Interview with Tascheleia Maria Marangoni
Tascheleia “Tosca” Marangoni has built a life around movement, culture, and community. What stands out immediately is how deeply her work is rooted in heritage — not just her own, but the many cultural traditions she studies, teaches, and brings to audiences. From classical training to dance ethnology, her career has been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and a genuine desire to keep cultural dance alive and accessible.
Today, she continues that commitment as the Executive Director of the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival while remaining active in Kelowna’s Italian community.
In the conversation that follows, Tosca shares the experiences that shaped her path as a dancer, educator, and cultural ambassador.
Hello, Tosca. Can you please introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Tascheleia Maria Marangoni; my nickname is Tosca, which means “Woman from Toscana,” reflecting my Italian roots, as my father was born and raised in Italy. My mother’s family is Scottish, and I’m proud of both heritages. I am deeply involved in the Italian community and also celebrate my Scottish heritage whenever I can.
I am a professional dancer specializing in dance ethnology, which focuses on cultural dance traditions from around the world. I am also classically trained, having studied ballet, jazz, and tap extensively. My interest in cultural dance grew from my mixed heritage: my first dance form was Highland Dance, the national dance of Scotland, followed by the study of Italian folk dance.
Do you remember the beginning of your career as a dancer?
I started dance training at the age of three, and by 15, I was teaching younger kids. Professionally, I began performing at 24 in 1999. Throughout my career, I have balanced performing, teaching, choreographing, show production, and studio ownership. It has been an exhilarating journey toward fulfilling my dream.
What inspired you to focus on dance ethnology and cultural dance?
Dance ethnology, the study of cultural dance from around the world, fascinates me because of its diversity and richness. Each region’s unique rhythms, instruments, and movements offer endless learning opportunities. Though it doesn’t pay much, the joy of exploring and teaching cultural dance and music is incredibly rewarding and my greatest passion.
What are the main rewarding aspects of being a professional dancer?
Having a career in dance is incredibly rewarding because it is my life’s work and my number one passion. Performing feels almost like flying, and teaching dance is equally gratifying. Sharing dance with children and adults brings immense joy and fulfillment.
What are the main challenging aspects of being a professional dancer?
The biggest challenge is the intense, ongoing training required to reach a professional level, along with the need to continue learning throughout one’s career. The learning never stops. Dance is a highly competitive field, requiring constant effort and resilience. Balancing the adrenaline of performance with the demands of teaching is an ongoing part of the job.
What challenges have you faced throughout your career, particularly on the business side?
Finding consistent work is the primary challenge, and it is common across the performing and visual arts. The nature of the field often leads to feast-or-famine situations, where work is either abundant or scarce. Being self-employed adds administrative responsibilities, which many artists, including myself, find daunting.
Can you talk more about the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival?
Currently, I serve as the Executive Director of the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival, a non-profit organization.
Formerly known as The Kelowna Kiwanis Festival, it is a long-standing festival for young performers. Now sponsored by Rotary of the Central Okanagan, the festival offers categories in Dance, Music, and Voice, allowing participants to learn from out-of-town professionals, compete, win scholarships, and potentially advance to provincial and national levels. The festival provides essential performance experience for young artists aspiring to professional careers and beyond.
Can you talk about your experience as an entrepreneur?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have had the great pleasure of creating, owning, and operating two different dance studios in my life. Both focused on cultural dance, music, and art. I also founded a non-profit organization and have led several other small projects. Despite the solitary nature of a dancer’s work, I enjoy the independence and the opportunity to create unique cultural experiences for others.
You mentioned creating a non-profit organization. Can you share more about your journey with this experience?
In 2010, I founded Perinatal Mood Disorder Awareness Ltd, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and increasing education surrounding perinatal mood disorders. This term refers to a range of mental health challenges parents may face after childbirth, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and in severe cases, postpartum psychosis. These conditions are more common in mothers due to the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
My own experience with postpartum depression, combined with a strong passion for mental health advocacy, inspired me to start this organization. Although I closed it in 2020 after ten years, largely due to time constraints, we made meaningful progress in expanding awareness, education, and support for families across Canada. In 2012, I was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for my work in this area.
What are your interests outside your professional career?
My main interest outside of dance is my involvement in the Italian community through the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club. We host various events, including monthly dinners and Italian Game Nights. I love sharing and celebrating my Italian heritage with others and promoting the wonderful Italian community we have here in Kelowna.
Tascheleia “Tosca” Marangoni is a professional dancer, educator, and cultural arts advocate based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Specializing in dance ethnology, she has extensive training in Highland Dance, Italian folk dance, and classical styles including ballet, jazz, and tap. Throughout her career, she has worked as a performer, teacher, choreographer, studio owner, and show producer. Tosca currently serves as the Executive Director of the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival, supporting young performers across dance, music, and voice. She is also the founder of Perinatal Mood Disorder Awareness Ltd and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
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