“Mr. Popcorn”—the family’s favorite feline—was born in the spring and would provide bountiful entertainment for Devon and Tarah in their spare time (i.e: building castles out of legos for him, teaching him a variety of new tricks, etc). However, spare time was increasing in rarity since this year her life was really beginning to blossom into a whole new sector.  She snagged another full-length production—the Lead role in the play "Plain Days," and then went on to film her first movie, “Dark Fury,” as the child Lead.  She flew to Miami over the summer to tape her first Television show, “Sabado Gigante,” (for Univision), and finished off the year putting together her own live Christmas show, “Tarah Tonite,” with over 100 children performing as her supporting cast.  Her recurring role as a dancer and vocalist with the talented “All Kid Revue,” (a visual extravaganza in Vegas and Laughlin) and her performances with Phase Four Recording Studio and their Dance Company at the Tempe New Year’s Eve Block Parties, were more than enough to keep Tarah in constant motion.  She missed being on “Star Search” (another long-standing goal of hers) by only one child--but didn’t let the loss dampen her spirits.

        She acquired 5 more Regional Dance Wins (bringing that total to 20), and 4 more National Dance Titles (bringing the total here to 9), including among them 3 National Championships.  She was also the National “Miss Petite Starpower Runner-Up,”—although it would remain to this day one of her only beauty pageants (as Tarah's mom believed in having her daughter compete in talent-driven events, rather than such trials that put too high an emphasis on outwardly appearance at such an early age).  Come July, she turned 12.  By this time, the dance competitions were finally coming to a close. Tarah had pretty much maxed out in this field, as she had about 150 1st place trophies to her name and many more highpoint awards as well.  But, dance competitions had certainly played an indispensable part in shaping her performance abilities—i.e.: poise, focus, practice, plus quick thinking on her feet, coordination…and lets not forget, confidence!  She learned how to deal with almost any situation, and get through it gracefully. Once, (of all things), her skirt came off in the middle of a performance when it came to the spinning section and she was forced to make a spontaneous adjustment, step out of the heap, and continuing dancing…all be it now just in her slip! ...And all without missing a beat, teaching Tarah that anything can happen when you’re on the spot, and learning to deal with it is just a part of life.  She consistently captured audiences with her charisma, smile, and presentation. She really did love the stage!  

       In gymnastics, at about this same time, her coach was opening up a new gym and Tarah decided to follow her there, marking time as a level 9.  In school, she accompanied her Junior High Chorus on the Harp when they traveled to a statewide concert in Flagstaff, Arizona.  And in the dance world of live shows, she performed all over Arizona with the Eurasian Dance Company, a rather prestigious and well-revered troop who traveled all over and performed at a variety of venues.  In her spare time, she and her dad began collecting those plush little critters you snag out of the crane machines, and over the next three years, got better and better at the capturing process and gathered hundreds of them.

                   To browse a new page