Nicole Payne​
Nicole Payne is an accomplished dancer with a passion for movement and artistic expression. With a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance and an impressive 25 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts and Literature, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, Nicole has established herself as a seasoned professional in the world of dance and academia.
Throughout her illustrious career, Nicole has dedicated herself to honing her craft and exploring various dance forms. Her versatility and technical prowess have allowed her to excel in a wide range of styles, including contemporary, ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap, modern dance, kick line, and Poms.
Nicole's journey in dance began in New Jersey at the young age of 2, which continued as she became a competitive dancer later in her childhood, trained in Classical Ballet under one of the former prima ballerinas of the New Jersey Ballet Company, and she also trained with her studio in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and Steps under several seasoned and famous dancers/choreographers; this is where her innate talent and love for the art form were evident. She pursued her dance education at Jacksonville University, earning a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Dance. During her time in academia, she received rigorous training in technique, choreography, improvisation, and dance history, nurturing her understanding of the discipline as both an art form and a cultural expression.
In addition to her accomplishments as a performer, Nicole has also made significant contributions as a choreographer, creating original works that have been showcased in various dance concerts, as well as at regional and national competitions. With her extensive experience, Nicole has cultivated a unique artistic voice, bringing a blend of athleticism, emotion, and storytelling to her performances. She has a keen eye for movement and a gift for crafting captivating narratives through dance.
Nicole's passion for dance extends beyond the stage. She is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers. As an experienced instructor, she has taught classes from as young as 2 years old to adult classes.
Through her dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to the art form, Nicole continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Her artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance and serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers everywhere, including her own 4 children, which her daughter, who displayed a love of dance at the very young age of 1, brought Nicole here to Center Stage. Nicole is beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful dance community and cannot wait to share her knowledge and love of dance with this new generation of dancers.
