30 years of IDO World Tap dance Championships
Shyrleen Müller / Switzerland Dancer | Teacher | Choreographer
At the age of eight Shyrleen got fascinated by the art of tap dance. Its unique mixture of percussion, music, dance and athletic flair had her hooked since the very first glimpse. Now, as a passionate tap dancer, she loves to unite the rhythmic groove with the aesthetics of dance. She was initiated to choreography dancing and competing at national and international Championships at an early age taking classes at the Dance school in Berne, Switzerland, led by Michèle Kitagawa. Very soon the Championships and shows became a regular objective to look forward to. Still in the children category, she was then allowed to dance with the junior formation, winning the national title and travelling to her first World Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Being in a same hall with thousands of
dancers from the entire World, dancing on this immense stage and cheering for other dancers was an experience second to none. Many years followed in Riesa, Germany, being inspired by older and fellow dancers from all countries with all their different styles. Travels to the World Championships became a ritual, sharing the experience and adrenaline with her late father (best mentor and fan), with friends from Switzerland and fellow dancers across the Globe. The Championships not only allowed oneself to grow technically and rhythmically as a tap dancer but also to develop one’s own style and presentation both as an artist and athlete. Michael Wendt and IDO managed to create a community/family event, where dancers meet, exchange pins, smiles, and cheer each other to be the best performers they could possibly be. The World Championships were a platform to meet fellow dancers, create an (inter)national bond amongst the tap community, gain self-confidence and inspiration to continue growing. Shyrleen had the chance to dance in Fabrice Martin’s company for over a decade and perform with many other great tap dancers from Switzerland (i.e. Dani Borak, Olivia & Rebecca Grobéty, Daniel Leveillé, Elodie & Kim Selamet, etc.). Meanwhile she has won over 55 medals (Swiss and World Championships, categories combined) as well as the Swiss Newcomer show business award Kleiner Prix Walo in 2007. She now enjoys performing at various shows with jazz bands she also plays the banjo in, teach and choreograph for her students across the country and in festivals, share the tap spirit, connect with musicians and tap supporters, create new projects for Swiss tap dancers as co-president of SwissTap, and ultimately live her passion for rhythm.
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