Nancina Bucci, Owner/Artistic Director, Dance Educator & Choreographer
Nancina began her dance career at Jersey Cape Dance and Gymnastics Academy, training in all disciplines. She continued her dance education studying under former Rockette, Eleanore Ryder, where she had her first experience as a teaching assistant and co-choreographer. At age 19, while attending Rutgers University, Nancina was offered and accepted a position as a Dance Instructor where her love of Dance continued to grow, and her work as a Competitive Dance Choreographer began to flourish. During her time at Rutgers, Nancina was also an active member/choreographer for Rutgers Performing Dance Company.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Education Degree, Nancina began pursuing a teaching career while continuing to train in Dance, choreograph, and instruct dancers in studios in New Jersey. Nancina auditioned for and was accepted into Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester Program where she was cast in Musical Theater and Latin Jazz pieces under the direction of award-winning choreographer and BDC faculty advisor, Jim Cooney, and original top four contestant of So You Think You Can Dance, Ashlé Dawson. Nancina also had the opportunity to perform at Symphony Space in New York City and work The Pulse Dance Convention, NYC. During this time, Nancina became a member of Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey after passing their board certified dance exam.
Additionally, Nancina danced for a season with a modern dance company based out of New York City, before accepting a full time position as an English teacher. Her work in the classroom has positively influenced and helped to shape her teaching philosophy in the studio, working with many different types of learners and understanding the various teaching methods needed to foster confidence and success in all of her students. While teaching both English and Dance, Nancina was also the Cheerleading Coach for Columbia Middle School and Choreographer for Governor Livingston High School’s Musical Theatre Program.
As an Instructor and Choreographer, Nancina has received numerous accolades and awards at both Regional and National Dance Competitions for Top Choreography and Excellence in the field. In 2018, her students performed at Symphony Space, NYC, and her collaborative work received both the Technique Award and Best Choreography Award from acclaimed choreographers, Bo Park and Kelly Peters. Nancina was also honored to receive 7 Choreography Awards in 2019 for her pieces performed at Beyond the Stars, Dance Xplosion, National Dance Showcase, and On Point Dance Competition. She is also certified through Acrobatic Arts.
With several years of experience as a Dance Instructor, Educator, Coach, and Choreographer, Nancina is eager to continue using her background to cultivate both a positive and competitive learning environment for her students at SDNJ.