TAMORA SCHOOL
of
IRISH DANCE
Where Art Meets Athleticism
Established 2013
ABOUT TAMORA SCHOOL
The Tamora School of Irish Dance, established in 2013, holds a special place as a home for countless dancers, their families, and dedicated instructors, fostering cherished memories over the years.
Our committed instructors go beyond the dance floor, working diligently behind the scenes to create a unique experience for dancers. At Tamora, we not only provide top-notch Irish dancing instruction but also impart valuable life skills that extend beyond the studio, shaping individuals for a lifetime.
Throughout the year, dancers have the opportunity to showcase their talents to various audiences. Additionally, those inclined can participate in local, regional, national, and international competitions. We have had 96 World Championship qualifiers, six Western US Region Champions, and our dancers have taken Top 5 placements at the North American Irish Dancing Championships and Top 10 and medaled at the World Irish Dancing Championships. Our instructors are certified by the international Irish Dancing Commission, An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha, and are SafeSport-certified. Tamora proudly serves communities in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County.
Join us at Tamora, where dance transcends the ordinary, and every step builds a foundation for a lifetime of success.
OUR MISSION
The Tamora School of Irish Dance is dedicated to imparting our life-long passion and love of Irish dance to the future generations within our communities. Our esteemed instructors are committed to nurturing dancers at every phase of their dance journeys to help them achieve their personal goals through discipline and hard work. We enjoy commemorating their developmental milestones and achievements along the way. Our hope is that our studio provides a place of connection for dancers: connection to themselves, their team, and their communities. Our intention is that the skills dancers learn on their dance journeys transcend the studio, equipping dancers with enduring skills that resonate throughout many aspects of their life.
OUR CORE VALUES
Community
Strength
Joy
OUR PEOPLE VALUES
Respect
Integrity
Accountability
INSTRUCTORS
TASHA STRASZEWSKI LASA, PhD, MA, TCRG
Founder & Director, Instructor
Tasha began Irish Dancing at age nine and initially hesitated to perform on stage. Encouraged by Anne Painter, she participated in her first recital a year later. She went on to compete locally, nationally, and internationally, winning the Western US Region Oireachtas, taking 7th at the North American Irish Dancing Championships, placing at the All-Ireland Championships, and ranking 23rd at the World Irish Dancing Championships. While still competing, Tasha began assisting her former teacher, Michelle Painter Larson, TCRG. She earned her teaching credential and opened the Tamora School of Irish Dance in San Dimas, her hometown, in 2013. She enjoys helping her students achieve their goals through hard work and dedication. Along the way, Tasha also performed professionally, appearing on David Arkenstone's Symphonic Adventure on PBS, Univision, and more, and danced with Michael Ryan and Friends’ Spirit of Ireland show for more than a decade. At university, Tasha also explored other dance forms and holds a minor in dance. She earned a Doctoral degree in social psychology from Claremont Graduate University and works as a Senior Analyst.
KATE TUCKER, TCRG
Instructor
Kate began dancing at age three. She tried nearly every style of dance, then fell in love with Irish Dancing at age nine. Kate has secured top placements at the regional and national levels, and she has qualified and competed at the World Championships several times. She retired from competition to begin her career in show dancing and traveled the United States doing what she loves most. After touring, Kate took her many years of assistant teaching experience, including teaching alongside Tony Comerford, TCRG, ADCRG, and received her TCRG in 2016, when she opened the Cor Cara Irish Dance studio. After joining Tamora School of Irish Dance in 2020 and beginning the next step in her Irish Dance teaching career, Kate hopes that her passion for teaching and Irish Dancing shines through every dancer she teaches. Outside of Tamora School, Kate has developed a passion for hospitality and is the General Manager at CdM Restaurant in Newport Beach.
