LJ Tashiro Nafarrete

Linda-Joy “LJ” Tashiro Nafarrete, a founding member of the OC renowned Backhausdance Dance Company, established in 2003, received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance while on scholarship at Chapman University. During her tenure at Chapman, she
specialized in Dance performance and received several awards, including Freshmen of the Year, and was regularly honored with awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Performance. Prior to Chapman University, Ms.Tashiro Nafarrete, attended the Orange County High School of the Arts and graduated from their Commercial Dance Department. Additionally, she studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City on scholarship. She has extensive training various genres such as Modern/Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Dunham (Afro-Caribbean), and Hip Hop dance techniques and holds a certification in Pilates from Body Arts and Science International.  In addition to concert performances, she has danced in a variety of modern media,
including music and fitness videos and live television. Ms. LJ has taught in various seminars and master classes and continues to teach and choreograph through out Southern California. As an award winning choreographer for over 25 years, her work has consistently placed at various competitions, such as Youth American Grand Prix, California Dance Classics, and Youth Ballet Masters. Her compelling pieces are shaped by a gentle and refreshing journey with her  dancers, which draws upon their unique qualities.

Ms. LJ finds great joy in sharing her passion for the art of dance. Her classes are balanced with an emphasis on proper technique and alignment, as well as the exploration of center of gravity and use of space. With a keen awareness of each student’s needs, she incites a
learning environment that fosters trust, where dancers can develop confidence in their creative instincts and themselves.