Growing up in Clifton, NJ as part of a classic Italian family (with a great Italian name!), I was exposed to dance at a very early age. Every week, I traveled by stroller (assisted by my mother), to be a one-person audience at my brother's tap class. Watching the thrill of dance at such an early age, I soon made an early exit from the stroller—and onto my own two feet—and I've been dancing ever since.
As a child, I was lucky enough to study with a teacher who had continued her own studies in NYC and she always took me on her trips into the city. Because of my teacher's connections, I was able to watch the great teachers of American dance up close, and I soon began studying with classic instructors and choreographers like Phil Black, Don Farnsworth and Ernest Carlos. Because of this incredible exposure at only 7-years-old, my lifelong passion for dance began.
Several years later, while attending Montclair State University as a theatre major, I received my equity card at my very first professional audition for No, No, Nanette. It was at this same audition where the producer decided my great Italian name was too ethnic; hence Diane Nicole became my stage name in 1973! From that point forward, I was fortunate enough to work with such legendary talents as Ann Miller, Ginger Rogers, Sid Ceasar, Joann Worley, Dorothy Collins, Marilyn Maye and Alexis Smith—just to name a few. (Give me a glass of wine and I'll tell you some great stories!!)
While raising my children in Manhattan, I remembered the influence of my early teachers, and soon founded the Theatre Arts Program for the YMCA of Greater NY, directing all programming related to the Arts at the 63rd St. location.
Expanding on my educational interests, I also developed community Wellness and Arts programs for Rutgers Presbyterian Church, with an emphasis on classes for young children and seniors. Beyond cultural enrichment, one of my passions involves movement education for toddlers and I had the pleasure of sharing my work with PBS' Sesame Street.
With my children grown and out on their own, I have returned to the industry I love, and recently had the pleasure of making my debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. Today, I look forward to new projects, continued cultural collaborations and the joy that my children, grandchildren, family and friends bring to my life!