The Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) named Marla Valk, Round Rock ISD Dance Educator and Fine Arts Coordinator, their 2021 TDEA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Valk received the award in recognition of her contributions to further dance education during her 25-year career.
“I strived to build a caring and nurturing environment; a place where dancers feel safe and can explore,” said Valk. “One of my goals is for students to become patrons of the arts so that they will experience the enriching moments art brings for their lifetime.”
Valk taught at Westwood High School for 25-years and was the school’s dance team director for 17-years. She currently holds the position of fine arts coordinator, serving all 55 Round Rock ISD schools. She is an active member of the dance community, working for dance and drill team companies as an adjudicator, choreographer, presenter, and program director. She’s a professional development presenter throughout the state of Texas and has served on the TDEA board. Her experience includes being a Kilgore College Rangerette, a Third Coast Dance Company performer, and a teacher at several dance studios in the Austin area.
