Angel Marie Tisdale’s background in dance and theater guided her to the unique genre of dance and movement photography.

While studying Dance and Theater at Old Dominion University, Angel was inspired to study the art of makeup and costume design for stage and film. The Advanced Aveda Institute in S.F. offered a concentration in commercial makeup artistry. She enrolled, headed off to California, and began working as a freelance artist for film and theater. Over the years, in addition to that work, she also performed as a platform artist as well as for some regional musical theater productions; she even taught dance for a nationally known studio.

During that journey, she met and worked with amazing dancers, artistic directors, and choreographers in the commercial dance & ballet worlds, while simultaneously raising a daughter in the dance studio. Brit—1st assistant at ATDA—trained with Travis Wall, Danny Tidwell, Jaimie Goodwin and others before she switched focus towards ballet and eventually, aerial circus.

A mid-career transition though convinced Angel to return to school and study photography. While she had been involved with photography for years, several pro photographer friends encouraged her to get serious and pursue a career. Over a decade ago, she took the first step, graduating from New York Institute Of Photography, and so returned to her first love...dance. This time, though, she said, with a camera and slightly less flexible hips.

Always learning, Angel has been inspired by many great dance photographers worldwide. After attending Rachel Neville's first weekend workshop, she felt a unique connection with Ms. Neville. The following year, when Rachel Neville created a two-year masters program, Angel immediately signed up for the challenging curriculum. Today, Angel continues to excel, with the second year well underway, and graduation just around the corner in February 2020.

While this journey has not been fast and easy, Angel’s love of this genre of photography has manifested an authentic joy like no other. She continues to express her gratitude for the opportunity to remain connected with the dance community. By combining her knowledge of dance, fashion and makeup with her passion for photography, she will certainly capture the art of the dancer’s art before her.