Tandy Muir-Warden is the granddaughter of bbodance’s Founder, Edouard Espinosa, and a valued Patron of bbodance.
Please tell us about your memories of bbodance.
I was born in Hove and spent one year of my childhood year living in bbodance’s original home, Woolborough House. I have a number of memories of the Concourse events held at Woolborough House, especially the teas and winning boxes of chocolate when I was a child. When I was in my teenage years, I accompanied my mother to the events and got stuck in with greeting people and running up and down the stairs taking care of various tasks.
My father was Canadian and an original Espinosa Memorial Fund Trustee, a role I have continued (as has my nephew Grant Rasmussen). Eventually my immediate family all moved over to Canada to meet part of our family. First my sister, then ten years later I went, followed by my parents. It made sense to us to all be in the same country.
Why do you believe dance and the arts are important?
Dance and the arts are really good for development of the brain; they support creativity and the art of melding movement with music. Dance is a great way to keep fit and healthy and provides people with challenges to overcome, building self-esteem.
Dance is available to everyone and does not have to cost any money, if you have music you can move to it wherever you are.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by nature, the fauna and flora around us. At our previous home in Canada, we had deer coming in and out of the garden daily, and foxes visit seasonally. I loved looking up and seeing them there, their paths do not change despite our homes now being there. If they have been brought up to walk that route, they will still walk it regardless of our garden being there. We have simply become part of their daily adventures. I now live in a more suburban area, with a local park down the street where we see lots of rabbits.
If you could share some advice with young dancers, what would it be?
Work hard, show initiative, be innovative and do not be self-centred. Be yourself whilst figuring out who you are and go for your dreams. I say this particularly to young dancers, do not be put off easily. It is easy to compare yourself to others but if dance is something you love you must keep going.
Please share your thoughts about being a Patron for bbodance.
bbodance is my family. Being a Patron means I can provide some continuity and share the family history with the current members.
Can you describe bbodance in 3 words?
Innovative. Purposeful. Caring.
The organisation is constantly doing more with less. What they achieve with such a small team is incredible. The organisation does so much to develop and protect young dancers. bbodance is always reliable.
What are your hopes for the future of dance?
I hope dance continues to expand and become accessible. I hope more opportunities are provided and the relationship between dance and movement in general develops.
When bbodance brought out the Musical Theatre syllabus I was delighted. Despite always having a focus on Classical Ballet from Edouard Espinosa, my family’s roots were originally in Musical Theatre where they delved into choreography, direction and theatre practice. It is also important to note that Eve Kelland was a singer and actress but not a dancer, so the Musical Theatre syllabus reflects the broad interest of both the bbodance Founders.
Having these roots brought back to life with the Musical Theatre syllabus is very special to me. I hope for these connections and progressions to be sustained and further developed.
Do you have any advice for dance teachers?
Stick to your practice. Be kind and encourage your students whilst also understanding them. Work hard and provide as many opportunities as you can.
Why is it important for dance teachers to train and gain a qualification in dance teaching?
A teaching qualification gives you recognition and a promotable business. Having support from an Awarding Organisation also gives you a community to lean on and helps you to maintain your teaching standards for years to come.
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