Resume

Nancy Turano in Carmen Photo by Jamie Pe

Passionate about inspiring others & mentoring artists

Grateful for an international, professional career as dancer, teacher, director and choreographer. Based in NYC for over 40 years, I developed programming for ages four through college that included advanced contemporary programming, curriculum building, mentoring, educational outreach and international exchange programs. I have had the honor to work with over 41 Universities teaching, ballet, pointe, contemporary ballet, modern, repertory and master classes as well as choreographing internationally in schools, companies, for operas, films and TV. My interest is to share my experiences by mentoring artists and as a motivational speaker. Enjoy travel, photography, writing, gardening, meditation and healing arts.

Awards & Honors

NJSCA Fellow Recipient for Choreography
NJSCA Distinguished Teaching Award
NJSCA Governors Award for Dance
Artistic Achievement Award Chancelor of SUNY Schools
Awarded the Key to Dallas by Mayor /Ballet Hispanico
Invited to White House and to perform Kennedy Center by President George Bush Sr.
Invited to Casa Rosada Buenos Aires, Argentina by President Carlos Menem

Certifications & Skills

Certified Pilates Instructor (40 yrs experience)
Fluent English, Spanish, Some Italian
Transcendental Meditation
Photography, Graphics & Web Design
Certified Sound Healing
Certified Gelato Carpigiani

Reviews

Ballet Hispanico shows a wide vocabulary and the focus is mainly on the fiery Nancy Turano, who has complete command on the stage.
The most elegant dancing was found in the solo "Llamada" by William Whitner for Ballet Hispanico's prima Nancy Turano who was a woman at the center of the stage. Pittsburg Press
In "Carmen", choreographed by Ms. Turano, Maurice Bejart met Pina Bausch in this emotionally abandoned trio. Jennifer Dunning, New York Times
“Nancy Turano is committed to bringing great works and great choreographers to young people’s lives.” - Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director Emeritus - Dance Theatre of Harlem
. “The artistic leadership of Nancy Turano has been nothing less than stellar. Exceptional dedication, innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking management has led NJDTE to renowned heights that were the dream of Alfredo Corvino. She stands unto herself as a beacon of leadership in dance education with a network of alumnae/i that will nurture and shape the world of dance for years to come.” says Katie Langan, 20 years Chair of Marymount Dance Dept. and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty.
“In seeing NJDTE perform my choreography, I was struck by their professionalism, their drive, and their talent, and I knew that behind that was a great teacher (N.Turano).” - Robert Battle, former Artistic Director Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Qualifications

Trained 9 years with renowned ballet master Alfredo Corvino (Juilliard/Pina Bausch)
Trained Chechetti Syllabus 9 years
Paris Opera School Teaching Methods with Claude Bessey & Serge Golovine at NYU & at Paris Opera School in Nanterre, France.
Royal Danish Ballet Bournonville Curriculum with Dinna Bjorn at NYU
BFA in Dance Purchase College, NY with Honors
Ballet Hispanico, Principal Dancer, Rehearsal Director, Faculty 18 yrs
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, teacher company, faculty Alvin Ailey School & Ailey/Fordham BFA (assisted with building initial ballet curriculum for BFA Program with Denise Jefferson) 21 years
Young Arts, Chair and panelist for Presidential Scholars in the Arts 3 yrs
New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, Artistic Director 31yrs - choreographed 28 works for the company, commissioned 55 works, secured 8,800 sq ft home for organization.
New York University - Faculty BFA, MFA, Doctoral Program 10 years
Master Teacher in over 30 Universities in US, Sweden, Argentina, Panama, Guadalupe, Puerto Rico, Canada, Israel
Celine Dion's "A New Day" master teacher at Cesars Palace 3 years
Harkness Youth Ballet 92nd St Y, Founding Director NYC 9 years
Juilliard School, Rehearsal Director, for Lila York NYC 1 year
Nancy Turano Dance Co./Millenium Project, Director NYC 5 years
Buglisi Dance Theatre - Dancer NYC 4 years
Developed international exchange programs with Canada, Mexico, Israel
Produced Book "Journey of a Young Dancer" w/ photographer Jenny Mayfield
Choreography Film "Tango Octogenario", Lincoln Center New Films New Directors, Tribeca Film Festival, Sundance and 40 other international festivals
Choreography TV "Law and Order" Criminal Intent 4 Episodes
Choreography Operas in Germany, New York, NJ (Three Penny Opera, Aida, Amahl and Night Visitors and Carmina Burana with full Orchestra & Chorus.