OUR TEAM
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TANISHA GIBBONS
Principal & Artistic Director
Tanisha Gibbons is the Principal, Founder, and Artistic Director of Gentle Steps Arts Academy. A NIFCA award-winning dancer and choreographer, she has worked consistently with developing dancers for over fourteen years. Tanisha earned an Associate Degree in Dance from the Barbados Community College in 2011 and will be pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Dance Teaching) through the Royal Academy of Dance, England.
She holds both Intermediate and Advanced Level certifications in Modern Theatre Dance, as well as a Gold Level Certificate in Latin Dance under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). In December 2024, Tanisha acquired Powerhouse Studios, merging it with Gentle Steps Arts Academy and rebranding the institution as PowerHouse Academy of the Arts, further expanding her vision for arts education and artistic excellence.
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NATHAN GIBBONS
Technical Director & Director
This theatre and stage design professional’s high caliber is rooted in a deep connection to and passion for his craft. Since 2010, he has served as Founder and Director of Parhelion 120 Stage Lighting Inc., delivering stage lighting and technical design work across Barbados and on international projects. He trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2009 and has lectured at the Barbados Community College for over a decade, specialising in stage management, technical direction, and theatrical lighting design.
In 2019, he earned a Master’s degree in Creative Arts with Distinction, producing an anthology of poetry centred on fatherhood. His recent credits include stage set and lighting design for the launch of Voices: Monologues and Plays for Caribbean Actors at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, University of the West Indies.
Nathan plays a vital role in the academy’s day-to-day operations and serves as both Director and Technical Director, supporting the organisation’s artistic vision and technical excellence.
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OUR STAFF
TUESDAI POUNDER – Contemporary Modern, Jr. & Senior Company
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Miss Pounder, a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship, the Madame Ifill Award, and the Arden’s Clarke Founder’s Trophy in 2008 for her self-choreographed work Fallen in Agony, began her dance journey at the age of nine. She has trained in multiple dance genres, including ballet, and holds RAD certification from Grade 1 through Intermediate Foundation. In addition to her dance background, Miss Pounder holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specialising in Human Resource Management.
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STEFANIE TAKEI-TAYLOR – Ballet
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Stefanie Takei-Taylor is a dance professional and creative entrepreneur from Pasadena, California. She trained at Pasadena Dance Theatre, ABT, and Austin Ballet, and holds a BFA in Dance from NYU Tisch and a Master’s in Tourism Marketing from UWI Cave Hill. Stefanie has performed works by renowned choreographers including Kyle Abraham and Stephen Petronio. A founding member of Diesel Fusion Dance Theatre, she served as Associate Artistic Director of Barbados Dance Project. She’s performed across the Caribbean, including at COCO Dance Festival and Jamaica Dance Umbrella. Her solo “Strange Fruit” (Pearl Primus) was featured at JDU 2020. Passionate about developing dance in Barbados, she shares her expertise as a director and mentor.
KEMAL MARSHALL – Junior Modern
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Kemal Marshall is a certified Barbadian Cultural Practitioner with the National Cultural Foundation. A passionate dancer, choreographer, and theatre artist, Marshall holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, and has completed a Master’s degree in Creative Arts (Arts Entrepreneurship). He also holds Associate Degrees in Theatre Arts and Dance, as well as a Certificate in Cuban Popular Dances.
Since 2017, Marshall has been a dedicated modern dance instructor at Gentle Steps Arts Academy (now Powerhouse Academy of The Arts) and has worked with leading dance groups across Barbados. An award-winning choreographer, Marshall is committed to advancing the arts in Barbados through innovation and excellence.
RENEE CLARKE - Acting
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Renee Clarke, a dedicated wife, dancer, choreographer, writer, and an aspiring Performing Arts Practitioner from the picturesque tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique, brings a wealth of passion to her craft. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Arts (Dance and Theatre) and a Master of Philosophy in Cultural Studies from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. She recently completed the Certificate in Teacher Education and has been teaching for over four years.
