Founder and CEO Tanya Sobeck-Murdock has a passion to motivate others to succeed. Tanya has successfully designed and developed multiple programs using creativity and innovation with long-term and beneficial results. Through her professional experiences, her ability to connect with others in a variety of expertises creates enthusiasm and inspiration.

She is both humbled and honored to share her story…her journey with you. Tanya’s passion developed in her childhood years when she first experienced her grandmother’s positive impact and inspirational influence. Her Grandmother Lydia Wade was a Special Education Teacher who incorporated Dance into the lives of her students. Being so involved in her life, Tanya learned the benefits of Creative Dance at an early age. Her grandmother’s ever-present and assured encouragement in motivating her students to achieve their fullest potential brought about immeasurable self-confidence. Tanya’s hope and goal is to follow in her Grandmother Lydia Wade’s footsteps, for in her heart remains the sight of the students’ smiles each day she “waltzed” into their lives.

Tanya achieved a Liberal Arts Degree from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, and continued her education at Hope College in Holland, MI, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, achieving degrees in Psychology, Communication, and Dance. While attending Hope College, Tanya’s experience and drive enabled her to achieve an internship for a program known as Art For All. This outstanding program was created for individuals with developmental/physical disabilities. Tanya’s focus was the Creative Dance experience where she designed and developed Creative Dance Classes. Upon completion of her professional internship, she was asked to join the Art For All Leadership Team. Her responsibilities included leading, directing, and guiding interns and providing written evaluations to Hope College Professors.

Tanya’s professional experience in designing and developing successful programs began fifteen years ago when she earned her Lifeguard Instructor Certification and was promoted to Head Waterpark Trainer at Family Land Waterpark in Wisconsin. She joined the Hiring Team, trained, and managed multiple Lifeguard Teams for five consecutive years, resulting in effective teamwork and hundreds of lives saved. She successfully designed and developed the Tidal Wave Training Manual, still in use today.

Tanya was recruited by the Walt Disney World Resort, bringing her expertise and talent to Disney’s Lifeguard Team in 1999. With her approach of striving to build a powerful motivation to be successful in a professional environment, she accepted a role with Human Resources at Disney’s Learning Center, assisting Cast Members with their personal and professional goals. Tanya thrived in creating magical moments for both Disney Guests and Cast Members.

Striving to excel in all areas of accomplished study, Tanya auditioned and was selected to bring her talents to the Walt Disney World Resort Entertainment Team. She performed in a variety of Parades and Shows, including: Main Street Electrical Parade, Disney’s Magical Moments Parade, SpectroMagic!, Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Hoedown Show, Fantasmic!, Share A Dream Come True Parade, Magic Kingdom’s Trolley and Welcome Show, Disney Dreams Come True Parade, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parade, Celebrate the Season (Christmas Holiday Show at the Magic Kingdom), and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, also airing on ABC. She continues to strive for excellence when performing at the Walt Disney World Resort, creating Disney Memories for thousands of guests.

With her ability to connect with others in a variety of expertises and her drive to motivate and inspire, Tanya represented The Walt Disney Co. as a facilitator on the 2004 Traditions Team. She welcomed new Cast Members to the Walt Disney World Resort, providing tools for success while sharing the Heritage and Tradition founded by Walt and Roy Disney.

With the hope and goal of following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Tanya’s long-term passion of encouraging individuals with developmental/physical disabilities to reach their full potential through Creative Dance thrives. Through Tanya’s personal and professional experiences, her foundation has been built on enabling, enhancing, empowering, and encouraging learning with caring, sensitivity, and role modeling as the base. With this foundation came the launch of Creative Dance Expressions, Inc. A company devoted to all ages and levels of development. Creative Dance Expressions’ drive to partner with Homes for Residents with Special Needs, Educational/Support Facilities, Child Development Centers and Daycare Facilities, Schools, Residential Communities, and Organizations exemplifies Tanya’s passion in motivating others to Achieve Success Through Creative Dance.

A Personal Note from Tanya…
On Sunday, August 12, 2007, my beautifully inspirational Grandmother Lydia Wade passed away. Often, I find myself picking up the phone to call her, for she was so excited about the founding of Creative Dance Expressions. As I now learn to cope, a dear friend shared, “Now she has the best seat in the house.” My grandmother was indeed an inspiration to all who knew her. The editor of a local newspaper in Wisconsin wrote in memory, “Lydia Wade could light up a room. I will always remember her warm smile and loving heart that brightened the lives of so many,” (Editor Jeff Seering, “Reedsburg Independent”). As the deepest inspiration I’ve ever known, now more than ever, I am humbled and honored to carry on her legacy. Her light in my life will radiate, always.