Morando-Taylor began dancing when she was 8 years old at Linda Dies Dance Unlimited. She continued her dance education in South Carolina at Coker College and performed in professional musical and regional theaters nationwide for eleven years. Due to injuries, she retired from performance and then turned her focus to professional choreography.

“I worked with some fantastic people in the industry and on award-winning shows, but I realized the value of arts education,” said Morando-Taylor. “I wanted to narrow the gap between well-funded private performing arts schools and public high schools. I believe everyone deserves access to the same education and opportunities.”

Morando-Taylor spent 20 years in South Florida, helping to create three award-winning performing art programs in public school settings.

Setting out to create a positive environment where young performers can train, develop, and learn the value of collaboration and get the best education in theater arts and dance, she also wanted to create a program for more serious students who wanted to attend college, so she began a college prep program where students could train in prescribed dance, voice, and acting programs.

Pictured is Angela Morando-Taylor who got her start in performing arts in Warren County. She is now returning to offer her 25+ years of experience and education in dance, theater, and performance.

During their senior year, students would have the opportunity to audition for 70 universities, all under one roof.

Morando-Taylor has had a 100% success rate in college placement for her students, which is one thing she hopes to bring to Warren County.

Her students have attended Point Park University, Elon University, and Berkeley School of Music, to name a few. Many former students are now working at theme parks, regional theaters, cruise lines, Broadway, and film.

Another opportunity that Morando-Taylor brings to the theater community is connections within the industry. Her aunt, Marilynn Wick, who is also originally from the area, owns The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum in Boca Raton, Florida. This museum has the largest costume house in the United States and the most extensive Broadway collection of costumes. With her connections, the students have access to be summer interns or experience their first professional gigs in an equity house.

“We felt it was time to leave and bring our talents where they were more needed,” Morando-Taylor stated regarding her family moving back to the area. Her husband, Michael Taylor, teaches at Eisenhower and is a seasoned educator in secondary and collegiate classrooms. Their children Eva and Xander both attend Eisenhower.

Picture by Angela Morando-Taylor The Taylor Made Dance and Theatre’s Dance Alliance Company is pictured. From left are Elise Amsdell, Lettie Pearson, Sarah Hoffman, Josie Pearson

Taylor Made Dance and Theatre (TMDT) opened in Warren last year, utilizing the YMCA facility, and will continue until registration picks up. Eventually, Morando-Taylor’s vision is to have a space that includes a black box theater, giving the students at TMDT a place to perform, have events like open mic nights, and create a home away from home for them. She believes it would also benefit the community by providing another performance venue.

TMDT Warren had a successful first year with the Dance Alliance Company. Four dancers, Sarah Hoffman, Lettie Pearson, Josie Pearson, and Elise Amsdell, participated in performances and competitive dance styles, including a live window display at the Sugar Grove Christmas Walk as dancing ice sculptures.

Throughout March, April, and May, they attended three dance competitions in Pittsburgh and Youngstown, OH, where they received many accolades for their stage presence, story-telling, and precision. All of the Dance Alliance’s numbers were in the top 10 in their categories.

Another class that TMDT offered during the first year was a partnering dance class, where classic dance styles were taught.

Morando-Taylor has also taught vocal lessons at The Music Conservatory, and her students Anna Courson and Annabelle Martin took first and second place in the Warren’s Got Talent competition.

At Warren County Summer Music School, Morando-Taylor offered acting, auditioning, and Broadway styles classes, where she significantly impacted the students and fellow educators.

“Angela is a breath of fresh air. Her professionalism and experience in theater make her so unique and valuable to our thriving arts community,” said Michelle Belleau, parent and music educator. “She brings such incredible energy to the stage and her classroom. When she teaches, she does so much more than teach dance. Angela is a coach and an artist. TMDT students not only get high-level training in dance, but she also caters to the whole artist. Angela challenges her students to discover a part of themselves throughout the process of creating their art. Her students will undoubtedly be fully prepared for both professional and collegiate auditions in the future.”

TMDT Warren will offer a Summer Intensive from July 22 to 28, with a showcase on the 28th at the YMCA.

Registration is also open for fall classes, which start September 2. In addition to standard dance classes such as jazz, tap, and ballet, TMDT offers Broadway Styles, musical theater, and acting classes. Students will perform in a Christmas show and an end-of-the-year showcase.

Students wishing to gain more performance experience can participate in the Dance Alliance or Theatre Performance companies.

Information and program registration can be found at taylormadedanceandtheatre.com, and questions can be emailed to taylormadedanceandtheatre@gmail.com.