Carrie Nicastro Ruiz is a Chicago-based professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Originally from Northbrook, IL, she received her initial training under Cheri Rose, studying the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. Carrie continued her education at the University of Iowa, graduating with honors in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Dance and Psychology. Upon graduation, Carrie was thrilled to accept a Company position with Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre, while also accepting a full scholarship to train at the Lou Conte Dance Studio, under the tutelage of the late Claire Bataille. After dancing with SPDW, Carrie participated in the work/study program at Visceral Dance Center and has since held positions with Hedwig Dances, Thodos Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, LEVELdance, and Hanna Brictson & Dancers. Carrie has also enjoyed performing as a freelance artist with various independent choreographers and has been featured in the New York Times Bestseller, “Dancers Among Us” by Jordan Matter Photography.
In addition to performing, Carrie loves working with the next generation of dancers and has been teaching, coaching, and choreographing around the U.S. for over fifteen years. She has received numerous regional and national awards for her choreography, including two honors from the Industry Dance Awards (2015- People’s Choice Finalist, 2019- Best Convention Performance Winner). In October 2018, Carrie was featured and interviewed in the Dance Spirit Magazine article, “Poetry in Motion”, which explored her choreographic process with young dancers. Carrie has been an adjudicator for World Class Talent Experience and is currently traveling around the country adjudicating for VIP Dance.
At home in Illinois, Carrie is most known for her tenure as the Contemporary/Modern Program Director and Company Director at Steps Dance Center from 2014-2024. Carrie has also been a long standing faculty member at the Academy of Dance Arts since 2011, and recently joined the faculty at Expression Dance Studio. Carrie loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance, and is super excited to officially join the EDS family!
