TANNER PLECAS

Contemporary, Jazz Technique, PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique)

Tanner is a Vancouver born and raised dance artist, who began his formal dance training at Danzmode Productions. While he was still training, Tanner competed at National and International levels, and studied extensively in as many styles of dance as he could.

For three consecutive years, Tanner was the BC provincial champion in the stage dance category, which consists of Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Stage dance disciplines. While in his senior years of studio training Tanner received several regional and international competition titles, including New York City Dance Alliance’s Regional Outstanding Dancer and was placed in the top five senior males at the finals in New York, as well as convention and workshop scholarships.

Tanner began his professional career dancing with Patrick Roberge Productions while he still in high school. Upon graduation, Tanner danced with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a dancer and aerial silk flyer. After returning to Vancouver, Tanner continued his professional training through Vancouver’s contemporary dance education institution Modus Operandi, where he was granted a full scholarship for his final two years. During his time in the program, Tanner collaborated on the creation of several short dance films, held principal and soloist roles in countless of the studio’s creations, and interpreted the work of many of Vancouver’s contemporary choreographers. 

One of Tanner’s most memorable opportunities was performing in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Opening Ceremonies. He performed with Sarah McLachlan as a member of the professional cast alongside Ballet BC & The Alberta Ballet, which was choreographed by Jean Grand-Maître. In 2010 he also had the privilege of being a part of “Vessel”, the premier of Out Innerspace Dance Theatre. Tanner more recently was invited to be an artist with Alberta Ballet, dancing once again alongside Sarah McLachlan with choreogrpahy by Jean Grand-Maître.

Since that time Tanner has been a full-time choreographer and dance instructor for over seven years, and is passionate about building strong technique in his dancers. His award-winning choreography is often remembered for its athleticism and quirkiness and in 2015 his choreography received awards in his Junior Contemporary, Intermediate Contemporary, Senior Contemporary, Senior Modern, Junior Lyrical, and Senior Stage groups. 

Tanner’s students have also been recognized for their dance achievements while performing his choreography. His students received highest scores for Junior Lyrical (solo), Junior Jazz (duo), Junior Contemporary (group), Junior Lyrical (group), Intermediate Contemporary (solo), Intermediate Contemporary (group), Senior Contemporary (solo), Senior Contemporary (group), Senior Modern (group), Senior Stage (group), and Senior Lyrical (group). His contemporary choreography has been used for competition at the BC provincial championships, as well as the New York City Dance Alliance National Finale in New York. 

Tanner is thrilled to continue working with the dancers at Studio West to help develop them into young artists.