Tawni Michelle

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Teacher Bio

Tawni Michelle has called New York City home for over 20 years. She began her dance journey with traditional styles like ballet, jazz, and tap, but later found a deeper artistic connection through swing, Lindy Hop, and solo jazz. Tawni participated in the Broadway Dance Center’s Student Work Program. She then went on to study swing, Lindy Hop, and solo jazz under top instructors in NYC's vibrant dance scene. She is currently a senior dancer with Big Apple Lin...read more

Class Descriptions

All Levels VERNACULAR SOLO JAZZ

Vernacular solo jazz is a dynamic dance style that originated from traditional African dances, evolving alongside the swing and Lindy Hop movements of the 1920s to 1940s. It incorporates popular dance steps from this era, including the Charleston, Black Bottom, Suzy Q, and many others. What sets solo jazz apart is its emphasis on personal interpretation—each dancer can bring their own unique flair to every movement. Tawni's style, for instance, leans towards a flapper and theatrical showgirl influence. While many of these steps have been reinterpreted and repackaged over the decades, they still retain their original roots. Today, vernacular solo jazz has influenced and merged into modern hip-hop, continuing to shape contemporary dance forms.