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Discover NancyDance

Our family-friendly studio is one of the leading dance institutions in the Jacksonville Beach area. At our school, we aim to encourage a widespread love of dance, welcoming children and adults who can’t help but feel the rhythm!

About NancyDance

NancyDance Studio invites you and your children to experience the spirit of dance.

We believe dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your children will learn. Your child will experience the spirit of teamwork, and discover what hard work will accomplish.

NancyDance Studio has been a leader in dance education since 1984. Our success comes from providing solid dance training and superior quality service in a fun, family friendly and loving atmosphere.

We have 4 studios and 10 dance styles to offer for students from ages 18 months of age to adults. Whether you are aiming for a professional career, looking to stay fit or finally ready to give dance a try, we have a class for you.

The teachers at our welcoming and family-friendly studio have a vast range of experience across disciplines. Our collective approach is to share our love of dance while supporting our students and teaching them the correct technique.

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Discover What Hard Work Will Accomplish.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to create a second home for our students where everyone can access the magic of dance.

We have witnessed first-hand how dance can build character, confidence and friendships. This beautiful, enriching sport is an incredible tool to teach body awareness, self-discipline and teamwork.

Through our service of teaching dance, we strive to provide exceptional coaching and leadership to our students. While striving to instill the importance of etiquette and manners, we also focus on good self-esteem and positive body image.

Dance School in Jacksonville Beach
OUR MISSION

At NancyDance Studio, our mission is to foster a life-long love of dance. When teaching any style or age group, we strive to provide exceptional leadership to our students, building talent and developing life skills such as discipline and respect, while nurturing creativity and fun.

As we believe a person never stops learning, we work hard to ensure our approach extends to all our students, from children to adults.

We’d love for you to be a part of our studio and join our mission to positively reach our community through dance.

Dance School in Jacksonville Beach
OUR VALUES

The teachers and students at NancyDance believe in:

  • FAMILY: We provide a loving and safe environment for our students to have a place where they can feel at home and be themselves. We have seen how dance can foster relationships that last well beyond their years in the studio.
  • EXCELLENCE: We are a studio energized by the love of learning and pursuit of outstanding achievement for all. We expect the highest level of professionalism from our teachers, staff, and students. We work toward our goals with dedication, passion, while nurturing creativity and fun.
  • INSPIRE: We strive to inspire each of our students to reach for their highest potential and become the confident and beautiful dancer they are meant to be.
  • RESPECT: We believe in the importance of loving and respecting others through our words and actions. We value the talent, time and intentions of everyone we work with. We respect the art of dance, our dancers, and each other.
  • COMMITMENT: We are committed to fostering a culture of family while providing quality instruction. We commit to promoting respect for ourselves, others, and dance as an art form.
Dance School in Jacksonville Beach

Our Teachers

The NancyDance team of accredited and friendly dance instructors have a range of skills they can share with our students.

Nancy H. Tuttle

Owner and Director

Owner and Director, received her dance training at the Virginia Dell School of Dance where she also taught for two years. She has been certified by Dance Masters of America for thirty years in ballet, tap and jazz instruction. She has served as Counselor and Dance Instructor in the Duval County Community Schools Summer Camp Program. She is the past president of Dance Masters of America, Florida Chapter. She received her Associate Degree of Certificate from the DMA Teachers Training School at the University of Buffalo. Recently, Miss Nancy has joined a mastermind of dance teachers from all over the world through the Inner Circle DSOA (Dance Studio Owners Association). She is currently developing new innovative programs for our preschool curriculum as well as focusing on a new journaling program for our youth, “Dancers in Balance”. She is the grandmother of five beautiful children and loves spending all of her free time with them.

Lisa H. Thornton

Director

Studied dance with Virginia Dell for fifteen years. She is Dance Masters of America certified in both jazz and tap. She taught in the Duval County Schools before joining the NancyDance Studio twenty years ago. Miss Lisa has received advanced training from such nationally recognized instructors as Debi Dee, Henry Le Tang, Buster Brown and Joe Tremaine. Miss Lisa is well loved by our preschoolers and is most famous for her expertise in tap. Her style has a flair that is the best in the city. Lisa has attended the DMA Teachers Training School at the University of Buffalo.

Melissa Geiger

Director

Is a former student of NancyDance. She continued her studies in ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobatics traveling to various parts of the country like: Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York. She has trained and studied with teachers such as: Joe Lanteri, Gus Giordano, Suzi Taylor and Laura Hauseman. She has attended the Teachers Training School at Kent State University and has been certified with Dance Masters of America for fifteen years. Melissa owned and operated the Performing Arts Center of Baymeadows for eight years. She received recognition with the American Society for the Arts for Outstanding Student. Not only is she known for her strong and energetic skills in Acrobatics, her exquisite flair of jazz technique and style is by far the best in the city.

Shanna Fisher

Assistant Director

 Is a former student of NancyDance for 15 years, has been teaching at the studio for 19 years. Shanna received her training from Dance Masters of America’s Teachers Training School. Her infectious energy and passion for teaching is well received by all her students. Shanna’s talent shines in her favorite styles of dance -Tap and Hip Hop.

Hailey Dunavant

Instructor

Danced at NancyDance for 12 years and was on the Fletcher High School dance team for 3 years, leading as Co-Captain her senior year. Hailey continued her dance experience on Georgia Southern University’s dance team for 4 years, competing at NDA College Nationals as well as performing at home Basketball games and other campus events. She graduated with a degree in business administration before moving back to Jacksonville. Hailey especially enjoys sharing her passion for Ballet at the studio.

