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.

Tenetia DiSalvo

Ms. Tenetia DiSalvo was born and raised in Southern California. She studied all areas of dance, theatre and music and eventually went on to be a professional dancer, instructor and choreographer.

Tenetia has worked with several artists and choreographers including Tommy Tune, Billy Goodson, Henry LeTang, Ray Leeper, John Charron, Patty Colombo, Jerry Mitchell and Jamie King. She was a featured performer in shows such as “EFX” starring Tommy Tune and “STORM” both in Las Vegas. Tenetia also, has had the opportunity to sing and dance her way across the world as a soloist and dance captain for Holland American Cruise Lines. Most recently she was an assistant choreographer for Stilleto Entertainment where she taught and staged all of the production shows for Holland America Cruise Line. She has taught all ages and areas of dance and has choreographed several award winning routines.

Currently, Tenetia is studying to be a hair and makeup stylist and is planning on getting her cosmetology license within the new year.

Rachel Harriot

Ms. Rachel Harriot was born and raised in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She studied ballet, lyrical, hip-hop and acrobatics for the past 22 years. She performed in many musicals, large show productions, college basketball games and fashion shows. In high school Rachel was the Captain and choreographer for the Competitive Cheerleading Squad. The squad went on to win the All American Competitive Cheerleading trophy and other awards.

Rachel attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received two bachelor degrees Criminology/Pre-Law and Sociology. She was also, a member of the dance team and performed in many shows across the United States as well as college functions. Ms. Harriot furthered her education at the University of Pittsburgh and received her Masters Degree in Intelligence.

Rachel moved to the “sunshine state” not only to work for the Department of Homeland Security, but to further her dance training with the Miami Dolphin Cheerleading Squad. Rachel has been teaching dance and acrobatics/gymnastics for 7 years.

Jody Eisner

Jody Eisner studied ballet as a child in NYC with Edward Villela in his NY studio. She performed in college regional theater at SUNY New Paltz, both as a dancer in several productions including The Wiz and Cabaret, and as a night club comedienne. Jody continued as an adult studying jazz and tap in NYC with Gregg Burge (from A Chorus Line), and modern/lyrical dance with Twyla Tharp. She went on to teach at a studio on Long Island, eventually partnered with the owner. Jody became a certified choreographer with Dancemasters of America in 1992 for tap and jazz and choreographed a Cabaret Theater Show in NY for 2 years (1995-1997). In addition, she wrote a tap video for the couch potato that was endorsed and approved by Gregory Hines himself! In between all the dancing, Jody raised 4 children, one boy who will definitely be supporting her in her old age and 3 girls who were active in dance competition, winning 7 national number one awards, of which one is still active with the Miss American Association. When not teaching, Jody can be found creating beautiful gemstone and crystal jewelry for her own business!

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© Donna Tucci's School of Dance, 2006
"Personal - Professional - Quality - Training"