Our Faculty

nicole

Nicole Cote

At the early age of 8, Nicole Cote started dancing in a single jazz class located in Carle Place, New York. After 4 years of studying jazz she then moved to Florida where she began taking classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Hip Hop, and Lyrical with Patricia's School of Dance. Throughout her dance career Nicole has received many wonderful awards and scholarships.

Nicole began competing at the age of 14 with solos, duets, and small groups and has received many first place and high score awards. Nicole performed at local exhibits such as the "Melbourne Arts Festival" and local Florida Pageants. Nicole became a teachers assistant at age 16 and was awarded a full time teaching position shortly after with Patricia's School of Dance for 3 years and for "Kim Cole's Dance Studio for 8 years. Nicole has had the privilege of working with many dancers age 2 thru adult for over 20 years. Nicole Was the first instructor at Kim Cole's Dance Studio to begin the 2 year old creative kids program.

  • Nicole Cote became the director of her own program in 2005 and continues to direct, instruct, and manage "Nicole Cote School of Dance". She continues to travel to many dance conventions and competitions throughout the state of Florida and take classes from master professionals and choreographers to further her knowledge in which she can pass down to her students for years to come. Nicole Cote is recognized for her "top scores" and "top choreography" awards. Nicole Cote became a certified dance instructor in 2006 with "Florida Dance Masters", section 2 and has received her Masters In Arts Degree in Leadership & Management, from Webster University.

katie

Katie Carinci

Katie Carinci has been dancing and teaching under the leadership of Nicole Cote School of Dance for over 30 years combined, making dance a lifelong passion and an integral part of who she is. Throughout her journey, she has had the opportunity to take classes from many world-renowned choreographers, including Many Moore, Brian Freedman, and Mia Michaels, continually expanding her knowledge and bringing new inspiration into her teaching and choreography. Katie began competing herself at just eleven years old, and one of the proudest moments of her competitive career came at age fourteen when she placed 1st overall at Showstopper Dance Competition with her very first solo, choreographed by Nicole Cote herself. That experience helped shape her love for competition and ultimately inspired her to share that same passion and confidence with the next generation of dancers.

With more than 15 years so teaching dance education, Katie has had the privilege of working with dancers of all ages and abilities from 2 years old to beginners to dancers in the mid 60's. Today, she is proud to be part of the Nicole Cote School of Dance competition team where she works with both new and returning dancers, helping them discover confidence in themselves while continuing to grow and develop throughout their individual dance journeys. Over the years, Katie has choreographed numerous pieces for the competition team that have earned multiple choreography awards, as well as pieces that have helped her dancers achieve 1st overall placements on the national stage. Katie believes that successful choreography does not come from the teacher alone. It comes from the inspiration, energy, and individuality that her students bring into the studio every day-and, most importantly from the way they take her choreography and bring it to life on stage. She knows she could not do what she does without having such incredible dancers to showcase her work, and she is incredibly grateful for the talented students who allow her ideas to become something truly special.

  • Fun Fact: Katie's favorite style of dance to both teach and perform herself is tap! She is especially lucky to share that love with her students every week as the tap teacher for the competition team. Katie looks forward to watching dancers of every age- from the littlest Baby first to our graduating seniors- grow year after year, build confidence, and showcase their love for dance on stage at the end of the season. For Katie, there is nothing more rewarding than being part of that journey and watching each dancer discover just how much they are capable of achieving.

elizabeth

Elizabeth Moran

Elizabeth has been teaching dance in the state of Florida for eight years, where she develops her own lesson plans for each of her classes and choreographs original pieces for her students' showcases.

She attended the University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Entrepreneurship. While there she was a company member for Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre (ARDT), faculty-choreographed work, and taking part in the student’s choreography show, Dance Alabama! One of her most memorable performances with ARDT was an eight-minute improvisational piece called “Baldessari” set by UA’s professor, Rebecca Salzer. Her time at UA gave her opportunities to workshop with choreographers such as Jim Cooney, Liz Burritt, George Staib, Helanius Wilkins, and James Atkinson.

