Nicole Ruark - Dance Faculty

Nicole (Hammond) Ruark’s work as a performer, director and choreographer has earned her numerous distinctions throughout her career. After graduating cum laude from The American University with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre, Ms. Ruark went on to choreograph and perform professionally in New York and nationwide as a member of Actors Equity. Some of her favorite productions include Cats, Crazy for You, The Will Rogers Follies, Guys and Dolls, Grande Hotel, Sweet Charity and A Chorus Line.

Her choreography spans a variety of styles from musical theatre to her highly lauded contemporary ballets. At the International Youth American Grand Prix in New York, Ms. Ruark’s ballet “Synthesis” received the top honor for contemporary works. She has also been recognized by the International Ballet Competition for contributions in the contemporary ballet division. Her work has been seen at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, in multiple theatre productions and is currently in the repertory of several professional ballet companies.

In addition to her directorial and choreography work, Nicole currently oversees the nationally recognized musical theatre program she created for The Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center where she is also an instructor. Most recently, Nicole served as choreographer for the world premier of the re-imagined “Talking With” by Jane Martin in Washington DC. This spring Ms. Ruark will travel to St. Petersburg, Russia as part of the American Russian Arts Symposium.