Danscompany of Gainesville
About the Danscompany of Gainesville
Formed in November 1983, The Danscompany of Gainesville, Inc. was established to provide Gainesville-area dancers with greater opportunities to perform. The company includes Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance groups composed of adults, youth, and children, with more than 90 members. Membership is secured through competitive audition. The love of dance and a passion for performing inspire members to dedicate long hours and make personal sacrifices to participate in the company’s concerts.
Nina Kessler Cameron – Founding Artistic Director
The late Nina Kessler Cameron was the beloved founding Artistic Director of The Danscompany of Gainesville. After opening Cameron Dancenter in 1983, Nina sought to provide her dancers with additional opportunities to perform and to serve the community through dance. Thus, The Danscompany of Gainesville was founded. She served as Artistic Director from its inception until her passing in 2021.
Nina was a talented dancer, exceptional teacher, and brilliant choreographer. She dedicated her life to the art of dance and continually pursued personal and professional growth. She trained under master teachers, renowned choreographers, and principal performers in the dance world. Nina was equally passionate about community service, which she considered one of the primary purposes of the Danscompany.
In recognition of her contributions, Nina received numerous accolades, including:
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nina was known for her warmth, kindness, and uplifting presence. She inspired confidence in those around her and deeply cherished her family, friends, and the art of dance. Her legacy is lovingly continued through the Danscompany and the Cameron Dancenter, now operated by her husband Dick Cameron, with the support of their sons, Ricky (Liz) and Britton (Tamara), and grandchildren Chelsea, Kessler, and Kaleb. Nina’s influence lives on in each of us and in every performance of the Danscompany.
Nina was a talented dancer, exceptional teacher, and brilliant choreographer. She dedicated her life to the art of dance and continually pursued personal and professional growth. She trained under master teachers, renowned choreographers, and principal performers in the dance world. Nina was equally passionate about community service, which she considered one of the primary purposes of the Danscompany.
In recognition of her contributions, Nina received numerous accolades, including:
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from the City of Gainesville and Alachua County (2007, 2013)
- A declared day in her name
- Woman of Distinction Award from Santa Fe College (2007)
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nina was known for her warmth, kindness, and uplifting presence. She inspired confidence in those around her and deeply cherished her family, friends, and the art of dance. Her legacy is lovingly continued through the Danscompany and the Cameron Dancenter, now operated by her husband Dick Cameron, with the support of their sons, Ricky (Liz) and Britton (Tamara), and grandchildren Chelsea, Kessler, and Kaleb. Nina’s influence lives on in each of us and in every performance of the Danscompany.
Jeri-Lynn Rapczak – Artistic Director
Jeri-Lynn Rapczak, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Psychology, has been dancing since the age of 3. At 12, she began training under her beloved mentor Nina Cameron, furthering her development at Cameron Dancenter.
She has attended numerous master classes, workshops, and conventions across Florida and in renowned dance centers such as:
Jeri-Lynn has been a vital part of The Danscompany of Gainesville since 1994, participating as a performer, choreographer, and board member. Her notable lead roles include Cinderella and Fairy Godmother, and she has choreographed numerous pieces for Danscompany concerts. State of Wonder is the first full-length production she has both written and created.
While living in New York City, she taught at Martha Meredith School of Dance in Long Island and performed in the Long Island Dance Festival. She returned to Cameron Dancenter in 2003 to begin her teaching career, following her participation in the Teacher’s Assistant Program.
Jeri-Lynn has taught hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and contemporary technique. Her teaching experience includes work with Santa Fe College’s Continuing Education and College for Kids programs. She has also volunteered with the UF Arts in Health Intensive and Dance for Life program.
To further her teaching practice, she continues to study through various training intensives including:
She is certified in:
She has attended numerous master classes, workshops, and conventions across Florida and in renowned dance centers such as:
- Atlanta Ballet
- Steps on Broadway
- Peridance
- Zohar Dance Company
- Broadway Dance Center
- City Center Ballet
- Pilobolus
Jeri-Lynn has been a vital part of The Danscompany of Gainesville since 1994, participating as a performer, choreographer, and board member. Her notable lead roles include Cinderella and Fairy Godmother, and she has choreographed numerous pieces for Danscompany concerts. State of Wonder is the first full-length production she has both written and created.
While living in New York City, she taught at Martha Meredith School of Dance in Long Island and performed in the Long Island Dance Festival. She returned to Cameron Dancenter in 2003 to begin her teaching career, following her participation in the Teacher’s Assistant Program.
Jeri-Lynn has taught hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and contemporary technique. Her teaching experience includes work with Santa Fe College’s Continuing Education and College for Kids programs. She has also volunteered with the UF Arts in Health Intensive and Dance for Life program.
To further her teaching practice, she continues to study through various training intensives including:
- Monsters of Hip Hop
- American Academy of Ballet
- Dance Teacher Summit
- Somatic Workshops with Deborah Vogel
She is certified in:
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Progressing Contemporary Technique
- Jazz Instruction via the Nan Giordano Certification Program from Basic Level through Professional Level
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"A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE."
Danscompany of Gainesville registration number is CH59783.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE."
Danscompany of Gainesville registration number is CH59783.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
