Rusty began his professional journey as a dancer with The Ramsey Dance Ensemble before joining Acanthus Ballet, Humphrey Dance Company, and the internationally acclaimed Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. For nine years, he toured the globe with the Trocks, performing some of the most sought-after roles in the classical ballet repertoire. Stateside, he performed with the Peridance Ensemble in New York City and brought his talent to Japan for two vibrant seasons with Les Ballets Grandiva de Russia. 

Rusty’s artistic influence extends beyond performance. As a Certified Movement Analyst and Registered Somatic Movement Therapist/Educator, he masterfully integrates Laban Movement Analysis and somatic practices into his teaching, fostering a deeper connection between movement and mind. 

His theatrical expertise is equally impressive. Rusty has choreographed and directed over 50 musical theatre productions and original dance concerts for professional and collegiate stages with such shows as:

The Club, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pippin, Sister Act, The Pirates of Penzance, La Cage aux folles, Iolanthe, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, R&H Cinderella, Smokey Joe’s Café, Brigadoon, The Mikado, West Side Story, Swing, Titanic, Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Company, A Grand Night for Singing, Man of La Mancha, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Copacabana, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Secret Garden, Hello Dolly, Mack and Mabel, and Hair which is featured in the documentary for the 30th-anniversary celebration of Hair in NYC for Galt MacDermot.

Rusty has performed in many Musical theatre shows as well.  A few highlights are: Jesus Christ Superstar,Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Sugar Babies, and CATS.

He also was the co-founder and Artistic Director of Bergen Festival in Bergen County, NJ, as well as led the Lycian Center’s Kings Theatre Company in Sugar Loaf, NY, where he created the beloved Royal Pavilion Family Theatre Company, specializing in children’s and family entertainment.

He was also the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Bergen Festival in Bergen County, NJ. Additionally, he led the Lycian Center’s Kings Theatre Company in Sugar Loaf, NY, where he created the beloved Royal Pavilion Family Theatre Company, specializing in children’s and family entertainment. Rusty’s talent also shone at the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, NJ, where he served as Dance Director, Company Manager, and choreographer for three consecutive seasons. 

Since 1997, Rusty has brought his creative spirit and passion for dance to Wagner College, where he continues to serve as Head of Dance. Rusty continues to work as a member of the NYC dance and theatre community as a visionary director/choreographer, movement specialist, and dance educator, inspiring and shaping the next generation of performers and educators with his expertise and boundless energy.