Tanja was born in Stuttgart, raised in Madrid, later moving to England to study dance, and finally to Australia as a young adult.  She had a passion for dance from her earliest days.  She was known as an animated and witty performer.

She was appointed last may as the artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company. An original dance work of hers "construct" had recently been presented to rave reviews.

Her life was cut short when she was hit by a garbage truck while crossing the road near her home.