Tasha Patterson Shirley, born in Canada in 1968, is a professional dancer who trained in many styles and gained invaluable lessons in discipline and focus from her mother, Tena Patterson, who still dances at 80. Tasha's career as a dancer and choreographer took her across the globe, and she studied with renowned teachers at prestigious institutions such as Joe Tremaine in Los Angeles, Sivananda Institute in Quebec, and the Self Realization Center in India.

Her time teaching in Japan deepened her understanding of dance as a tool for self-acceptance, as she recognized that every dancer has unique needs. Tasha's teachings focus on embracing individuality and artistry, blending dance with healing practices.

In 2005, Tasha became a mother, and her move to Martin County led to the discovery of a supportive community. For the past 17 years, her students have graced the stages of the Treasure Coast, and Wings to Fly Dance Company was born in her small yoga studio where integrated dance became her passion.

Tasha’s journey also included 12 years with South Florida Dance and significant contributions to bringing A Christmas Carol to the Lyric Theatre. Amidst her own physical challenges, Tasha continues to study new modalities like Progressive Ballet Technique and Sound Therapy to promote longevity in a dancer's career.

Grateful for the opportunity to serve others, Tasha remains a lifelong student, always learning and sharing her knowledge.

Tara Patterson worked for Martin Memorial/Cleveland Clinic Hospital for over 18 years as a Physical Therapy Assistant, earning recognition as “Associate of the Year” in 2017 for her exceptional patient care. She holds certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Watsu Aquatic Therapy, and Myofascial Release. Additionally, Tara served as the Assistant Supervisor for individuals with disabilities at the ARC of St. Lucie County for over 10 years.

Tara’s professional dance background includes performances with Princess Cruises, Diana Ross, C & C Music Factory, and Cyndi Lauper. Her extensive therapy experience combined with her dance career allows her to facilitate transformative experiences for dancers, especially those with disabilities.

Currently, Tara dances and choreographs with Wings to Fly Dance Company, where she integrates dancers with and without disabilities. She also works independently, offering specialized therapy in myofascial release, body alignment for dancers, and has recently been trained in Progressive Ballet Technique. Tara is the inventor of a unique harness that allows one dancer to support another in movement, creating performances like no other.

Tena has been dancing since she was 4 years of age. At age 14, she moved to Toronto to find better training at which time she trained with a well-known dancer and teacher Gladys Forrester. She also studied with the National Ballet Company on weekends ends. Later she moved to Vancouver where she was asked to dance with The Pacific Ballet Company directed by Norbert Vesak and Joy Camden of the Royal Ballet in England. She also worked professionally in T.V and stage dancing in numerous Broadway shows.

Now 79, despite back surgery and a long respiratory illness, she continues to dance and perform. After 22 years of working with the Arc of St. Lucie and creating the Arc’s Performing and Visual Arts Program, she, along with her daughters Tasha and Tara, created Wings to Fly Dance Company, a non-profit organization that works with both able and disabled dancers. She is also a massage and aquatic therapist specializing in myofascial release, Watsu, and cranial sacral work. Even now, her daughters refer to her as the “energizer bunny”! She admits that aging is difficult, from limiting physical abilities to coping with changing physical appearance, from smooth & firm to wrinkled and sagging skin. The “Golden Years” just mean we have to work harder, find solutions, stay positive and make every day as fulfilling as possible.