Watching Shirley Temple movies as a toddler, Rowan’s love of dance was born. Before she could even talk, if you asked her to “dance like Shirley” she would mimic her then-idol by rapidly stamping her feet back and forth in an effort to tap dance. In 2010, at not quite 3 years old, Rowan took her first official dance class at TJ Dance and she has been in love with dance ever since.
Over the past 15 years, Rowan has had the pleasure of being a part of three dance studios, each of which has strengthened different facets of her as a dancer. Though her primary focus has been on Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, and Hip Hop, Rowan has also enjoyed Contemporary and Musical Theater Jazz. Branching out, Rowan has dabbled in Bollywood and Country dancing, as well as a variety of ballroom dance styles, with a special love for Argentine tango under the instruction of Patty Leverett. She has pushed herself through master classes with CLI Studios, and has participated in conventions such as Jump, including a breakout session with Savion Glover. Now, having come full circle, Rowan has had the joy of performing a senior solo Tap number at TJ’s 40th annual recital.
Homeschooled herself, Rowan began teaching dance classes at the age of 15 at Heritage Homeschool Co-op where she will begin her fourth year teaching dance this fall. In her spare time, Rowan enjoys being an occasional wedding/event coordinator, serving as a mentor and leader in children’s and youth ministries, and being a part of the worship team at her church. Rowan’s love for dance has challenged her in many ways, but with the incredible support of her family, friends, and the dance community, it has become a place where she continues to thrive and connect with others. She is grateful to be blessed with the ability to tell stories and spread joy through dance.
