Tanika S. Walton began her dance studies at the age of 9 in Newark, NJ at Garden State Ballet. She has extensive dance training and experience in teaching and performing, and has been doing so for over 25 years. Tanika, a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts - Dance, is also the Artistic Director and Co-Owner of Body and Soul Dance Center, where her mission is to strive for excellence in dance education. Tanika and her husband, Samuel are also founders of Walton Academy for the Performing Arts, an A+ charter school of choice, designed to provide exceptional educational and artistic experiences, where she serves as the Director.
Tanika has performed and ministered through music and dance all her life. Of her many accomplishments, Tanika performed as a World Dancer at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center and the NBA All Star Game. She has been awarded for numerous talent & scholarship pageants and competitions. Tanika has taught and choreographed dances at USF, St. Petersburg Junior College, Tampa Preparatory. and several years at Judy’s Dance Academy in Brandon, FL.
Tanika has also worked with numerous churches, dance ministries and youth groups facilitating dance workshops, conferences and choreographing dances for worship. For the past 7 years, Tanika has been a resident instructor and choreographer for Music & Dance Unto the Lord Conference and Tampa Bay Ministries United in Tampa, FL. Tanika is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A NEW DANCE
Summer of 2009, God revealed himself to me and refreshed my spirit. He’s given me a new talk, a new walk and a new dance.
Romans 12: 1 ...ye present your BODY a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my SOUL: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name in the DANCE...
He is the CENTER of my joy.
Although we offer professional dance classes for all ages, we dance now for the Glory of God. We train now to perfect our praise.
“God has truly blessed me with the talent and passion to teach through movement. I am honored to be able to share this gift with all who are willing and eager to learn.”
Samuel Walton is the president of Tummah, a multi-faceted production and entertainment company. He is a member of Hard Groove, a performing band specializing in Classic Soul, R & B, Jazz, Christian and Gospel Music. Sam Walton is the Co-owner of Body and Soul Dance Center, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board for the Walton Academy for the Performing Arts, Board Member for the East Tampa Business & Civic Association and the Production Manager for Deeper Life Christian Church. In addition, he’s also accomplished as a Saxophonist, Sound Engineer, Composer and Chief Recording Engineer & Mixing Engineer for several recording projects. Sam has had the pleasure of working with national recording artists, Rance Allen, Lisa Page Brooks, Lecresia Campbell, Kurt Carr, Marvin Sapp and Vickie Winans. Sam Walton is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Together, Sam and Tanika have touched the hearts of many in the Tampa Bay community. Through God’s strength they continue to build upon a great foundation of love for people, and their community.
