Tiekka Schofield grew up in Clovis, California, where she received her early dance training with Shirley Winters at the Severance School of Dance and performed extensively with the Fresno Ballet. In 1986, she left home to attend the Houston Ballet Academy on full scholarship and stipend. While still a student she distinguished herself by winning a medal and cash award at the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland. In 1988, shortly after receiving the Princess Grace Foundation Award in dance, she began her professional career in the corps de ballet of Houston Ballet. Rising quickly through the ranks, Tiekka performed numerous principal roles in both classical and contemporary works, including Juliet, Cinderella, Odette/Odile, Kitri, Manon, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. In 1994 she won a bronze medal at the prestigious USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi and appeared on the cover of Dance Magazine. In 1998, Tiekka left Houston Ballet to pursue international opportunities, dancing as a principal guest artist for companies and gala tours in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Central and South America. She performed with the Gala des Etoiles (Japan, Greece), Stars of the 21st Century (Paris), the Royal Scottish Ballet, London City Ballet, K Ballet of Japan, El Ballet de Gloria Contreras de Mexico City, Rosanna Abubakir Ballet of Sao Paolo, and Ballet San Antonio among others. In 2000, Tiekka returned to her native California where she joined San Francisco Ballet and continued to perform as a guest artist with Oakland Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, and Lawrence Pech Dance Company.

Tiekka has taught ballet at all levels throughout her career. She has also acted as both a guest ballet mistress and rehearsal assistant and especially enjoys training dancers at the pre-professional and professional levels. Her love of the art of ballet translates into a deep commitment to help students, regardless of age or experience, connect with their bodies in a positive and creative way. In keeping with her personal philosophy that dance is an art of joy, Tiekka strives to support and develop every student’s enthusiasm, technique and confidence so that they may feel joyful through movement.