JANE SMALL - Junior Vocal
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Jane Small is a versatile artist and hospitality professional holding a degree from the University of the West Indies and training from the Barbados Community College’s music program. A former member of the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra. She has performed at major events alongside renowned artists like Elan Trotman, Dr. Sean Jackson and The Band of
the Barbados Police Service. Guided by the belief that her talents are gifts to be shared, she strives to inspire and uplift others through her artistry. Jane’s mission is to touch hearts and fulfill her purpose with passion and dedication.
JAMAL DAWE - Hip Hop
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Jamal Dawe is a dancer, father, choreographer, NIFCA award winner, and manager of the award-winning street dance group, the Multifarious Dance Crew. He is one of the first five internationally qualified Associate Street Dance Teachers in the English-speaking Caribbean under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Jamal earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance with Second Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. His passion for dance extends far beyond any single genre—he simply loves to move.
CHRISTINA BEST - Junior Modern
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Christina Best is a passionate dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She holds an Associate’s Degree and a BFA in Dance, and is pursuing a Master’s in Tourism and Sports Management. Founder of Stretched, she promotes wellness through movement and flexibility. Christina continues to inspire future generations while simultaneously encouraging others to always dream big.
KEZIAH CADOGAN - Pre-Ballet & Baby Steppers
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Keziah Cadogan is a dedicated dancer with over 16 years of experience. She studied at the Barbados Community College in the Dance Program, where she developed her skills and knowledge in the art form. Her talent led her to compete internationally at the ICU World Championships in the Pom division, where she placed in the top 15. Keziah continues to inspire through her passion, discipline, and achievements in dance.
SHAMEKA WALTERS - Afro-Caribbean
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Shameka Walters aka Meka Meeks, is a vibrant and dynamic Barbadian dancer, choreographer, teacher and actress with a passionate drive for performing arts. In 2019, she was one of six dancers chosen to perform with the Brooklynettes during 'Barbados Night' in New York, marking the teams first international collaboration. With an Associate degree in Dance and a Bachelors in Performance and Choreography, her footprints has extended from local to international stages performing, teaching and inspiring others and celebrating Barbadian Heritage worldwide.
COURTENAY THORNE - Ballet​
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Courtenay "Lian" Thorne is a Barbadian dance artist, choreographer, educator, and researcher passionate about collaboration, mentorship, and cultural exchange. She holds an MFA in Dance from Florida State University and has taught and performed across the Caribbean, U.S., U.K., and Japan. Lian's work emphasizes culturally responsive training and the use of dance as a tool for connection. Her Barbadian and Trinidadian heritage deeply informs her teaching, creativity, and community engagement. She remains committed to advancing the performing arts locally and internationally.
TANISHA CROSS - PowerFit
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Tanisha is a wife, mom, fitness professional, and lifelong dancer passionate about helping women feel confident and fabulous in their own skin. She began dancing at age four and has trained in a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, African, hip hop, soca, and more.
She holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies and has worked internationally in communications and project management, while also performing professionally with leading theatre and dance companies in Barbados. Blending dance with fitness, Tanisha became a Certified Personal Trainer and won the regional CAC Fitness Bodybuilding title in 2014.
Today, she focuses on growing her Coach Cross Fitness business, teaching dance fitness, training as a yoga instructor, and enjoying life with her husband and daughters.
KERRI GIBSON - Aerial Yoga & Mobility​
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Kerri is a wellness professional with over 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She is a certified ACSM Personal Trainer, Level 3 YogaFit Instructor, Recreational Gymnastics Coach, and Certified Massage Therapist, with a passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.
As a past competitor in the Island Fitness Pageant, Kerri consistently placed in the top three, earning the chance to travel to the US and represent Barbados at the Miss Fitness World competition in 2010 and 2011. Her journey as a fitness competitor and coach has given her a wealth of experience in training, performance, and wellness, which she now brings to her clients and students.