MEET THE NJDTI STAFF
Nichole Solomon Haight
DIRECTOR & OWNER
I began dancing at the age of 2, starting in a local studio. I ended up finishing my high school dance years at Dance, Dance, Dance in Oakland, NJ. I competed in their company for several years, winning several awards at competitions with my team. After high school, I went to Ramapo College and received my Bachelor’s degree. Shortly after I graduated, I began teaching at local studios choreographing several pieces that made it to Nationals and began training students.
Since I was a child, my dream was to open a dance studio and spread my love for dance on to other kids. I pour my heart and soul into these kids, and I believe everyone deserves a chance to feel special and confident; that is my ultimate goal for these children. Dance is home to me.
MISS NIKKI
Nicole Timpanaro began dancing at the age of 3 at Studio Workshop in Lyndhurst NJ. She studied ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre under the instruction of several former Broadway performers and producers such as Claudia Shell (CATS, Merlin) and Jim Raposa (CATS). Miss Nicole graduated their pre professional program and continued her training at Montclair State University as a Dance education major. While at MSU she had the opportunity to perform in works by choreographers such as David Parsons, Karen Gayle and Robert Battle. She graduated from the program with a BA in Dance Education and a New Jersey K-12 teaching certification in Dance.
Miss Nicole performed professionally for a year on the Bud Light MetLife dance team, appearing at pro football games and other events sponsored by the company. Being that teaching was her main focus, she started teaching full time and specializes in jazz, tap and creative movement. As a dance educator, Miss Nicole has taught all over northern New Jersey for the last 10 years, and her true passion is to teach and make a difference in young dancers’ lives. Nicole strives to build self confidence in her students and help them take their love for dance to the next level in a positive and fun way.
MS. FRAN
Ms. Fran's love for dance started at the young age of three. She began her training with Gloria Frances locally and then in NYC with Luigi, Phil Black, and Frank Hatchett.
Ms. Fran received her BFA in Dance from Montclair and Centenary. During her time in college, she performed in a modern dance company, but her love for teaching took her back into the studio. It was then Ms. Fran decided to open Dance, Dance, Dance! Inc, in Oakland, NJ, which was home for many young dancers for 25 years. Upon the end of that act, Ms. Fran then taught for New School of Dance Arts in Wyckoff for six years. Ms. Fran is a member of Dance Educators of America as well as Dance Masters of America.
MISS TORRE
Miss Torre began dancing in Oklahoma City and hasn't stopped since! After training at AMDA in LA and NYC, she performed in shows like Cabaret, Newsies, with The Utah Ballroom Dance Company, and at theme parks across the country. She later launched her own company, Bevel and Co. New York. Torre is excited to bring her love of technique and pizzazz to NJDTI!
MR. SANTINO
Mr. Santino started dance training at 16 years old. His passion for dance made him strive to learn techniques in all styles of dance. Once he started he couldn't stop!
In New York City, Santino trained in Ballet, Acro, Musical Theater, Tap, Jazz and Latin. He went on to work with Ashle Dawson, Al Blackstone, Lane Napper, and Derek Mitchell. His work has taken him all across the United States from Los Angeles to Florida and North Carolina.
Santino has made appearances in "Dead Man's Party" at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson New Jersey, and "Global Citizen" concerts in NYC. His fusion style of dance incorporates all styles, showcasing impeccable technique and impressive versatility. Working in so many different styles of dance has made him a firm believer that every dancer should strive to be as versatile as possible. His training is designed to help make dancers versatile, stronger and more bookable in the industry.