Kherington Payne Luther

Instructor

Miss Kherington joins us all the way from California! You may have seen her on So You Think You Can Dance, Season 4 or on Dancing With The Stars, Glee, C.S.I., Behind the Candelabra, and No Strings Attached. She has trained with Shannon Mather, Brian Friedman, Marguerite Derricks, Parris Goebel, & Francisco Gella, as well as danced for Katy Perry, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Diddy, and Selena Gomez. Kherington was a lead actress in Fame, Bravetown and Born to Dance and she is Mommy to Remi with her husband Drew. We couldn’t be happier to welcome her to the NancyDance family!

Kellina Featheringill

Instructor

A native of Jacksonville Beach, Kellina grew up studying dance with Janet Sydnor. She is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and went on to dance with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, First City Dance Theater in Pensacola, Florida, in New York City at Steps and Broadway Dance Center as well as Studio F in Los Angeles, California. Upon returning to Jacksonville, she has taught and choreographed at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Stanton College Preparatory High School, Episcopal High School and most recently choreographed Mary Poppins for Providence fine arts theater program. She is founder of Studio K Dance in San Marco and has taught at several studios in Jacksonville and the beaches. She is mom to Ella and Whit and is so excited to be a part of the NancyDance faculty.

Jenni Peavy Murphy

Instructor

 Is AFAA Group fitness certified and received training at Mildred Fleming School of Dance in Tallahassee. While at Florida State University, she performed for the Golden Girls Dance Team and with the Florida State Flying High Circus. While living in Orlando, she was an “Orlando Magic Dancer” with the NBA for 3 years as well as an Arena Football Cheerleader for the Orlando Predators. She also performed at Universal Studios and Disney World in several different variety shows. When she moved to Jacksonville, Jenni began her Zumba / Barre on Beach adventure at NancyDance.

Dance Instructors in Jacksonville Beach

Heather Herchko

Instructor

Originally from New York, Heather trained at the New Paltz School of Ballet under former New York City Ballet dancers Peter and Lisa Naumann. Heather graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2011, Magna Cum Laude, with a BA in Dance and a concentration in choreography. She was a member of the Nu Delta Alpha dance honors society and the Liturgical Dance Ensemble. Heather has performed professionally with Avant Chamber Ballet, Tampa Ballet Theatre, Nashville Dance Initiative, Dance Theatre of Tennessee, and Lake Erie Ballet, as well as a guest appearance with the Nilas Martins Dance Company. Heather enjoys teaching ballet and pointe to dancers of all ages, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers.

Kristina McManus

Instructor

Is a former NDS dancer starting at the age of 8 years old. Kristina spent numerous summers at dance training workshops in NYC, LA, Chicago, Buffalo, NY and Miami. From 1996-1998, she was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars Roar cheerleaders including as a captain in ‘97-‘98. She was nominated by the Roar team as a Pro Bowl Cheerleader in ’98. Kristina holds certifications from Health Coach Dr. Sears, DaVinci BodyBoard Fitness Instructor as a Master Trainer and is currently a student enrolled with NASM/PT National Academy of Sports Medicine. As the owner of FIT with HIIT Board & Bounce, Kristina loves spending time with her family that includes her three daughters dancing at NancyDance.

Amber Mills

Instructor

Lauded for her holistic, integrative approach to the Pilates Method, Amber is one of the most sought-after instructors in North Florida and the driving force behind A Pilates Studio. She maintains a philosophy that highlights working with clients as individuals and instructing from a platform that emphasizes education in conjunction with dynamic movement. Amber has been practicing and teaching Pilates since 2000, and prides herself on teaching with excellence and customizing fitness programs to ensure her clients achieve maximum benefits from Pilates conditioning. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and feather touch, she is an expert motivator who encourages students to foster respect for their bodies while surmounting perceived limitations.  Miss Amber is excited to be a part of the NancyDance team and loves having her son Maddox and daughter Piper dancing here as well.

Patty Harrison

Customer Care Champion & Office Manager

Is a Jacksonville native and has worked at NancyDance Studio since 1992. Miss Patty loves taking care of our students and parents and making sure they have every question answered in a timely manner. From running the office to keeping up on all the supplies, answering emails, phone calls and registrations, she is always there ready to take care of your needs. In her free time, Patty loves to fish, go to the beach and hang out with her nieces and nephews.

Marcy Dunavant

Customer Care Champion & Secretary

Secretary, a Jacksonville native who moved to the beach 27 years ago, Marcy was a NancyDance mom for 12 years until her daughter Hailey graduated. She has continued to volunteer as a backstage mom at both the baby shows and recitals. She has worked for the Duval County School Board as a teacher and administrator for 29 years. Her family also includes her son Ben, daughter in-law, Kassie and their daughter, Sagan – first grandbaby and future Nancy Dancer.

Maggie Toman

Assistant Teacher

Maggie Toman danced at Nancydance since she was 3 until she graduated from Fletcher high school in 2019. She is now a student at Jacksonville University majoring in dance and minoring in business. Maggie’s favorite styles of dance are Jazz and Hip Hop. She especially loves to spread her passion for dance through teaching classes at the studio.

Dance Instructors in Jacksonville Beach

Laney Burdette

Instructor

Laney has been dancing at Nancy Dance since she was 2 years old. She has studied everything from ballet, tap, jazz to hip hop. Laney danced and served as captain on the Fletcher dance team for all 4 years of high school. She is now dancing on the Swoopin Osprey’s dance team at the University of North Florida. Laney is also majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology.

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