An Interview with Tara LaValley: Fitness Competitor, Dancer and much more!

by Joe Lenihan on August 17, 2010

Last month’s guest post with Elise Firestone was so popular, I’ve decided to make interviews a regular part of my blog from now on. One thing I haven’t covered much is the Fitness Division, likely because I know absolutely nothing about (sober) dancing, gymnastics, or anything that requires coordination or rhythm.

To help make up for my lack of expertise on the topic, I’ve invited to the studio (via broadband wireless) a very accomplished Fitness Competitor, dancer, performer, model, actress…well you get the point…competitors can do everything!

Her name is Tara LaValley and she is based out of New York. I know, I know…both of my interviews have been with NY’ers. Being an East Coast transplant, it is my obligation to make up for Katy Perry’s wretched (yet catchy) ‘California Gurls’ song. I’ll introduce you to some of the local talent after I’m done bringing everyone back to reality.

I suppose I can get to the point now. I can’t really do much better than the bio already on her site, so here it is verbatim, with the exclusive Next Level Personal Training interview immediately following:

Tara LaValley was born on April 25, 1981 in Chicago. She started dancing in ballet, jazz & tap at age three. She began performing in ballets professionally at the age of eight. Tara then branched out into professional musical theatre around Chicago and continued her acting and dancing training while studying classical piano. She was accepted to DePaul University’s conservatory for music in piano performance, however, decided to continue pursuing her career in entertainment. Since then, Tara has performed in numerous professional shows including musicals, plays, dance performances, television, film, commercials and print. Highlights include: December Cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine, Cover of Racquet Sports Industry Magazine, Host for KNOCKOUT ABS! including 6 DVDs, Ultimate Nutrition Photoshoot,Feature Film: The Rebound (with Catherine Zeta-Jones), Law and Order: CI, As the World Turns, All My Children, Guiding Light, Host for Skoal’s Ultimate Playboy Contest, Reenactment actress for Maury, Miller Beer commercial, Choreographer & Dancer for Napster, Coordinator and Host for Polaroid in Las Vegas, Host for RockMe TV, Lucille Roberts fitness commercial, WABC news, Video Music Awards in Miami for P.Diddy (backup dancer), Toby Keith’s “Stays in Mexico” Video, leading aerobics with the Foo Fighters on MTV, SpikeTV, Commercial Print (Verizon Wireless, US Tennis Association, Babies R Us, Jockey: Yoga, Men’s Health) and dancer for the Viacom (CMT) Network Upfronts at Madison Square Garden.

And the interview:

Joe: Tell us about your background as a dancer and performer?

Tara as Lara Croft

Tara: I started dancing at age 3. I was trained in ballet, jazz, tap and hip-hop. When I was eight I started performing in ballets and theatre in Chicago. By thirteen I was performing professionally in musical theatre around the Chicagoland area.

Joe: What made you decide to try your hand at Fitness Competition?

Tara: I had already been training at the gym 5-6 days a week using weights, cardio and dancing. My fiance, Rob Youells was talking about going back to competing as a bodybuilder. We went to one of the local shows to watch and when I saw the fitness routines I thought, “I can do this!” I loved the idea of choreographing my own routine and bringing my own style to the stage. I also liked that I could incorporate my dancing and performance skills. Because I love action films so much, I wanted to do a Lara Croft/Matrix theme for my routine and chose the music accordingly. Warren Hibbert created my music and is amazing to work with: wh3music@earthlink.net

Tara crosses over from fitness to figure!

Joe: What are the main differences in prepping for a fitness competition as compared to figure?

Tara: While I have competed in both figure and fitness, I’ve always trained for fitness and crossed over when I was at the show. I know that my trainer, Maz Ali at Bodyworx Hardcore Gym allowed me to have a few more carbs and apples here and there so I would have energy for my routine, which I was thankful to have!

Joe: Tell us about your latest events and projects? (videos, performances, competitions, etc)

Tara: I recently did a photoshoot for Ultimate Nutrition where I was an MMA fighter, even though the only “fighting” I do is from Tae-boe! Also, I was the host for the international fitness product “Knockout ABs”, which also included instructing the six DVDs.

Joe: What kind of doors has fitness competition opened up for you that dancing, modeling and performing would not have?

Learning how to properly diet has helped Tara in her modeling pursuits!

Tara: I would say that doing the competition was more of a learning process that helped me in my business. I was already with the top fitness agency, Silver Models, but learning the proper way to diet and prepare for a show or shoot is something that helps me perform better when I’m hired for a job.

Joe: Tell us a little about your businesses?

Tara: I am with multiple agencies in NYC for fitness, modeling, dance, commercials and tv/film. I am an event coordinator and public speaker for various companies that need talent to present their latest product each year. I also work as a national educator for ProTan and as a demo rep for Gaspari Nutrition. On the side, I am a makeup artist, working both for large companies as well as for brides and competitors, also doing the spray tan for shows and special occasions. Being self-employed allows me to do so many jobs at the same time, based on my schedule!

Joe: It’s hard enough for many girls to find a good local figure or bikini prep coach. How would one go about finding one who can prep for fitness? Or do most girls hire a separate coach for choreography?

Tara: If you are on the East Coast, my trainer and diet coach, Maz Ali at Bodyworx is the only one I would recommend.
*Bodyworx Hardcore gym in Paterson, NJ 973-523-2707
I choreographed my own routine because of my background in dance, chose the music and created the costume. I also choreograph routines for girls, just contact me via email: Taralavalley@yahoo.com

You'll want to check your flexibility before trying Fitness Competition.

Joe: What advice would you give to girls wanting to get started in fitness competition?

Tara: First, go see a show to decide if it’s something you can do. Then, find your coach and get the diet and training schedule together. You will know within the first two weeks of dieting if you can handle it! It’s a difficult process but if you are driven, you will learn valuable lessons that will help you get to new levels not only physically, but spiritually.

For full portfolio, bio and resume, please visit my website: www.taralavalley.com