Today we’d like to introduce you to T’kea Le Grande
Hi T’Kea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
T’Kea Le Grande is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At a very early age she displayed a love for the arts. By the age of eight T’Kea, lovingly called “Miss T’ by her students and parents realized that dance as an art form afforded her the opportunity to be expressive in a manner she refers to as “poetry through movement”. T’Kea’s love of dance elevated as a student in her local studio where she was trained by one of the matriarchs of dance in the Philadelphia area – who also influenced the premier leadership of the Philadanco Dance Company. While in High School she trained at The Touch of Class studio In West Chester Pennsylvania under the tutelage of Debbie Apalucci the then chorographer of the Philadelphia 76es Dance Team. After High School T’Kea relocated to Orlando where she showcased her other talent as a singer, however she was committed to her first love and attended and graduated from Valencia College receiving a degree in Performing Arts. At Valencia T’Kea studied and performed many forms of dance where she was influenced by the teachings of companies such as Limon and Ailey II. As a member of the Valencia dance program T’Kea promoted the program through a variety of marketing campaigns to include TV commercials, radio, and billboards throughout Central Florida. While honing her craft as a dancer T’Kea also performed and choreographed for a local girl band, Cassiopeia. T’Kea relocated to her hometown where she accepted a position as the Artistic Director of the dance program at Crozer Keystone Healthplex. There she taught Ballet, Hip-Hop, Caribbean Cardio and Modern Dance. During her time in Philadelphia, she also trained with the Modern Dance company, Koresh. T’Kea returned to Orlando where she launched her own Dance Company AVALON DANCE COMPANY while raising her two lovely daughters. As the Owner, Operator and Artistic Director of Avalon Dance T’Kea has trained and mentored numerous students, some have gone on to major in dance in universities… She is honored and feel privileged to play a part in shaping the lives of a diverse population of young people. T’Kea Is Also the Artisit Director of Clare and Chocolate nutcracker and the Auther of the children’s book , ” you can dance too” Her students have participated in an extensive number of regional and national dance conventions and competitions. Her Company has performed for the Orlando Magic, UCF Athletics Department the Dr. Phillips groundbreaking event and much more. T’Kea’ believes one moment on a dance floor can make a dancer and change a life! Seeing young dancers through T’Kea’s lens is refreshing and she hopes infectious. . “Life is a Stage Just Dance”!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. There’s so many struggles and ups and downs when it comes to being an entrepreneur and growing your business. COVID-19 struck down my company losing 90% of my student enrollment. Negotiating disagreements with cooperative landlords was a huge struggle as well.. balancing family life and single parenthood , but through hard work, the support of my community, press severance and prayer Avalon Dance company jumped over the hurdles and is successful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Avalon Dance also known as ADC is East Orlando is elite dance studio and only African-American owned at Dance company. We specialize in all traditional art forms while taking a loving and holistic approach to our dance education process. Dance classes are offered for two adults. Strongly believe in education or foundation of dance technique not just movement and allowing the students to express themselves. Creativity also learning And the historical foundation of each one. They say has won several grand championships and is considered.
Elite grand champions in several regional competitions. When it comes to performances, and future plans for ADC, the sky is the limit…
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Create a mission and stuck to it. Be sure to separate your business form your personal life and personal relationships. And always remember it is what you make it.
Pricing:
- monthly tuition is only $80 per month
- Free master classes are offered monthly
- Adult dances classes are offered every Friday
- Summer camps are offered each year for ages 5 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avalondance.net
- Instagram: @avalondance
- Facebook: @avalondance
- Twitter: @avalondance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AvalonDance
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/avalon-dance-orlando-2?osq=avalondance
