Mary Tarpley
Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer
Photo by Carlos Reyes
Tarpley’s technique is flawless, her energy equal parts restrained and wild.
-Chicago Theater Beat
Tarpley is exceptionally careful with her design; both pieces are made of explicitly choreographed geometries where every movement is crafted to shed light on another.
-AOTPR
Mary Tarpley's another delight, boasting both striking extensions and contortionist skills.
-Chicago Tribune
Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance
London, UK
BA Hons in Dance, accredited by the University of Kent
Michigan, US
High School Diploma with Distinction, Dance Major
Chicago, IL
Magna Cum Laude, Pure Mathematics, Standard Physics
Education
Mary Tarpley began dancing under the tutelage of Frances Taylor in Durango, Colorado. She continued her training nationally at Interlochen Arts Academy and internationally at The Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London. After graduating, Mary danced with Compagnia Zappala in Sicily, Italy before moving to Paris, France. Upon returning to the US, Mary danced with State Street Ballet, as a Soloist for Santa Barbara Ballet, a Principal for City Ballet of L.A. and a member of Invertigo Dance Theatre. In Chicago, Mary has been a First Company member of Chicago Dance Crash, danced for Civic Ballet of Chicago, Chicago Repertory Ballet, Be The Groove, and Dance For Life, to name a few. Mary has also done an extensive amount of print and video work for dance, including Jordan Matter’s Dancers Among Us and Dancers After Dark and continues to explore various ways in which dance and movement can be expressed. Mrs. Tarpley has taught in Chicago at Hubbard Street Youth Dance Program, as a Company Director for Lake Forest Dance Academy, and as a Ballet Mistress at OYT. She is on summer faculty for Ballet Durango in Colorado, coaches for Youth American Grand Prix, and teaches master classes around the country and abroad. She recently returned from teaching and setting choreography in Cambodia at The Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh. She has produced several of her own shows and her choreography has received numerous awards. Additionally, she tours the country as a competition judge, including Dance Worlds. Mary recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from DePaul University where she received dual degrees in Mathematics and Physics. Now back in Los Angles, Mary continues to teach, choreograph and perform.
Reviews
Tarpley's technical precision is breathtaking...
-Chicago Now