There’s a quote out there that says “When life gives you lemons, make grape juice. Then sit back and watch as the world wonder how you did it.”
Sometimes life can really deal us a baneful hand, but there is always a way to pivot and rise above your adverse situations.
Tiana Codrington, a passionate dance teacher, firmly believes that situations in life are sometimes beyond your control, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to settle for less than what is deserved. In fact, she is assertive that with focus, determination and confidence, anyone can achieve their dream in the face of existing odds.
She is the youngest of four girls, who grew up in Campbellville. At an early age, she was taught to believe in herself, tied with being compassionate and generous.
This teaching set the foundation and pillars for the inspiring life she lives today.
Despite being in a dance school since the age of six, she spent her growing years as the proverbial ‘Tom Boy’ who was very fond of outdoor activities like cricket, football, war-break and bush cooks. But that added a positive influence on her outcome.
“I didn’t start to truly acknowledge my femininity until mid-teenage years, much to the disappointment of my older sisters who were into fashion and makeup. All the activities I engaged in as a youth has made me into an outgoing and personable individual. I am a team player, I get along with almost everyone I meet from the youngest child to the oldest adult. I developed my confidence and am able to use sound judgment,” the young woman shared.
Spending most of her childhood and teenage years in dance school, Tiana became exceptional in the art form, and it became the center of her life. So much so, in February of 2015 she made the decision to open her own dance school, ‘Happy Feet Dance Studio’, to start building her own dance empire.
“I was inspired by my love for dance and wanted to explore different genres. I felt the need to depart a bit from the traditional dance styles usually taught. The only way to harness my creativity was to have the freedom to do express my ideas in my own style, my own way and with persons who I could personally mold the way I envisaged. I wanted to teach more than just for Mashramani competitions and occasional functions. The best way to ensure this was to open my own school. I am passionate about dance. I love learning new combinations and choreographing different genres and then imparting the new knowledge to my students. I strive to be a good role model to them as most are young and impressionable. Empowering and helping others to find their passion and explore their talents is very rewarding and gives me immense pleasure.”
The 27-year-old professional dancer now has a dance school with over 80 students who all live like a family, and they have successfully hosted three sold productions at both the National Cultural Center and Theatre Guild. Additionally, they participated in dance workshops in Trinidad and New York, all because she chose not settle for less.
“I never allow external influences to interfere with my inner peace or adversely alter my focus. I always use my struggles and setbacks to grow stronger and be more determined. I think it is important to be independent. When you have a vision, most times working as a subordinate doesn’t allow you to make your own decisions to ultimately achieve your goals or dreams. A lot of times you are putting your energies and talents towards someone else’s success, sometimes with recognition or personal upliftment. When you own your own business, you’re in charge. You decide when and where you want to work. You can immediately adapt to changing situations without having to report and wait for feedback. In spite of financial risks, running and owing your own business can be very rewarding because you give 100% effort and time always. All in all it gives you a creative freedom, personal satisfaction and you control your own destiny.”
In the near future, she envisions that she’d own a modernised studio where her students will get exposure to more technical aspects of dance, fielding larger groups and attending workshops more frequently. Additionally, she hopes that they will be able to showcase their skills, talents and improvements in more than one productions a year. Personally, she intends to further her education to improve her teaching and choreographing and perfecting more genres of dance.