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Meet Stephanie Falciano

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Meet Stephanie Falciano

July 10, 2023
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We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Falciano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Stephanie Falciano holds a BA from Hofstra University in dance and MA in School Counseling from Hofstra University. She gained a certificate in acting from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in 1994. She has an Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandising received in 1989. She is a licensed teacher in the public school system, holding CTE certifications in Dance and Theatre. She is the owner, choreographer, and artistic director of Dance with Us. She is currently teaching at the Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset, NY. She performs regularly with an Improv Troupe run by Scotty Watson. She runs an Improv Troupe called “Funnier Things, featuring young talent. Stephanie has done several skin care and infomercials on social media platforms.
She toured China in 1992 and continued dancing abroad with several touring companies, performing in England and the Netherlands until 1999. She did some extra work in Carlito’s Way, as well as many independent films. She attended soap opera classes, scene study classes in NYC, and acted in several student films for Hofstra TV. She attended HB studios in NYC. Here she studied with Uta Hagen who had a tremendous effect on her performance skills.

She appeared on the television show in Miami, Florida called Sabado Gigante in 1993 performing a Mambo Show Dance just after the start of competing professionally. Stephanie starred in over 20 episodes of “Touch Dancing”, a Public Cable TV Instructional program broadcasting over Long Island, New York, and New Jersey. These episodes are still airing today on local cable networks.

Shortly after competing professionally in International Latin and American Rhythm was ranked 1st nationally in the US Rising Star American Rhythm Championship in 1998. Championship titles include 1st place in the Theater Arts Division at American Star Ball Championship in 2003 and National Finalist of the USDC Mambo Championship in 2009.

She performs in the tri-state area, receiving 4th place in her first competition in the Professional Theatre Arts at the CSC Championship in 2010. Some other successes include 2nd in the Open American Rhythm at the Commonwealth Classic Championship in 2013, 4th in the Professional Showdance, and were finalists in the Professional Rising Star Division at American Star Ball in 2014. They were 3rd in the Professional Showdance, ending the year with 1st place at Kings Ball in 2014 in the Professional Showdance. They continue competing in Theater Arts today.

Stephanie formalized her ballroom dance training by obtaining Licentiate Degrees in American Rhythm, American Ballroom, International Ballroom and Latin, and Theater Arts from the International Society of Teachers of Dance USISTD and USTA. She is also a licensed invigilator.

Stephanie Falciano has been a dance teacher for 25 years and currently owns and runs “Dance with Us” in Syosset, for children and adults, training candidates for USISTD Certifications, competitions, and social occasions. Her achievement with her students gained her an invitation to the DWTS tour opening show, placing first in the Pro/Am Competition in 2009. Her students have won hundreds of awards and her up-and-coming amateurs are gaining their success under her guidance. She has been teaching dance in the Bronx Public School System since 2008. She volunteers for Roll Call Wheelchair dancing. She continues to conduct workshops and performances throughout Long Island, New York, and New Jersey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a teacher for 30 years, I learned the value of dance and theatre young. Starting early can build the confidence that follows you through life. The dance program I attended at 3 years old was life-changing. I learned coordination, balance, motor skill development, and social skills while becoming more and more confident. Confidence is required in such a judgmental industry. I learned rhythmic patterns, percussions, and musicality. As a school counselor, and CTE certified dance and theatre teacher for k-12, I can share the benefits with others now. Since finances were difficult some of my career pivots in life were determined by the income that came with the opportunities. I took advantage of every opportunity and never took myself too seriously. I stay humble and grateful. I continue to perform and grow to this day.

I gained my work ethic from my mom, Shirley Falciano who always pushed me. She was a role model for me. She and my Grandma Emma, who came here from Germany, were such strong people. I watched them battle the worst things in life and did it with grace and elegance. My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s and I watched my mom take care of her with humor and patience. My dad always believed in me no matter what crazy ideas I had. My brother was a typical sibling whom I loved and fought with all at once. We are great friends today. My best friend whom I consider my sister Stacy Sanders/Sluter is my heart and soul, she warms my heart when the black clouds in life take over. My two sons are my proudest moment in my life. They are everything good in life. My most successful accomplishment is being able to say I am their mother. James and Giovanni and the most incredible human beings I have the privilege to know.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was 19 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and told I would be in a wheelchair and never dance again. I refused to let that stop me. I continued to study both acting and dance when I could. I attended the School for film and television in NYC and HB studios where I studied with Uta Hagen and Sandy Dennis. Their mentoring changed my life. In 2021 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was another mental and physical challenge that I had to overcome.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After a bi lateral mastectomy, I was back in the studio rehearsing for some upcoming shows weeks later.

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