Mimi Costa-White was born in 1945 and made her stage debut tapping up and down stairs at age 3. In 1953 her mother opened a dance studio. At age 10, she began ballet studies with San Francisco Ballet and faculty member, Lynette Panganiban, continuing through age 17. At age 11, she performed with New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker in San Francisco. From 1959 – 1964 Mimi attended a two week Cecchetti Council Intensive held in Carmel, led by Olga Fricker. She also attended San Francisco State University and danced with the S.F. State Dance Ensemble. In 1968, Mimi attended the week intensive introducing Dame Margot Fontaine’s Children’s Syllabus presented by Valerie Taylor, soloist with the Royal Ballet. She began studies with Mary Conmee, one of the first to bring the Royal Academy of Dancing syllabi to the west coast.  In 1970 took the RAD Major exams admitting Mimi to RAD membership.

 

Mimi became a member of DMA in 1978. After going through the chairs in Dance Masters of California, she was elected President in 1984.  Served as DMC delegate for many years. In 2000, she was elected to National Area Vice President. In 2002, she was elected Dance Masters of America 2nd Vice-President, moving through the chairs to National President in 2006. Mimi is a TTS graduate. She attended all 3 years at TTS West was held at the University of San Francisco, and tested in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro. Mimi also attended SHIP for 10 years as national officer chaperone and attended Teachers Training School for 10 years; 4 as class secretary, 2 as president and 4 as Administrator 2 in charge of faculty and curriculum. She completed writing The Art of Teaching Ballet, DMA’s official ballet manual 2008. Mimi attended TTS West as President and Administrator 2 for 3 years, at Long Beach State University.

 

Mimi was honored by the Governor of California for contributions to the youth of California promoting the art of Dance. She has choreographed over 30 musicals for community theater and high schools.

 

Mimi began teaching ballet at family studio at age 14, beginning again after college.  At retirement Mimi closed the studio after 62 years in business, the last 37 years under her ownership.