Alumni Spotlight: Stacie Nelson

LIHSA Alum Stacie Nelson is a performer, director, choreographer, nurse (yes, nurse!), and a mom of another LIHSA alum. Here’s her story.

Stacie grew up in Commack, attending Commack North. She learned about LIHSA from a high school friend who was about to attend LIHSA (then known as BOCES Cultural Arts Center) as the first student Commack approved to send; Stacie became the second, attending her junior and senior year to study dance.

Reflecting on her time at LIHSA, Stacie shared, “It was probably the most life-changing experience I ever had. The teachers were just so amazing. They directed and encouraged us.  We studied one genre each day and we were guided by professionals.” She cites teachers like Hortey Loeb, Bunty Kelly-Bernstein, and MaryAnne Fiordalisi as instrumental in charting her path to a dance career. “I knew I wanted to be a dancer, but until getting to Nassau BOCES, I didn’t know how much work I had to do!”

Also in high school, Stacie studied at the North Shore Studio and Dance where its owner, Sandy Bloomberg became her mentor and stayed steadfast in her life. Between North Shore Studio and LIHSA, Stacie made lifelong friends who have also had successful careers.

Upon graduating from LIHSA in 1986, Stacie received a scholarship to study and receive a certificate at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.  Stacie began performing, including dancing in a wide variety of shows including with such legends as Latoya Jackson and Chubby Checker.  She learned and excelled at Ballroom Dancing, adding that to her dancing repertoire. She became a sought-after choreographer, having successes choreographing commercials, Living History theatrical productions, industrials, and many other productions

At age 22, Stacie got married and had her four daughters by the time she was 29 years old. Somehow, while raising her young family and dancing, she managed to add another degree – as a nurse – and has practiced throughout the years, currently working part-time at Northport Pediatrics.

In her mid-20’s, Stacie became St. Brigid/ Our Lady of Hope Regional Schools dance teacher, and has been teaching students there for the last 29 years.

In 2003, Stacie opened her first dance studio – The NY Dancers Studio,  Ten years later she opened a second studio so she could train and inspire even more students.

Stacie also finds the time to serve as the choreographer for East Meadow’s high school and their two middle schools theater productions.

Stacie’s oldest daughter, Nastasia, followed in her mom’s also attended LIHSA for dance. While she also had a wonderful experience as a student, she was, sadly, the last student Commack High School permitted to attend LIHSA. This multi-generational family of LIHSA grads serve as bookends for Commack District! Like her mom, Nastasia was well prepared to pursue a career in the arts, currently serving as a producer on The Voice and was talent producer on World of Dance and many other reality tv shows.

Stacie’s other three daughters have all embarked on successful and varied careers, as an accountant, a doctor, and a social worker.

You can find more about Stacie’s studio at www.TheNYDancersStudio.com.  Thank you, Stacie, for all you contribute to art, to healthcare, and to arts education!