barbados in 2003. In 2004 he went on to pursue further dance training as a scholarship student and company member of the Hudson Repertory Centre for the Performing Arts in Jersey City, New Jersey. Upon returning to Barbados, Blackman joined the teaching staff of Praise Academy as a Hip Hop and Modern dance instructor, and also became one of its youngest resident choreographers. As a company member he travelled throughout the Caribbean, the US, England, South Africa and Mozambique, performing and conducting workshops. His work as a dancer and choreographer has also been recognized on the NIFCA stage where he has been a multiple award winner. Blackman holds an Associate Degree in Applied Arts (Dance) from the Barbados Community College and is the founder and artistic director of the Barefoot Project.
LISA GRIFFITH - Senior Vocal
Lisa Griffith started singing at age 4 and began showcasing her talent at 14. she placed 3rd in the 2002 Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition and later won the Richard Stoute over 21. Lisa has performed internationally in countries such as Austria, Germany, Martinique, Trinidad, and St. Lucia. Lisa opened for Jah Cure at the 2014 World Creole Festival in Dominica. She is a mother of four, passing on her musical legacy to her children.
KEZIAH CADOGAN - Toddlers
Keziah is 20 years old and has been passionate about dancing since the age of 3. At 16, she joined the Barbados Community College Dance Program, where she graduated with an associate degree in dance. She has honed her skills and knowledge through years of dedication and training. Keziah is now sharing her love for dance by teaching the toddlers at Gentle Steps Arts Academy, inspiring the next generation of young dancers.
RENEE CLARKE - Junior Acting
Renee Clarke is a passionate Performing Arts Practioner from Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. She holds a BFA in Creative Arts and an MPhil in Cultural Studies from UWI, Cave Hill Active in the Writer’s Association of Grenada and multiple dance companies, Renee brings deep insights into creativity. Her poetry writing of over twenty years, often explores the complexities of society. She aims to inspire young people through dance, drama, and creative writing.
REUBEN WILTSHIRE - Acro-Gymnastics
Reuben is a driven, energetic individual who loves discovering new things. He teaches agriculture and landscaping daily and stays active in various sports. Reuben has competed in the pan American competition and the CAC beach games, placing 3rd in beach wrestling. he also coaches cheerleading and gymnastics, performs as shaggy bear and an extreme fire performer, embracing his love for live entertainment.