About Tanairi

I was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and raised by two loving parents from the greatest island I know, Puerto Rico. At a young age, my parents taught me the meaning of hard work and painted a clear picture of dedication so when my first day of dance class arrived at 6 years old, I committed and never looked back! 

Growing up as a young dancer, I had the honor of working with the incomparable Debbie Allen and performing under her direction several times at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter I headed to the Big Apple for the first time and competed in The Apollo Kids Talent Showcase. Naturally, I performed a solo to Gloria Estefan and took third place in the competition! That soon to be “full-circle moment” was when I knew...I had to pursue dance and performing. 

In 2004, I graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts and was accepted to State University of New York. Not long after moving to New York City and starting school, I booked a European tour of West Side Story. Touring all over the world was a dream come true, but I had to finish school! Once the tour ended I continued my education but yet again the show I loved dearly would come knocking and this time it was an offer to be in the original cast of the 2009 revival of West Side Story. Of course, I jumped at the chance to be in the show! I continued school through my first year on Broadway and eventually graduated from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Dance. 

More about Tanairi the Actor, Dancer, and Teaching Artist.