Nicole Cotton

Nicole began dancing at age four under Sandie Fukes and Wende Warne at the United Academy of the Performing Arts in Oneida, NY. At United, she studied and competed in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, pointe, and musical theater.

In High School she also attended Cazenovia School of Ballet to receive further training in modern and ballet. After graduation from Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr High School, East Syracuse, she attended the University at Buffalo as a dance major. At UB, Nicole studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern/contemporary, ballroom, musical theater dance, teaching methods, dance history, music theater history, and acting. Nicole was a member of both companies at the school: Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble (2001) and Zodiaque Dance Company (2002-2004), In addition to Young Choreographer's Showcase (2002-2004), Dancer's Workshop (2001-2004), Dance and Percussion Ensemble (2004). She was honored to represent the college at both the 2003 and 2004 America College Dance Festivals. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in dance in 2004. Immediately following graduation, she boarded a Carnival Cruise Ship out of New Orleans, LA performing in the production shows and teaching Cha Cha, Swing, and Country Line dancing. Since then, Nicole has taught and choreographed all over the area. She began teaching for John Hayes O'Neill Studio of Dance in January 2005 and has been teaching there ever since!

Nicole's teaching and choreography credits include: John Hayes O' Neil School of Dance (Rome, NY), Center of Ballet and Dance Arts (Syracuse, NY), United Academy of the Performing Arts (Oneida, NY), Empire Center of Dance (Marcy, NY), CNY Academy of Dance (East Syracuse, NY), University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY), Morrisville State College (Morrisville, NY), Hamilton College (Hamilton, NY), The Turning Stone and Casino and Resort (Verona, NY), and Youth American Grand Prix (NYC, NY).