LJ Tashiro Nafarrete

LJ Tashiro Nafarrete, was a founding member of Orange County, California’s critically acclaimed dance company Backhausdance. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in Dance Performance, while on scholarship at Chapman University. During her tenure at Chapman, she was honored with several awards for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Performance. She also studied at The Ailey School in New York on a full merit scholarship. Prior to Chapman  University, Ms. Tashiro Nafarrete graduated from the renowned Orange County School of the Arts. She has extensive training in various genres such as Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Dunham, Tap, and Jazz techniques and also holds a Comprehensive Pilates Certification from Body Arts and Science International. In addition to her career as a contemporary dancer, she has danced in a variety of modern media and her choreography has frequently placed at Youth American Grand Prix. Ms. LJ continues to choreograph and teach master classes throughout the country. As a dance educator for over 25 years, she cultivates a learning environment that builds confidence, inspires creativity, and fosters the freedom for her students to push beyond their own expectations. Her classes are balanced with an emphasis on proper technique and alignment, as well as the exploration of improvisation, center of gravity, partnering, and use of space. Ms. LJ finds great joy in sharing this treasured art form with her students.