Alegria Dance and Fitness

The philosophy at Alegria resides in the belief that at the core of learning proper dance technique, discipline is required. With discipline come the excitement and fun associated with dance. When a dancer achieves that split, triple turn or section of a dance that has been troubling them, that is when the fun takes place. We seek to empower our students through positive feedback as well as providing honest evaluations and encouraging each student on an individual level. We see potential in each student and expect that they will always put their best effort forward to be the best dancers they can possibly be. Students in this school are expected to respect the class environment, those who are in it, have an open mind to the art form and the freedom to express themselves while performing. The classes are structured but dancers are always encouraged to ask questions and we embrace creative ideas provided by the students. We strive to provide a loving, risk taking environment where students are nurtured while simultaneously being pushed to improve.

Debra holds a Masters Degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Dean College. Debra was professionally trained through the certificate program at The Ailey School in NYC. Debra most recently was employed as the Dance Program Director for the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance at Dean College where she also taught modern dance, directed productions, advised the Dance Team and choreographed the musical Hairspray. Prior to moving to Western, MA, Debra was the co-owner and artistic director of Art in Motion Dance Company in North Kingstown, RI. Throughout Debra’s career she has taught at many New England Dance schools, both ACDF and ACTF New England region, won high awards for her choreography in the competition circuit, worked with the RI arts learning network to create the state dance proficiency protocols, choreographed for community theatre, performed on MTV, worked for the Ailey Camp NYC, managed the Capezio Dance shop on West 51st Street NYC and has had the pleasure and privilege of working and dancing with some of the dance industries finest. Debra is also a licensed massage therapist, Zumba® and Piloxing® Instructor. Mrs. Nunes finds passion in sharing her dance knowledge with her students while encouraging them to explore their creative freedom.

DANCE FACULTY ALSO HAVE DEGREES IN DANCE.