As part of Charleston Dance Center’s 25-year celebration, we are excited to shine a spotlight on another alumna who has shaped our studio’s legacy. This month, we feature Taylor Zandi, who danced with us from 2003 to 2012 and has now come full circle as a faculty member. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and returning home to the place where it all began.
Lessons in Resilience
After leaving Charleston Dance Center, Taylor attended the University of South Carolina, where she danced for the Carolina Girls Dance Team and was honored as MVP in her senior year. After graduation, Taylor pursued her dream of becoming an NFL cheerleader, but despite facing a tough cut not once, but twice, she found strength in the challenge. Looking back, those “no’s” became catalysts for personal growth and resilience. The setbacks taught her the value of persistence, preparing her for something even greater than she initially envisioned—teaching the next generation of dancers at CDC.
Following a few years in the athletics and personal training world, Taylor transitioned into project management and government support. She takes pride in having a career that makes a meaningful impact, whether through helping others or contributing to large-scale projects. Outside of work, Taylor channels her energy into fitness, community service, and teaching at CDC. Most importantly, she cherishes time spent with her twin daughters, striving to balance her work, family, and passions with joy and purpose.
Full Circle: A Teacher and a Proud Mom of Two 2nd-Generation Dancers
Today, Taylor is back at Charleston Dance Center, this time as a teacher. She has been part of the teaching staff for three years and now has the special honor of watching her daughters take classes—making her a proud mother of second-generation JD/CDC dancers. For Taylor, being able to come back and teach where it all started is a full-circle moment she treasures.
What you learn from challenges prepares you for something even greater than you initially envisioned—like becoming a teacher for all the amazing and talented CDC students.
-Taylor
Lessons Learned as a Just Dancer
1. Work Hard – take the extra ballet class, ask your teachers for things to work on, be hungry for growth/absorb as much knowledge as you can. Yes, you are on a team, but you determine the level to which you contribute to that team through your training and the effort that you give
2. Teamwork & Family is Everything – I spent more time with my team members and teachers than I did my own parents. But they were some of my very best friends and ultimately my family. They were there for me through every high and every low. We built each other and made each other better.
“Don’t be afraid to fail – it’s the best teacher.“
– Taylor’s Advice for Future Dancers
A Memorable Moment at J.D.
Taylor has cherished core memories from her time at JD, filled with favorite dances, funny moments, and unforgettable people. Her favorite dance, Blast Off, holds a special place in her heart because being in the front row with all the seniors as a petite was “the biggest deal of her life.” She also fondly recalls her first Lindsey contemporary piece, And So It Is, as well as her hip hop duet with Kedrick during their senior year.
And perhaps the funniest reflection of all: “I can still remember every single piece of Just Plain Crazy, but I can’t remember what I wore or ate yesterday!”
Taylor’s core memories wouldn’t be complete without a tribute to Just Dance Underpants—time period filled with laughter and fun. “Kim, I miss you so much!” she adds, remembering the impact Kim Wade Roberts had on her life and the JD family. From lighthearted memories to significant milestones, these experiences continue to shape Taylor’s journey as both a dancer and now a teacher at Charleston Dance Center.
Forever grateful for this house that built me and then welcomed me back home to teach and be a part of this amazing staff. It’s truly full circle and an experience that I do not take for granted!
-Taylor
Taylor’s journey exemplifies the power of hard work, passion, and perseverance. We are proud to have her as an integral part of the CDC faculty and grateful for the lasting impact she continues to make on our community.
Stay tuned for more Alumni Spotlights as we celebrate 25 incredible years of Charleston Dance Center.