Nellie strait-ramirez

INSTRUCTOR

Dance has been a lifelong passion for Nellie. She began her training at her home studio, where she studied ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop, building a strong foundation in both technique and performance. Her love for dance grew as she joined the University of Northern Iowa’s Orchesis Dance Company, where she continued to refine her artistry through ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

For the past nine years, Nellie has shared that passion as a teacher, guiding students to not only grow as dancers, but also to develop confidence, discipline, and joy through movement. She believes dance is more than steps — it is a powerful form of self-expression that can inspire, uplift, and connect.

Beyond the studio, Nellie is also a licensed massage therapist and the owner of Aura Bodyworks. This work deepens her understanding of anatomy, alignment, and the body’s natural movement — knowledge she brings into her teaching to help students dance with strength, grace, and care for their bodies.