Talia Derksen
Assistant Director & Competitive Instructor
(Tap, Song & Dance, Tap Technique & Jazz Technique)
Talia Derksen, a Vancouver native, began her dance training at a very early age. Growing up in a dance family, with both her mother and grandmother owning Peggy Peat School of Dance, Talia was exposed to many facets of the dance world. She has trained extensively in jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, ballet, pointe, musical theatre, hip hop, swing, salsa and partnering/adage.
Shortly after graduating, Talia moved to Los Angeles to train extensively at the professional Edge Performing Arts Centre. After that her passion for performing, studying, teaching and choreographing has continued to take her all over the world. She has lived and worked in Los Angeles, CA, London, England and beautiful Vancouver where she currently resides.
Talia's international training includes New York, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Las Vegas, London, England, with world renowned dancers/choreographers like Gregory Hines, Doug Caldwell, Arthur Duncan, Diane Walker, Sam Weber, Tyce Diorio, Mandy Moore, Derrick Grant… just to name a few. She has taught numerous workshops and choreographed across Canada, in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre.
Talia holds an Arts Degree from FIDM the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and holds union memberships in both UBCP/ACTRA and IATSE.
Some of Talia’s TV credits include A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story, the TV Series “Jack’s Place”, BC Country Music Awards and national TV Commercials for Dairy Queen, Ocean Spray, and Yellow Pages. Some of Talia’s Stage credits include the prestigious “Choreographer’s Showcase” in Hollywood, Industrials, a touring revue-style dance show throughout China, the Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, touring Mexico and the Caribbean aboard Carnival Cruise Lines and touring South America, Africa and Europe aboard Holland America Cruise Lines. Talia wrapped Season 6 on the popular CW TV Series "Supernatural" as a costumer.
Talia’s innovative and unique choreography continues to win high scores locally and nationally. Most recently Talia has taken interest in continuing her education towards full body health and wellness for dancers. Talia completed her PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Certificate last year. Also, Talia has recently completed her Full Comprehensive Balanced Body Pilates Training in Mat, Reformer, Trapeze, Barrel & Chair. She plans to complete her teaching hour requirements this year and be a fully Certified Pilates Instructor soon.
Talia’s dance has given her the opportunity to travel the world, meet people from many diverse cultures and have some wonderful unforgettable experiences! Talia is back full-time at her home Peggy Peat School of Dance. She is excited to come back to her roots and share her many experiences and love of dance with her students.
