GAMECHANGERS

Meet Melanie Tyler-Horne of DV8 

Artistic director Melanie Tyler-horne’s vision helped to unify the DFW metroplex dance world into a single company of dancers with the same goals and ambition to form Dv8 the company. 

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Melanie Tyler-Horne

Director of DV8

Artistic director Melanie Tyler-horne’s vision helped to unify the DFW metroplex dance world into a single company of dancers with the same goals and ambition to form Dv8 the company. It is here that they mix several methods, styles, and cultures into an entirely new and exiting way of broadening a dancers “competition” dance experience. 

You can follow her on Instagram @melstert

DV8 The Company

Dv8 the company focuses on training your students with the highest level of professionalism and the newest and sought after styles of dance available. The company’s valuable innovation is that dance is an art form, a technique, and a passion without boundaries. We seek the highest level of training possible, while promoting a dance environment where everyone has the same level of commitment as the next.

Dv8 the company’s trademark is…… let’s all come together for the sake of art. We just deviate from the “normal” dance company a little………

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What’s the book on your nightstand right now?

I actually am not a reader. The only thing I read is my laptop and work emails, or the Bible on Sundays…..not much time for that in my crazy life!

What’s your favorite podcast?

Don’t listen to podcasts either, but I am a huge music buff!!!

Do you prefer to have a coffee in the morning or some tea?

Diet Coke! It’s my weakness.

How would you describe your personal style?

A little edgy, a little rock n’ roll and a little hobo glam if that’s a style?!?! Whatever’s comfy and cute!

How would you describe yourself? At work, at home?

I’m a single mom, workaholic with a very competitive personality, in a very laid back way….. I know that sounds silly but exactly what I am!

How did you get where you are?

My unwavering way to make bad situations work for me. I have battled through the divorce of my parents, divorce of myself and losing my mother to cancer. Somehow I have forged ahead in the worst of times and somehow have made it through! I think it’s the love and passion I have for my job and my son, that has helped me the most!

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Did you grow up surrounded by certain influences that inspired you to take the step?

I grew up in a day and age with no crazy cell phones or Instagram so my influencers then were my dance teachers. They were my role models. I wanted to be just like them. They showed me the true passion for dance, but also how to show continued support. As I grew up, I think it has turned into my son being my biggest influencer, but kinda in reverse. I wanted to be everything to him and it turned out to be everything I ever needed! :)

Inspiring quotation for women during women's history month

What's the one piece of advice you would give your younger you starting out?

Take a deep breath. Everything works out the way God intended and always speak your mind no matter what.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

 I believe that we should always lift up women in our communities as sometimes they never truly know what they have done, or if they have influenced people in their life. It feels so good to know you're making a difference. Coming from an industry where you always hear the negative, it’s a good change of pace for sure!!!

When and where did your love of dance begin? 

I first started as a gymnast from watching the Olympics. When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to do that. Dance ended up branching off from there. I loved anything that had to do with being competitive! Probably why I’m such a huge football fan too.

Tell us what it means to you personally to be a dance instructor and part of the dance community.

I want every kid to succeed to their full potential. I love teaching more than anything! I love being in the dance community because it seems to be a place where you can express yourself fully and you’re around like-minded individuals that share the same art and passion as you. It just feels like my second home..

What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about dance? What are you doing to change those misconceptions?

 I think everyone believes a dance is just something that you go and do, then you get a trophy and at the end of the day that’s it. Dance truly teaches you about life and about how to work with people. How to learn about defeat at times even if you don’t understand. It teaches you to love and respect one another and I truly try to provide an environment that is loving and supportive yet gives them all the tools that they will need to succeed in the future.

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