As a native of Long Island, Donna started her ballet training at the age of 4. Also, she has a foundation in theatrical training and experience, with further training in tap, jazz, and modern. Utilizing these skills, she auditioned for a local liturgical dance team that served the Long Island community by performing at parades, holiday events, and other community functions.
Throughout her youth, ballet emerged as a notable strength in Donna’s academic pursuits. She engaged in extensive studies, taught, and co-directed with Frank Ohman, a soloist with the New York City Ballet, who founded the Ohman School of Ballet and the New York Dance Theater. Her performances included La Boutique Fantasque, La Fille Mal Gardee, and Frau Staulbaum in Ohman’s annual Nutcracker, among others. She played a pivotal role in establishing ballet methodology at both the Ohman School and Eglevsky ballet schools, as well as several prominent Long Island dance academies. Donna Choreographed and directed a Peter and the Wolf presentation for both ballet schools in 2015. She has devoted summers to teaching dance intensives for students in neoclassical ballet, as well as character, tap, jazz, stretch, mime, and other styles.
Donna has dedicated her summers to teaching dance intensives, focusing on neoclassical ballet, character, tap, jazz, stretch, mime, and other styles, for students of various ages and skill levels. Her passion for the arts and ballet has driven her to refine her skills through participation in esteemed programs, including the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, New York Dance Guild at Hunter College, Early Childhood Workshop, Jaques d’Amboise’s National Dance Institute, American Ballet Theater’s Certified Ballet Program, and the School of American Ballet’s Membership Program. Additionally, Donna has completed observations at the JKO School and the Manhattan Youth Ballet. Her choreography credits include “Project Dance” in Times Square, “Amazing Grace,” and various end-of-year performances.
“I am honored to be invited to AIM to train your accomplished students. Each day I am there they never cease to amaze.” Donna Floridia.