Tara Patel is a New Jersey native who grew up dancing since the age of two. She has studied multiple styles of dance however favors tap and hip-hop. Tara has been a dedicated dance student in her public school dance programs in Franklin Township as well as Centerstage Dance and Theater School. Within the Franklin High School Dance Program, Tara performed on Broadway in a Broadway benefit concert called Arts for Autism. Tara has served as an assistant teacher at her studio since 2017 and was given the opportunity to teach her own hip-hop class this year. Tara has been a member of the National Honors Society for Dance Arts since her junior year. She plans to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from a four-year university.
Organization Name: DanceNJ
Award Title: Student Award for Exceptional Artistry & Community Leadership in Dance
Year: 2026
What does receiving a New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education mean to you? Receiving the Governor’s Award is a wonderful affirmation of all my years of hard work in dance training and mentoring.
How has receiving this award influenced your artistic journey and future aspirations? I have always wanted to be a role model for younger dancers, much like the older dancers were to me when I was younger. This award has reinforced this desire, especially being a role model to dancers of Indian decent like me.
What advice would you give to young artists who are just beginning their journey in arts education? Never give up and never let anyone else define who you are as a dancer and an artist. Speak through your art; tell your own story.
