Tonya Kearley (Canada - NL)
Over the
past 17 years, Tonya Kearley has been an innovative activist
and educator dedicated to the preservation and promotion of
authentic Newfoundland
cultural
heritage. Tonya is a forerunner in the Traditional Newfoundland
Dance Revival and has been instructing traditional dances at her
“Dance Up!” show with musician husband, Kelly
Russell. She co-manages Newfoundland Independent Music Label,
Pigeon Inlet Productions and as well, brings
Newfoundland
into the
classroom as a high school teacher.
An active participant and coordinator within the cultural performance sector, she has orchestrated countless venues for traditional musicians both locally and internationally. Featured in countless documentaries and broadcasts, Tonya has made a name for herself as the “go to gal” of Newfoundland Dance and Mummering.
