Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Tang.
Hi Carol, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, first-generation Chinese, I grew up in a family-owned business. My mother and father ran a Chinese restaurant together for over 20 years. I was very active as a child. My initial dream growing up was to become “Miss USA” one day, and that’s when my mother decided to enroll me into dance classes conveniently located next to the restaurant!
I learned SO much and did every genre of dance imaginable! One of my very first ballet teachers at the time was dancing professionally with Cincinnati Ballet had told my mother I had a lot of talent and that I should further my training in ballet. I ended up moving schools and soon began my classical training at the age of ten with Cincinnati Ballet. At the age of 16, I had the privilege of performing with the company in ballet such as Val Caniparoli’s Nutcracker, Kirk Peterson’s The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Giselle. In 2004 and 2005, at the time, I was considered a “Trainee” with the company which was a huge accomplishment for me. I received my first paycheck for my performances and 10 pairs of pointe shoes.
I soon realized this was something I could really see myself doing as a career. Aside from my classical studies, I was also a lead dancer in Paramount Kings Island’s “Dead Awakening” for two seasons. I am a scholarship graduate with a BFA in ballet performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In 2011, I joined Island Moving Company in Newport, RI for three seasons where I met my wonderful husband who was dancing with me at the time. I have performed Giselle in Giselle, Soloist in Balanchine’s Walpurgisnacht, Principal in Paquita, Sugar Plum Fairy as a guest artist at various schools.
With Ballet San Antonio, I have performed in The Nutcracker, Ben Stevenson’s Romeo and Juliet as Lady Capulet, Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, Gabriel Zertuche’s Dracula, Arvo, Scheherazade, and Butterflying. In 2015, before her debut as Odette/Odile in Ben Stevenson’s Swan Lake, she was promoted to Soloist 2015. Throughout college and my dancing career, I have never stopped teaching or choreographing. It was always a source of supplemental income and something I really enjoyed doing.
I love watching my students transform into artists. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur like my parents, and when it was time to stop dancing professionally I opened Greater San Antonio Academy of Ballet with my husband, Jose Gonzalez, in 2016.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Each year we’ve had growth in the company until Covid-19 took a toll on all of us. Enrollment had fallen and classes became remote. Students were dancing in their bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and garages for 2-3 months, but we still managed to meet regularly. We also had to think of other ways to put on a show since theaters were no longer accepting rentals.
However, this fall season is really looking up for us. We are in the process of setting “The Nutcracker” on our students. The performances will be held at the Scottish Rite Theater on December 11 & 12!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Greater San Antonio Academy of Ballet specializes in all forms of dance with a strong focus on Classical Ballet. We are known for our Vaganova Curriculum and attention to detail with every student who walks into our studio.
Without a doubt, all of our students grow exponentially when they enroll with us. We pride ourselves on the professional knowledge and experiences we have to offer our students.
Pricing:
- Kids Classes begin at $75/month
- Adult Ballet $16 (Drop-in)
- Adult Tap $10 (Drop-in)
Contact Info:
- Email: Greatersa.ballet@gmail.com
- Website: Greatersanantonioacademyofballet.com
- Instagram: Greatersa_academy_of_ballet
- Facebook: Greatersa
