Tania ZOR “TAPAFE” (Tania Pantoja Ferzuli)

I am a multidisciplinary artist that finds a big pleasure: When I spread artistic vibes in the community. I deeply believe that art and cultural expressions bring up the best in us, when we create opportunities for a community to be involved in intercultural activities such as festivals, workshops or events, we promote a healthier and happier society.

Dance is my centre. Personally, Dance has kept me focused and positive all along my life. I have moved country several times and I have experienced the challenges of being an immigrant. Dance always holds me. I moved to Ireland 10 years ago and I started my journey working in projects with the community.

Biography

She was born in Mexico City. She is a graphic designer, painter, professional folk dancer and linguist. She started dancing at the age of 4, she trained in INBA (Instituto Nacional de las Bellas Artes) and in the school of Ballet Folklórico de México of Amalia Hernandez. She practised and enjoyed a variety of styles such as; ballet, jazz, flamenco including Latin dances. She had opportunities to perform professionally in many theatres and joined dance professional companies in Mexico City. 

During secondary school, she started to paint in pastel and watercolour. In 2003 She completed her BSc. Major Graphic Designer. She joined the National Anthropology Museum of Mexico. (Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia) where she completed her internship program. She did a project, the research and the implementation of an exposition for visually challenged individuals. Also, she taught printing technics to homeless Teens. This was one of the most significant experiences for her. Before living abroad she also worked for the biggest retail company in the area of design and marketing. 

In 2005 she moved to Vancouver Canada, and her love for art took her to work for the Vancouver Art Gallery, Lumen Gallery and others. 

In 2007 She moved to Istanbul, Turkey where she developed more her creativity and she links her design skills into the teaching world. She did the editorial design of the Italian and Spanish books for some languages schools in Istanbul. She taught Spanish language in the Instituto Cervantes. In 2010 she completed her Master’s Degree in Linguistics. 

In 2013 she moved with her husband and son to Cork, Ireland. She worked for three years  in a big Tech company. It’s in Ireland where She reconnected again with Mexican folk dance and started her work with the local community and voluntary organisations. In 2014, She founded AMDIE that works for the integration of its dance community into Irish life by joining festivals and cultural activities. AMDIE mission is to foster intercultural exchange with other dancers, or with those interested in Latin American culture more generally and to promote the learning and performance of Mexican dance in Ireland to a high standard, as well as the enjoyment of Latin American music. www.amdie.org 

Tania launched in 2020, Cali Cultural Centre (Hispanic Cultural Centre) it’s mission is to promote Hispanic Art, Dance and Culture and Spanish language teaching and to foster knowledge of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries throughout the world, called the Hispanic World. They take part in festivals organised by Cork City Council such as the Cork Lifelong learning festival and Culture Night to promote Mexican dance, art and culture. They create opportunities such as events with live music, kids activities and dance to enhance our students learning experience. They organise dance workshops, storytelling activities, hand craft workshops and so much more. www.caliculturalcentre.com 

In 2020, She studied The Master in Reiki Usui, level 1, 2, 3 and 4. Reiki therapy is a form of energy healing that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

She works closely, voluntary, the department of UNIC – city labs in UCC. We are launching the program called Migrant clinic that aims to provide legal or any other kind advice or support to members of the Mexican society and more general Latin Americans in Cork, by using the resources that the university can offer.  

She is also working in a project called: Shall We dance? Dance for social inclusion. Aims to encourage young people to find more creative ways to express themselves through dance. Our project promotes creative dance, physical and mental health and social inclusion in young people. Winner of the Global Challenge 2022. This project is being monitored by UNIC – city labs in UCC.

Lastly, She works in NASC, teaching English to asylum seekers and refugees and providing simultaneous translation services when needed.

“Dance is my centre. Personally, Dance has kept me focused and positive all along my life. I have moved country several times and I have experienced the challenges of being an immigrant. Dance always holds me. I moved to Ireland 10 years ago and I started my journe working in projects with the community”