  • Outside of major coursework, Elizabeth was involved in the National Association of Contra Dancing Society, line and square dancing, and Crimson Ballroom. In the spring of 2016, she took part in the Disney College program at Walt Disney World Inc., in Orlando, FL.The summer, she returned to Alabama, and began apprenticing as a modern dancer with Sanspointe Dance Company in Birmingham while finishing her degree. After graduating in 2017, she traveled nationally for the Celebration Talent Dance Competition, working as a tabulator, awards coordinator and backstage manager.

    Since then Elizabeth has been welcomed as a guest artist at Discovery Church and Faith Assembly, performing in works called “Healing”, “MOVE”, “Those Magic Changes”, and “SOS.”-pieces spanning ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop. Her other guest work includes Dawn Branch Works’“Eden” a story ballet based on the Garden of Eden, which was set to premiere in March 2020 but was cancelled a day before the performance. She has also performed “Light of the World” as a solo at Grace Church Christmas Eve services.

    Elizabeth holds a Mat Pilates certification from the Pilates Instructor Academy, and is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT). Outside of the studio, she enjoys photography and videography, and is currently learning how to fish.

    Elizabeth is Certified in
    Progressing Ballet Technique
    Progressive Ballet certification
    Click on image to view certificate

    Elizabeth is also
    Pilates Mat Exercise Certified
    Pilates certification
    Click the image to view certificate

Kendal Cote

Kendal Cote

For the last 18 years, Kendal Cote has had an inspiring amount of love for the art of dance. She started her dance journey at the young age of two years old and continued to have love and passion for dance ever since. Kendal started her training throughout the years as a recreational dancer at Nicole Cote School of Dance. At the age of seven years old she then joined the competition team at Nicole Cote School of Dance. Kendal’s few classes then turned into several hours of training, practices, competing at travel competitions, and even taking classes from professional choreographers at dance conventions helping her become the best dancer she has ever been. Kendal became apart of the NCSD family and created strong bonds with other dancers and even instructors. NSCD turned into her second home.

  • Later down the road Kendal joined the high school dance team known as the Melbourne Miracles at Melbourne High School her freshman year. On top of training and competing with Nicole Cote School of Dance she was also training and competing with the Melbourne Miracles. Being apart of the high school dance team took Kendal to amazing opportunities to show off her skills with being able to compete at Regional and National dance competitions in Florida and also had 4 years of training at summer intensive dance camps with the Universal Dance Association. At the age of 16 years old Kendal started her teaching career with Nicole Cote School of Dance. For the next four years Kendal continued to dance and teach about 6 days a week on top of being a student at Melbourne High School. Kendal’s love and passion for dance has forever been so strong.

JoAnn

JoAnn Richter

After moving to Florida from Pennsylvania in 2002, JoAnn has worked in various jobs including physical therapy and an elementary school cafeteria. She brings with her a widely varied customer service skill set. She understands both sides, as prior to her employment with Nicole Cote School of Dance, JoAnn was a dance mom for 10 years.

JoAnn is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office and ensuring that all office procedures are followed. JoAnn is a highly organized person with wonderful interpersonal communication skills. Ms. JoAnn is a valuable asset to Nicole Cote School of Dance.

Ava

Ava Hurlbert

From the young age of two, Ava has been dancing at Nicole Cote School of Dance where her passion for dance began. As her family like to say, she danced before she could walk. Throughout her childhood, she trained in a variety of dance styles, and in 2021 she was awarded the "Hannah Johnson Memorial Scholarship". This opportunity allowed for her to further her dance education before becoming a dance instructor in 2022.

At the age of twelve, Ava Joined the nationally ranked West Shore Jr/Sr High School in Melbourne Florida. After her first season, she earned a spot on the varsity team as an eighth grader and continued to develop as both a dancer and leader. She also trained with the Universal Dance Association, earing opportunities to dance across the world through their All American program, coaches' recognition awards, and multiple invitations to UDA Nationals in Orlando Florida.

  • After graduating, Ava returned to the program as the assistant coach, which allows her to mentor the next generation of dancers. Inspired by her love of dance and desire to give back, Ava founded the "Dance for a Cure"- Brevard, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer. Through dance showcases, community partnerships, fundraisers and merchandise sales, she has united the local dance community in support of families affected by breast cancer. In the organization's first year, Ava raised more than $8,000 for local breast cancer charities, demonstrating her commitment to creating a positive impact both on and off the dance floor.

Hayden

Hayden Mucha

Hayden Mucha has been training pre-preprofessionally for 10 years with experience in every style of dance. He grew up training at Nicole Cote School of Dance for 4 years and Dance by Holly Rock for 6 years. He attended the School at Jacob's Pillow as part of the 2023 Contemporary Performance Ensemble and received the Jacob's Pillow Professional Advancement Award in Dance. He was also a dancer in Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's Advance Summer Intensive. He has participated in multiple ChuThis in-studio intensives, Creating Waves with Peter Shu and Jessica Hendricks, NextGeneration Ballet 3-week summer intensive, and more. He will be attending the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance as part of the class of 2024 to earn his BFA. He is excited to expand his artistic voice and further develop creative ways of expressing himself through movement with fellow dancers.

Hannah-Grace

Hannah-Grace Mucha

Hannah-Grace Mucha is a dancer born in Palm Bay, Fl. At a very young age, her parents noticed her love of dance and musicality. They took her to Nicole Cote School of Dance when she was two years old. With the encouragement of Nicole Cote, she began competing at the age of three. She trained in all styles of dance until the age of ten. She then moved to Dance by Holly Rock to continue and advance her training in all styles of dance including contemporary, ballet, hip hop, modern, tap, musical theater, and jazz.

  • Hannah-Grace has been accepted to and has received scholarships to multiple prestigious summer intensives including Hubbard Street Summer Intensive in Chicago, Perry Mansfield Summer Intensive in CO, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Summer Intensive in Los Angeles, Creating Waves Summer Intensive in Cocoa Beach, ChuThis Moves, Next Generation Ballet, Duncan Cooper, and The Art of Movement. Her most recent summer intensive was Body Traffic in LA. She has had the opportunity to receive solo and group choreography by many well-known choreographers including Maddie Hicks, Lucy Vallely, Eoghan Dillon, Jessica Hendricks, Ida Saki, and Struther White. These choreographers, along with others, continue to be mentors to her as she approaches her professional dance career.

    Hannah-Grace has competed throughout the state of Florida and beyond throughout her dance career, receiving scholarships to many conventions including Revel, Nuvo, Jump, 24seven, NYCDA, and more. She most recently won breakout Artist at Nuvo Miami in May of 2024. These scholarships allow her to not only build relationships with the dance community but allows her to continue her training affordably. She has been a teacher assistant for various age groups ranging from age 9-15 in many styles of dance, filling in to teach classes when needed since 2021. In addition, she has choreographed a duet and a small group and has assisted with choreography in multiple group dances.

    Although Hannah-Grace has a love of all dance genres, her greatest passion is contemporary. Her most recent contemporary duet with her brother, choreographed by Lucy Vallely, won first place at every convention she attended last season. Her solo, also choreographed by Lucy Vallely, most recently placed second at 24seven Orlando. Hannah-Grace believes that the biggest competition should always be with yourself, pushing yourself to be better than the time before, never losing the love and enjoyment along the way.

Tim Yuen

Tim Yuen

Tim did not actually start out as a dancer, but as a martial artist and musician. While highly successful in both, he reached a point of burnout during high-school and wanted to try something new. It was because of this that he took his understanding of movement and music, merged them, and discovered dance as the perfect bridge between the two. He taught himself simple choreographies and basic moves through YouTube for fun before quickly realizing he wanted to pursue dance professionally.

  • However, it wasn't until college that Tim's dance journey would rapidly and suddenly begin picking up momentum. He immediately immersed himself in the dance scene and worked towards a fine arts degree with a minor in dance. Before, after, and between classes, he was constantly practicing and sharpening his skill set. When he wasn’t dancing, he was researching and studying all of the ins-and-outs of dance, including technique, culture, science, as well as history. He also became the captain of the on-campus breaking crew and was heavily involved with the theater and film programs, making a name for himself in the local arts community. Since then, Tim has danced, choreographed, and instructed for multiple dance studios in Virginia, New York, and now Florida.

    While he loves the creative and performance aspects of dance, Tim's true passion lies in teaching. Some of the most influential people in his life were teachers, and he wants to mirror the same intentionality and genuineness that was shown to him growing up. Tim's goals as an educator are to guide students to authenticity in their art, dedication to their craft, and appreciation for life through movement. Outside of dance, he is still an active musician and has taken up yet another hobby in culinary arts. Tim is so excited to share his love for dance and eager to invest in each of his student’s own personal dance journey.

Jessica

Jessica Cheek

Jessica got a late start in dancing but, quickly realized she had a great passion for it. She started with one lyrical class and enjoyed it so much that the following year she signed up for six classes. She wanted to expand her knowledge and skills with lyrical, ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz and musical theater. She joined the competition team in her third year and went to several competitions and conventions where the team placed first and second.

  • She was also a member of a group routine that placed 1st and 4th. Since then, she has self-choreographed several solos that have placed 1st at several competitions. Her self-choreographed lyrical solo received 1st place at Streetz Nationals 2021. She found her niche in choreography and looks forward to choreographing routines for students for recitals and competitions. She was a leadership team member and a teaching assistant with Stephanie for several years and values what she has learned from her. She has participated in the yearly dance recitals and other events that showcased her dance skills. She loves to attend the conventions where they get to train with many known dancers and choreographers. She is excited to teach and watch the students grow in a variety of dancing styles.

Venus-Maria

Venus-Maria Mallory

Miss Venus-Maria Mallory attended the Orlando Ballet School, the only one of four professional national training academies accredited by American Ballet Theater. She continued her dance education and professional development, and has been trained with Ballet West, Joffrey Chicago, Joffrey New York and San Antonio.

Under The Orlando Ballet School Miss Mallory ended up on Top 10 for classical variation. She has also gained the bronze medal for contemporary routine at Grand Prix Competition. She received multiple awards such as the Cathy Roe ultimate title. She was awarded Miss StarQuest in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Miss Mallory was honored with IDC highest over all 2012. She was privileged to be featured in Dance Spirit Magazine as the Rising Dance Star.

  • Miss Mallory's performed as a core for several of Robert Hills Ballets such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Hantzel and Gretel, Vampires Ball, Nutcracker, Snow White, Coppéliaand many others. She was a soloist as "The Prayer" for Coppélia & "Arabian" for Nutcracker. She has also been a company member performing soloist and principle roles for Dance Theater of Orlando under the artist direction of Marshall Ellis. Along with performing she has taught at Orlando Ballet School South and Central Campus, Susan's DanceWorks and Marshall Ellis Dance School. Miss Mallory is also ABT certified in Ballet education.

    Eclipse was the recipient of numerous awards including grants from The Zellerbach Family Fund. The company has been quoted by the San Francisco Bay Guardian for their "...simple genuineness," by the East Bay Express "...that inherited wisdom-whether folk or esoteric-can offer us direction for a more authentic future," and by the World Dance Review as "Stunning!"

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Jrew Maldonado

Jrew Maldonado began dancing at the age of three and started competing at the age of nine. Throughout her dance career, she achieved numerous accomplishments, including being a three-time Grand Champion at Starbound Nationals Dance Competition. She has also had the incredible opportunity to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City twice.

  • Throughout her journey, Jrew has experienced moments when she felt she had lost her passion for dance. However, returning to Nicole Cote School of Dance helped her rediscover her love for dance and reignite the spark that first inspired her. Today, she continues to grow as a dancer and is grateful for every opportunity to share her passion and dedication through her art