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About
Dance Jump Aerial

ABOUT OUR PROJECT

At Northeast Dance Project, our mission is simple; to provide quality training and education to young dancers. NEDP believes dance training is life training. Dance training not only improves physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, confidence, and strength but allows your child a creative outlet and safe environment to explore the arts and embrace who they are, both on and off stage. Our brand new state-of-the-art facility is the perfect place to begin or continue your dance journey. Let our experienced, carefully selected staff guide your dancer to reach their fullest potential as an artist, athlete, performer, and human being.      

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 " Start unknown, finish unforgettable."

-Misty Copeland

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meet the staff

MEET OUR STAFF

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Tracy Badini

Owner/Director

After 25 years of teaching, choreographing, and coaching dancers throughout New Jersey and New York, Tracy has acquired valuable knowledge and experience through colleagues, studio owners, parents and students to bring you the very best dance training in the area.

Tracy received her early training at New Jersey School of Ballet and later was accepted to the School of American Ballet in NYC. While at SAB, Tracy trained with the most prestigious teachers in the country including Helene Dudin, Elise Reiman, Andre Kramarevsky, and Richard Rapp to name a few. Tracy performed in numerous ballets with New York City Ballet including, "Coppelia","Union Jack", "Midsummer's Night Dream", "Circus Polka", and of course "The Nutcracker'. Tracy was a dancer for the NJ Nets as well as a choreographer for New York Liberty Kids and New Jersey Nets Kids. Her choreography has been performed at Madison Square Garden, The Prudential Center, DanceRave NY, and Symphony Space NYC.Most recently Tracy had the honor of setting choreography for the Duke Dancing Devils at Duke University. Students of Badini have performed in the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular", Macy's Kids," Billy Elliot "on Broadway, "Move" NYC, Nickelodeon, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Season 8 of Dance Moms. Students have been accepted to many prestigious summer programs and professional schools including, Julliard Summer Intensive, The Ailey School, Joffrey and ABT summer intensives. College credits and dance teams include Hofstra University, Rutgers, Penn State, USC, and University of Delaware.

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Instructor

Melissa West

Melissa West has over 20 years of training in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Modern styles.She was a member of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble for six years and performed with the company at numerous theatres including Lincoln Center in a tribute to Duke Ellington. Melissa has performed for Disney, Kmart, New York Liberty and Knicks Kids at Madison Square Garden. Melissa also appeared as a dancer on the Queen Latifah Show. Melissa is the dance captain of Nick DiNicolangelo's "Hands Down Tap Project", a tap company that brings together elite tappers from across the country. Melissa has assisted across the nation on conventions and competitions and is the youngest faculty member on Syncopate Tap Intensive working amongst the industries top teachers and choreographers. Melissa has taught and choreographed award winning dances throughout NJ, NY, PA, and Texas. Melissa has a BA as a dance minor  from Montclair University as well as a BA in psychology with a  focus on elementary education and teaching certification for grades K-6. Melissa hopes to make a positive impact in the dance world and on all her students she has the honor to teach.

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Alex Haquia 

Guest Artist

Alexander Haquia is a Morris County native and currently  a BFA under the partnership between Fordham University and  the Ailey School. Alex is an alumni of the Taylor School, ABT, and the School at Jacob's Pillow. Alex has worked with many prestigious  choreographers including, Francesca Harper, Ray Mercer, Pedro Ruiz,Helen Simoneau,Ronnie Favors, and Yusha Marie Sorzano. His accolades include performing in the Holland Dance Festival, as well as "Memoria" with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Alex is currently working with US companies McKoy Dance Project and Mignolo Dance. NEDP is thrilled to have Alex share his talents with our students.

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Nicolette Sauchelli

Guest Artist

Nicolette is currently a freshman at the University of Delaware where she is studying Physical Therapy with a concentration on Sports Health. Nicolette grew up as a competitive dancer winning numerous overall and title wards. Nicolette was named the Senior Icon in Jazz and Teen Miss Dancers Inc. Nicolette was able to tour with the Dancers Inc company and perform in LA, Disney, and throughout NJ. Currently, Nic is a member of Delaware Dance Fever a company specializing in Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary.  Nicolette has studied with notable choreographers including Cheon, Victor Smalley, and of course Miss Tracy Badini. NEDP is excited to have Nicolette as a guest teacher this summer!

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Kamryn Spagnuolo

Instructor

Kamryn has been dancing for over 15 years and has trained in various genres of dance such as tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, modern, musical theater, hip hop and some forms of ballroom. In addition to her dance training, she's also been trained in singing, acting and is a self-taught contortionist since the age of 13. Kamryn spent some time in NYC training at a dance conservatory. She has choreographed and co-choreographed dances and musicals at local studios and theaters. She has choreographed and danced for up and coming artists in their music videos and live performances including a Honda sponsored event and an event at MetLife Stadium. Kamryn continues her dance training today at prestigious schools including Broadway Dance Center, Peridance Capezio Center, Steps on Broadway, and with instructors such as, Ms Melissa West and Miss Tracy Badini from NEDP. Kamryn hopes to bring the same joy she feels for dance to each of her students and build each and every one of them up!

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Dominique Calabro

Instructor

Dominique has been dancing for 22 years, at the age of 4 she started competing as one of Mrs. Tracy’s students! Growing up Dominique danced for the Nets Basketball Team as one of their kid dancers for three years. She then took her talents to Hofstra University where she was a member of their nationally ranked dance team for four years. During her senior year, Dominque served as team captain. She is a Division 1 two – time national champion, and a U.S.A. National Team champion.

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