Dilek Taptik (Ballet and Repertoire)

Initially trained in Vaganova technique by Margot Cardiano, Dilek’s professional training began in Turkey, Mersin Conservatoire for Dance. She later graduated with an Advanced Classical Ballet Degree from the Ballet Academy Cologne, Germany and simultaneously gained the then offered RAD STC, TC, TD teaching qualifications.

There, alongside others she was taught by the former RAD director, Lynn Wallis OBE and many international teachers. Dilek danced as a demi-soloist with the State Opera Turkey, most distinctive role being ‘Giselle’ coached by Nevin Arikoglu of Joffrey Ballet.

She danced various classical roles in Europe, mostly Germany. Favourites include ‘Arabian Dancer’ in the Nutcracker, Swan Lake corps, Pas de quatre, contemporary and opera pieces. In 2003 she received a scholarship for the 1-year Cert program at London Contemporary Dance School ‘The Place’. She toured with Cologne Theatre Ensemble.

She also trained in New York, USA, where she took class with the late Merce Cunningham Dance School and Merce himself. She performed at the Tate with MCDC and was a dancer for the Cannes Film Festival Straight8 Competition.

Dilek acted in a motion picture alongside Vanessa Paradis.

She was Lead Ballet tutor at the Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Arts Educational Schools London. She is a regular Guest teacher for the IDW Summer School (Barcelona/London) and  tutor at City Literary Institute.

Dilek’s teaching is energetic, knowledgeable, and supports classical ballet technique and safe practice with an emphasis on musicality and joy of movement.

She supports technique through PBT, Yoga & Pilates. She is a registered PBT.

She is part of the RAD School faculty and director and founder of DT Dance ‘Dilek Taptik School of Dance’ London, Waterloo.