Patricia Heigel-Tanner, Associate Professor of Dance and Movement at Penn State attended the American Ballet Theatre School, Connecticut College School of Dance, and the Perry-Mansfield School. She joined the Penn State faculty, and served as the artistic director of Orchesis, a student-based dance company originally part of the Penn State Women's Recreation Association. Heigel-Tanner also co-founded and co-directed the community-based troupe, Contemporary Dance Company, in 1973 with its first performance in January 1974. She choreographed numerous musicals for the Pennsylvania Center Stage, and several original dances including "The War Prayer." Active in the community, she chaired dance curriculum for the Governor's School for the Arts, was president of the Central Pennsylvania Arts Council, and developed dance programs for older adults. She died in 2009.
From the description of Patricia Heigel-Tanner collection of Orchesis and the Contemporary Dance Company records, 1949-2002. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 721985960
