Tracy Straus
Artistic Associate
Tracy Straus (Artistic Associate) has been a member of National Dance Institute’s artistic staff since 1993. In her role as Master Teacher/Choreographer, she has directed residencies for children across America. In 2000, she founded Celebrate The Beat, a Colorado-based associate program of NDI which she continues to direct. She is also Co-Founder of California Dance Institute, another NDI associate. Her experience as an arts educator includes joining The After School Corporation, started by international philanthropist George Soros to bring high quality after-school programs into the public school system. As an arts consultant, Ms. Straus has worked to develop multicultural arts programs for schools in the five boroughs of New York City and has trained dance instructors. Ms. Straus began her performing career at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. An actress as well as a dancer, she trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and performed in various off-Broadway venues. Her recent work has included choreographing for the television show “America’s Next Top Model” for CBS. She holds a Master’s Degree from Bank Street College of Education in early childhood education, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan in dance and literature. She has taught as an adjunct dance professor at New York University and the State University of New York at New Paltz.