Tara graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Honors in Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her time at UCSB, McAninch completed the 2015 Divison II Summer Intensive at the Complexions Contemporary Ballet in NYC and received the opportunity to Apprentice for Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2016-2017 Season. Through Christopher Pilafian, she had the pleasure of working with amazing choreographers including Andi Schermoly, David Maurice and Rebecca Lemme. McAninch was also a company member in the UCSB Dance Company from 2017-2018, working hand-in-hand with Monica Bill Barnes and Company, Jacqulyn Buglisi and Nancy Colahan, touring and performing throughout Europe and Santa Barbara County.

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Since graduating, McAninch has performed Fleur with Palm Dance Collective at the San Francisco Movement Arts Festival, Journey with Motion Theater Dance Company, Nebula Dance Lab's 10th anniversary season, and Arianna Hartanov's production of Bolero 2022. She has also been an active company member with Selah Dance Collective since 2019. Participating in various shows and new works including but not limited to Pivot! 2019, Infinite Corridor 2021, Reverie 2021, Taureau 2022 and Rite of Spring 2022.

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Tara is excited to start her first season with Madison Contemporary Dance and continue her dance career in the Midwest.