Born: Uitenhage, South Africa
Trained: The National School of Arts in South Africa and Canada’s National Ballet School

If someone handed you $1,000,000 tomorrow, you would…
Pay off my mortgage, renovate my house and then take our closest friends on a vacation.

If you could live in any other time period, which would you choose?
The 1960s because the attitude was ‘anything goes’ and no wifi was needed.Could you tell us 3 random things we don’t know about you?
I am a middle child, I’ve never eaten at McDonald’s and I can’t stand chewing noises.

Which movie could you watch on repeat?
The Sound of Music or Annie.What would you have done as a career if ballet hadn’t come your way?
As a child I loved writing and I always wanted to be a singer, but I’m not a very good one.

Have you ever had an embarrassing moment performance-wise?
Falling onstage always feels way worse than it is. Unfortunately I’ve gone down a few times.

What’s the last thing that brought tears to your eyes?
How truly amazing my children are can often bring me to tears. I’m so lucky to have them in my lifeWhen you have a day off, what’s your favourite way to spend it?
Having a house and two young kids means there is never a day off but I love being with them.

Where in the world would you like to see yourself living some day?
Ridiculously close to the ocean.

How do you handle criticism?
It’s never easy to hear but you need to trust the person it’s coming from and use it as a way to better yourself.

Milk chocolate or dark?
I’m equal opportunity.Favorite colour and least favorite colour?
Worst – mustard. Favourite – green.

What’s your definition of a successful ballet dancer?
I think you are successful if you can understand and appreciate your achievements without depending heavily on recognition.

Do you ever feel as magical as you look when you dance, or is it mainly just hard work and focus up there?
The magic is absolutely real!

What’s your guilty pleasure song that’ll make you rock out no matter where you are?
Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd or A Little Respect by Erasure. Not guilty at all about either!Thoughts on dating: inside the dance world, or out?
I’m usually of the ‘don’t make your honey where you make your money’ camp, but lots of colleagues have proved me wrong.

What cheers you up on an off day?
Hands down, my kids Lia and Benjamin.. Read Tanya’s bio, http://national.ballet.ca/Meet/Dancers/1st-Soloists/Tanya-Howard
Tanya Howard is sponsored through Dancers First by Nancy Pencer.
See Tanya onstage in the 2015/16 season, national.ballet.ca