About Nancy East

Nancy East has enjoyed teaching dance for over thirty years.  During that time she has been on the faculty of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and operated her own dance business.  Her long dance career has allowed her to teach to both students and instructors alike in classroom as well as guest artist situations.  She has also served as a judge to various dance competitions.

Nancy began her dance education as a young child studying ballet, tap and jazz.  In college she majored in Dance at UCLA and the University of California at Irvine where she received her degree in Dance and Art.  At the same time Nancy attended the American School of Dance in Hollywood, studying under Eugene Loring and Joe Tremaine.  She has earned her California Teaching Credentials for Elementary Education and Secondary Credentials for Dance, Art, and Physical Education.  Nancy holds a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Direction and Choreography. 

Along with directing the dance program at The Dance Academy, Nancy has recently retired from California State University, Stanislaus as a faculty member in the Kinesiology Department.  During her 27 year tenure she taught various courses in dance and education and choreographed for the Theatre and Music departments.  During her career she has also enjoyed teaching dance, fitness and creative movement in the school system through the Stanislaus County Arts Commission STARS program.  Her dance career has also allowed her the opportunity to choreograph for theatre and performing arts groups throughout the Central California area.