JULIA STRASZEWSKI BIGGAR, EdD, MEd, TCRG
Instructor
Julia has been dancing since the age of four and Irish Dancing since age eight. She has a passion for education, understanding culture and multiculturalism, and staying active/creative. Julia has traveled extensively around the US and the world with Irish Dance. She retired at Top 3 of the Western US Region Oireachtas, 10th at the All-Scotland Championships, 23rd at the North American Irish Dance Championships, and is a three-time qualifier for the World Irish Dance Championships. Julia also spent time training in Belfast with the renowned Carson Academy of Irish Dance--an experience she will always treasure. Her favorite parts about dance are understanding its many facets, from physical to mental performance, playing with rhythms, and bringing joy to all dancers and audience members. Outside of dance, Julia has eight years of experience as a public school educator and is currently a High School Assistant Principal of Operations and Intervention. She has a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Marketing from Cal-Poly Pomona, a Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Loyola Marymount University.
ALANNAH SARRAF
Assistant Instructor
Alannah Sarraf, after a distinguished 15-year competitive career, transitioned to an Assistant Instructor role at Tamora School. Alannah brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new position, eagerly sharing her knowledge with our talented Tamora School dancers. Alannah is a four-time World Qualifier. In addition to the World Irish Dancing Championships, she has competed at the North American Irish Dancing Nationals, the US National Irish Dance Championships where she took 20th, and the Western US Region Oireachtas, where she achieved a 2nd place finish in her final competitive season. Currently, she is progressing through the 12 Grade Exams in preparation for her TCRG Exam. Irish dance has been Alannah's lifelong passion, and she is thrilled to continue her journey with our exceptional dancers at Tamora School.
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SAMANTHA JENSEN, MA
Assistant Instructor
Samantha has been dancing and competing at schools throughout Southern California for over 20 years. She's achieved as high as Top 10 at the Western US Region Oireachtas, and recalling at the North American Irish Dancing Nationals and the the US National Irish Dance Championships. She has also trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and musical theatre, has choreographed for her alma mater (Concordia University Irvine)'s dance company, and performed at the Disneyland Resort where she currently works in the Entertainment Department. Samantha has recently completed all 12 Grade exams and plans on taking her TCRG Exam within the next few years.
LINDSEY HUGUET
Assistant Instructor
Lindsey began dancing at the age of five, inspired by her passionate and talented older sister. Her competitive Irish dance career includes a top-five placement at the Western U.S. Region Oireachtas and a top-ten placement at the North American Irish Dancing Championships. She was an eight-time World Irish Dancing Championships qualifier, placing in the top 30 at both the Worlds and All Irelands. In addition to her solo accomplishments, Lindsey competed on championship teams, winning the Oireachtas in the 8-hand and earning a World Championship title in the Drama competition. She credits many of her most meaningful memories to training under Michael Dillon and has continued her involvement in the dance community through assistant teaching in recent years. Lindsey is passionate about supporting dancers, with a focus on developing musicality and rhythm. She especially enjoys watching dancers grow in confidence and shine on stage after dedicated preparation.
BRIDGETTE MURPHY
Assistant Instructor
Bridgette began Irish dancing at the age of five in a Mommy & Me class with her mom and instantly fell in love with the art form. She has now been dancing for over 18 years and has been dancing and competing with Tamora since the fall of 2013. Throughout her competitive career, Bridgette has competed regionally, nationally, and internationally earning 6th place at the Western Region Oireachtas, recalling at the U.S. National Irish Dance Championships, competing at the North American Irish Dancing Nationals and competing at the World Championships. Bridgette has a true passion for teaching and loves helping dancers grow both in their skills and confidence. She spent three years as a counselor at Camp Rince Ceol, where she enjoyed mentoring young dancers. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students gain confidence, have fun, and shine on stage. Bridgette has also completed all 12 of her Grade Exams and is preparing to take her TCRG exam. She is excited to continue sharing her love of Irish dance with the next generation of dancers.
CONTACT
Contact us about classes, performances,
and studio rental inquiries
