Nicole Macaluso (Bateman) began training in multiple genres of dance at age three, with tap

remaining her absolute passion. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, her training was surrounded

by some of the nation's top talent. Nicole has studied from the Shuffle Man himself, Mike Minery,

and takes pride in continuing her tap education, having participated in workshops led by

Brenda Bufalino, Ayodele Casel, Derick Grant, Aaron Tolson, Maud Arnold, Diane Walker, and many

more influential figures in the tap community.

 

Her choreography has been recognized regionally and nationally, earning accolades throughout

the country. Nicole earned her B.S. degree in Advertising from the University of Florida (UF) in

2014 and received her MBA from Florida International University in 2016. She also participated

in the International Dance Teaching Standards (IDTS) program - a dance teacher certification

program focused on skill acquisition and pedagogical practices.

 

As a founding member of Stomp the Swamp- a tap dance company at UF that continues to

bring light to the community through their passion for the art form, the group is known for

advocating and fundraising for the national organization, Dancers Responding to AIDS. Serving

as head choreographer in 2014, they earned a spot to open for Ludacris and Foster the People

at UF's Gator Growl.

 

Nicole was Tap Director for a local studio in her hometown, Regional Manager for a national

dance competition, and is a talent judge around the country for several organizations. She is

faculty at Dance with Jax - a leading dance training program that offers convention-style

opportunities and mentorship within the Northeast Florida region.

 

As a tap educator, she believes the magic happens in the classroom regardless of age or

experience. She is proud to be part of the staff at multiple amazing studios and continues to

teach guest classes and choreography around the nation. Nicole takes pride in the tap

programs she has developed and those she has had the opportunity to mentor. Dedicating her

life to dance, she founded Soul to Sole LLC, where her focus lies in instilling drive in her

students and spreading tap love! Follow her journey on social media- Instagram: @nicole_taps