About Us

Wings to Fly

Our Mission

The Mission of Wings to Fly Dance Company is to create an opportunity for performers with and without disabilities to train in a collaborative and nurturing environment with the goals of empowerment, creativity and artistic excellence. Success is defined by the magic created in our captivating performances.

 

The performances of the Wings to Fly Dance Company have become legendary with audiences enthralled by the passion, energy and sincerity of each performer as they seamlessly deliver a unique dance vocabulary rich with artistic excellence. Life experiences plus cultural and spiritual influences inspire the WTFDC artistic directors Tasha, Tena and Tara to create an unforgettable experience. 

 

Integrating dancers with and without disabilities, their illuminating work is noted for answering the hopes of many who dream of performing and achieving their ultimate passion.

Under the direction of Tasha Patterson Shirley, dancers have graced the stages of the Treasure Coast for over fourteen years and some have progressed further to the global stage. Audiences rave about the energy and passion of the shows created and performed by the Wings to Fly Dance Company. Their shows Quest (2010, 2011), Time (2012), Life (2013), Journey (2016), Hope (2018, 2019), Evolve (2022) were emotional and memorable masterpieces that staged the incredible talents of local and professional performers and brought unique poignant spiritual messages in each show. The next show is in the works.


As the three T’s heal from their own injuries, recover from the pause through Covid, the loss of their rehearsal space, even through many challenges- the calling to carry on Wings to Fly mission is undeniable. Through their own experience of healing, dancing with older bodies, and their passion to make a difference in the world, the three T’s continue to study, learn and grow. The visions and possibilities for Wings continue to bless our hearts and we hear the need for our work in our community and globally.

Donate

Board of Directors

This Treasure-Coast’s dance powerhouse trio represents over 17 years integrating their life experiences into magical masterpieces that leave audiences and performers with heart-felt lifetime memories.

Tara Patterson

Assistant Artistic Director

Driven and highly creative, Tara draws inspiration for the numerous pieces she

has created and choreographed from her life of serving others in the capacity of

physical therapy and dance. 

Tasha Patterson Shirley

Artistic Director

Tasha loves connecting her dance and entertainment world with her spiritual path; while holding the intention that together, we can ‘Heal’ the world.

Tena Patterson

Founding Director

 At 77 years of age, Tena still finds herself dancing, directing, volunteering with the Arc, choreographing, body surfing at the beach,  and working as a massage and aquatic therapist. “Age is just a number.”

Share by: