The Studio
In 1946 something very magical happened! Zita Carrano shared her love of dance with her local dance studio and the studio owner offered her to take over the business! Since then, her daughter Nancy Altieri started bringing in her love of Broadway theater and dance into the studio as well as inspiration from her daughters Julie and Christina! Many generations later we have become a very influential establishment for numerous young children in the Shelton community as well as it’s surrounding towns!
Our family business prides itself on creating a safe environment where students can express emotion through art. We want to nurture acceptance by encouraging our students to use the common bond of dance to lift each other up and to work to instill positive self-image and confidence in every student.
Our annual spirited holiday parties, exciting end of year rehearsals and our extravagant spring showcase are sure to make lasting memories for your family! Our Kicks staff continuously sets good examples by respecting one another and being the best mentors, leaders and teachers we can be. Many of our students and educators have shared their joy of dance through teaching and professional dance.
Nancy Altieri, Director
Nancy (Carrano) Altieri, director of Kicks Dance Center is the 2nd generation owner of the family dance business that started out as Zita Carrano Dance Studio in 1946. Nancy started dance training with her mother at 3 years old and began professional training in New York City by the age of twelve. Her vast background of dance education started with a variety of professionals such as Charles Kelly, Frank Hachett, Phil Black, Luigi, Charles Hughes, Peter Genero, Patrick Swayze, Germain Salzberg and Mia Michaels.
Nancy educated herself in all genres of dance at the renowned Broadway Dance Center and studied intense ballet at Steps of NYC and Ballet Etudes of CT. Nancy also studied, performed and taught ballroom for 15 years. Over the years Nancy remained active in NYC by attending dance seminars such as DMA, Dance Caravan, Pulse, Dance Teachers Conference and Dance Educators of America. Also, she keeps her enthusiasm and excitement alive for dance by making sure she sees every current Broadway show she can!
The legacy of the studio continues as Nancy’s daughters and staff continue to teach the art of dance in the same prestigious, devoted and professional manner.