About the Director

Ms. Donna Tucci originally from Detroit, Michigan, took her first ballet class at the age of 7. She studied with Ms. Grace Thomas, a former professional dancer, who was primarily trained in the Cecchetti and Russian forms of ballet. Donna continued her study of ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and spanish dancing with Ms. Thomas through her high school years and performed at many local and state functions.

At age 11, Donna was accepted as an apprentice with the Detroit City Ballet Company and performed with them locally and state wide. At age 18, Ms. Tucci competed in the Miss Roseville (Michigan) Pageant and won the title along with the talent award. She went on to compete in the Miss Michigan Pageant (Miss America affiliate), Muskegon, Michigan.

Upon her graduation from high school, Donna went to New York to study with the American Ballet Theatre and Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton's dad). She also, auditioned for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes and was chosen as a summer replacement.

On her return from the Big Apple, Ms. Tucci continued her dance training at Mary Grove College with Iacob Lascu, Dance Detroit. She was also a student at the Mannequin Modeling School and performed with the Detroit Producers Association. Ms. Tucci has also furthered her education in the field of Physical Therapy. She has obtained an Associates Degree from Macomb Community College, Clinton Township, Michigan in Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant and is licensed in the state of Florida. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor by the Professional Health & Fitness Institute. She has attended several continuing education courses including, "Performing Arts in Physical Therapy" seminar in San Francisco, CA and "Developmental Dance: A Treatment Approach for Children with Developmental Delays and Neurological Impairment" in West Palm Beach. In June 1995, Ms. Tucci was also the recipient of the Child Enrichment Award presented to her by the Mayor of Royal Palm Beach, Tony Masilotti.

Ms. Tucci began teaching dance at age 14 and has taught at several dance studios in the Detroit area. As an instructor, Donna uses the formal approach by utilizing classroom discipline and a strict dress code. She feels it is important the students learn quality technique, proper posture and body alignment, in order to prevent injuries and develop proper placement skills. Her goal of the studio is to create an atmosphere that is professional yet full of fun, smiles and love of dancers of all ages. She hopes you choose to be a part of her "Dance Family" So...Come on... Let's Dance!!!

Julia Sanchez-Masi

Julia Sanchez-Masi grew up in Nebraska and South America. She began dancing at the age of four. She attended Oklahoma City University, where she studied all forms of dance, musical theatre, and acting. Julia graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance performance. Professionally, Julia has been fortunate to work in many great venues.

She has performed several Musicals in Regional Theatres, toured nationally and internationally to places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. She has performed professionally on the stages of New York, as well as modeling and t.v. work. Julia has also had the opportunity to travel the world as a Dancer for Holland America Cruise Line. Her teaching experiences include; touring as an instructor for Universal Dance Association, choreographing and teaching for Columbia University's Academy, Oklahoma City University's Academy, and other studios in New York, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Laurie Romeo-Mabey

Laurie Romeo-Mabey has received a BFA degree in dance from Montclair State University where she was recipient of the prestigious choreography scholarship award. She has danced for many well know choreographers as well as touring with various dance companies and musicals. Her choreography has been seen in off-broadway shows, Lincoln Center outdoor concerts series, Make a Wish Foundation shows, colleges and universities.

Laurie has been teaching dance for over 12 years to children of all ages and adults.

Brittany Tobasco

Brittany Tobasco was born in Howell, NJ. At a young age she discovered her passion for dance and began taking class. By the age of six, Brittany began competing in national competitions with an elite troupe based out of The Dance Stop in Parlin, NJ. At just 13 years of age, Miss Tobasco had received numerous awards and titles such as Elite Dancer of the Year, Starbound Top Soloist, and Starbound Grand Champion. Miss Tobasco also became a student of the Freehold Regional High School District Fine Performing Arts Academy in 2005.

After relocating to Florida in 2006, Brittany began training at Donna Tucci School of Dance. She competed in numerous competitions and won various awards such as Florida Match Play Teen Soloist Champion and American Open Dance Championship National Champion. She graduated from nationally recognized Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts in 2009. Brittany adores instructing children of all ages in all techniques of dance.

Whitney Earnhardt

Greg Gilman

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© Donna Tucci's School of Dance, 2006
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