Instructor

Tanya Bello

Tanya Bello is a distinguished Arts Executive, Choreographer, and Pedagogical Architect with over 25 years of experience leading high-level artistic collaborations and cultural initiatives. Her career is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between rigorous technical standards and strategic program management, making her a recognized force in the Bay Area’s professional dance and nonprofit sectors. A foundational collaborator within the ODC ecosystem, Tanya has a proven history of upholding the institution’s artistic excellence. She previously served as the Repetiteur for the children's cast of The Velveteen Rabbit and the Co-Choreographer and Repetiteur for the annual Step on Stage production. In these capacities, she worked directly with Artistic Directors Kimi Okada and KT Nelson to translate ODC’s visionary repertoire for young performers. This deep institutional knowledge is complemented by her extensive faculty work across ODC’s Contemporary levels, where she specialized in the technical progression of students aged 5–18. Tanya’s executive acumen is anchored by a decade of leadership as the National Cultural Development Director for Wood Partners and Greystar (2016–2026). As the chief architect of the Ground Floor Project, she directed a national arts and placemaking initiative that achieved ten years of sustained success. This role required mastery of complex production logistics, multi-city budgeting, and stakeholder communication. Previously, as the Founder and Artistic Director of Project. B. (2010–2018), she managed the full lifecycle of a professional contemporary company, from recruitment of high level dancers, setting of original choreography to securing institutional grant support. Her roots are firmly planted in the highest tiers of American dance. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, Tanya began her career as the Liaison for the Martha Graham Dance Trust at the Library of Congress. Her performance career includes tenures as a soloist and Repetiteur for Garrett/Moulton Productions, as well as credits with Robert Moses’ Kin and Rincones & Company Dance Theater, among many other companies in the Bay Area, Italy, Washington, DC, and New York City. A dedicated educator and mentor, Tanya has held faculty positions at Dominican University, Sonoma State University, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Since 2020, she has led the dance program at The Healdsburg School, focusing on long-term student development and performance excellence. Her commitment to the arts ecosystem extends to her current service on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.