Everyone Dances

 Our unending gratitude goes to Tom Barnes, 

husband of the late Gail Barnes. 

His generosity helps us make dance accessible to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to study through the 

Gail Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

In 1976, Tom and Gail founded their non-profit organization called Tattercoats, Ltd, named after the rags-to-riches early Cinderella story because they believed that no matter where a child begins in performance and dance, they will end up as royalty if they persevere.  When they relocated to Virginia Beach, they began with a small nucleus of interested students and devoted parents.  For 15 years, Tattercoats presented to Virginia audiences, hour-long children's ballets: stories set to music reminiscent of the old silent movie era. Gail, true to her love for children, helped many young dancers develop their talents from age 5 to 18 and choreographed millions of minutes of dance steps. Tom did the artistic direction and designed hundreds of costumes. 

After 20 years away from it all, in 2017, 

they happily returned to add their efforts to the success of Tiffanee Anthony and the talented students of studio 360. In April 2018, our beloved Miss Gail left this earth, but her love and legacy remain.

Tom and Gail Barnes with Miss Tiffanee

Miss Gail assisting with choreography