Niki Lucia was born and raised in San Diego, California. While training extensively as a dancer in her youth, Niki set her sights on a career pursuing dance. She spent three years with the San Diego Charger Girls Dance Team and in her final season as Captain, was honored to be selected by the NFL to participate as a dancer in the Pro Bowl. During this time, Lucia studied and graduated with a Design and Marketing degree from The Fashion Institute for Design and Marketing. She then went on to spend a season within the Dallas Cowboy's organization working with their Arena Football Team, The Dallas Desperados and their Dance Team.

In 2002, Niki planted roots back in her childhood neighborhood and opened Danceology Performing Arts Campus where she could provide education and opportunity to inspire young dancers to follow their aspirations.

Ms. Lucia became a mother in 2006 to her beautiful daughter Gianna and has enjoyed the journey of mentoring her on her own dance path.

In 2015, she was hired as the Head Coach of Cathedral Catholic High School Dance Team. In the seven seasons as Head Coach, Niki has led the team to four regional back-to-back Grand Championships and in 2023 her team achieved the highest recognition as National Grand Champions at West Coast Elite Dance National High School Competition. With her mentorship she has guided many students to success in their next chapter for college dance team, conservatories, and reputable college dance programs.

Within Danceology Performance Company, she has steered her students to phenomenal success in the competitive arena. In 2022, Danceology won the prestigious award of Studio of the Year at the Dance Awards National Dance Competition. A highly admired honor that few studios can claim.

Ms. Lucia has been noted as a trailblazer in the dance education industry and highlighted in multiple reputable publications both on a local and national stage. She has been featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine in 2016 for her teaching methods and state of the art studio facility and again she was included in Dance Teacher magazine in 2022 for her unique vision and esteemed coaching strategies.

With over twenty years of experience and success, Niki is a leader and a dynamic influence in the industry who is passionate about sharing her mentorship and encouraging the creative ambitions of our youth.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• CPR & FIRST AID (INTERNATIONAL CPR INSTITUTE)
• STEWARDS OF CHILDREN (DARKNESS TO LIGHT)
• FUNDAMENTALS OF COACHING (NFHS LEARN)
• CONCUSSION IN SPORTS (NFHS LEARN)
• HEAT ILLNESS (NFHSLEARN)
• SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (NFHSLEARN)
• GIORDANO JAZZ TECHNIQUE (NGCP)

MEMBERSHIPS:

• NDEO (NATIONAL DANCE EDUCATION ORGANIZATION)
• NDCA (NATIONAL DANCE COACHES ASSOCIATION)