Photo by Todd Carroll
Dance Educator
Rusty is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes. He empowers his students to explore their identities, discover their voices, and express their narratives through movement, instilling in them a sense of confidence and artistry that extends beyond the studio. His curriculum integrates classical techniques with contemporary interpretations, encouraging a holistic understanding of dance as both an art, discipline, and a way of life.
Rusty easily transitions between the dance studio and lecture room, drawing from deep expertise in Ballet, Musical Theatre Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary dance. His teaching challenges dancers of all levels while celebrating individuality and instilling discipline. Rusty's innovative lectures incorporate a decolonized narrative, enriching students' understanding of dance history in the United States and abroad. He inspires a new generation of dancers and scholars to appreciate the cultural significance of their art and contribute thoughtfully to its future.
Teaching Reel
“I have had the honor of working with Rusty in just about every role possible. As his student, performer/dancer, class assistant, assistant choreographer, and colleague later in life I can say firsthand that Rusty's work as a teacher and choreographer is innovative, inclusive, dynamic, and exemplary. He pushes the boundaries to continue to progress himself and his students in the classroom and his choreography goes beyond the page or lyric. His creativity and ability to tell a story through movement continues to amaze and inspire me to this day.”
Carissa Bellando, Wagner College Graduate, 2004, Wagner College Faculty 2017-2021
“Rusty is a one-of-a-kind, artistic extraordinaire who pours his soul into each production and class. He encouraged me to trust in my own innate abilities, while offering opportunities that helped me recognize my full potential as a musical theatre performer. Because of Rusty, I gained confidence in all areas of dance and I learned how to excel in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.”
Dean Marino, Wagner College Graduate 2017
Rusty is a highly methodical and masterful educator whom I was lucky to learn from at Wagner College. I have watched him employ his skills as a Certified Movement Analyst to gather deep insights on his students and then use that information to cater his teaching methods to maximize each individual’s learning. He constantly inspired me to think critically, then made me feel empowered by guiding me to find the answers myself. Rusty taught me lessons and methods that continue to shape me as a person and as a theatre and dance professional to this day.
Sydney Chow, Wagner College Graduate 2021
I have worked with Rusty for 35 years and his work has never ceased to amaze me, from performing to teaching to directing to choreographing. As a performer, he was one of the fastest studies I’ve ever known, able to execute choreography in styles from Romantic ballet to Salsa with ease and clarity.
As a teacher, his concern for the student is utmost. He is able to teach technique, and the reason for that technique, to students from beginner to professional. His Somatic training enables him to teach his students technique for a healthy and long career and establishes in his students an understanding that they can pass on to future students.
Natch Taylor, Co-Founder and Artistic Director Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, 1972-1992