Nicole Macaluso (Bateman) has been dancing since the age of three, including the styles of tap, lazz, Dallet, hip-nop, contemporary, and lyrical. Lap remains her absolute passion. Born and raised in Miami, Fonda, her training was surrounded by some or the nation's top talent. Micole nas train In ces in Insion or mers " In Shuffle Man' himself- Mike Minery. She has also participated in multiple workshops led by Brenda Bufalino, Ayodele Casel, Derick Grant, Aaron Tolson, Maud Arnold, Diane Walker, and many more. Her choreography has been recognized regionally and nationally, earning accolades throughout the country. Nicole graduated from the University of Florida in 2014. Where she earned her B.S. degree in Advertising and received her MBA from Florida International University in 2016. She also has training from the International Dance Teaching Standards (DIS program- a dance teacher certification program focused on skill acquisition and pedagogical practices. From 2011-2014, she was a member of Stomp the Swamp- a rhythm and tap group at the University of Florida focused on bringing light to the community through their passion for tap dancing. In 2014, she was head choreographer, earning them a spot to open for Ludacris and Foster the People at UF's Gator Growl. She was the Tap Director of a local studio in her hometown, previously a Regional Manager for a national dance competition, and has been judging talent for several years around the country. Apart from choreography, she is staff at Dance with Jax- a leading dance training program that offers convention-style opportunities in the Jacksonville, Florida community where she now resides. As a tap teacher, she takes pride in the tap programs she has developed and those she has had the opportunity to train; striving to instill a onve in her students and spread tap love!