NORTH FORK, NY — A beloved local dance teacher is once again donning her tap shoes to share her talents with new classes of students.

Lucille Naar-Saladino, a former Rockette and the longtime founder and former executive and artistic director of the MainStage Dance Academy in Greenport — Naar-Saladino sold the business in 2018 — has recently felt a calling to once again experience the joy of teaching. With experience in teaching that spans 30 years, giving back to students is woven into Naar-Saladino's very essence.

And her return is even more joyful, having faced the challenges of cancer and the pandemic.

She's now teaching tap to teens and adults at the Moya Strast Ballet Theatre in Mattituck; the school is owned by Cheryl Flaig.

Naar-Saladino spoke to Patch about her decision to once again share her passion for dance.

"I subbed for a teacher one day recently at a local school and realized how happy I felt while I was teaching. I hadn’t wanted to teach after COVID, and after I sold my dance studio in 2018," she said. "But it just felt right again. And the opportunity came up to teach an adult class, so I took it. I actually enjoy teaching adults and children, but this was available at this time."

Naar-Saladino has also shared her cancer journey, which began when she was diagnosed in 2016, with Patch. She faced the news with courage and her trademark strength. "I want people to know there's hope," she said.

When she sold her studio, it was to shine the spotlight on her own healing. And now, a new chapter has dawned as she's returned to the thing that has always brought her great joy.

"Teaching again has given me the good and positive sense of self that I think I lost a little, with the health issues I went through — and then, when I had to sell my school," Naar-Saladino said. "I didn't think that I wanted to teach again, but my need to do it came organically. Not too much thought was involved."

Naar-Saladino said her first class back was great. "I got such a wonderful reception from the students," she said.

Looking ahead, Naar-Saladino said she would love to be able to build up the tap program at the school. "That is definitely one of my goals. Right now I have one advanced beginner adult tap class and I’m teaching a private tap class, also. It would be nice to get an adult beginner class and/or kids' classes of all ages. But my first goal is always to make sure my students get a solid tap itinerary."

In a past interview, Naar-Saladino said having been in show business for years and on the glittering stage at Radio City, teaching has always been about giving back, sharing her experience and wealth of professional knowledge with students.

"It has always felt great. I love the feeling, giving them that education, imparting everything I know," she said. "I didn't care if they ever decided to go professional or not — it was about the enjoyment of learning."

Naar-Saladino, who came from a "neighborhood" dance school, Miss Kathy's Dance Studio in Astoria, has long found fulfillment in teaching dance to members of her own community. "I have always wanted to give them a good dance background, while having fun," she said.

Naar-Saladino's story inspires, and she has words of wisdom for others who hope to follow their dreams to the stage.

"When I was a kid, I had a dream to be a Rockette and to also dance in musicals. My dream came true — I was a Rockette for a year and then went out to Reno and Las Vegas to dance. After that, I did a national tour of '42 Street' and other regional musicals. My dream came true — and I have to tell parents to tell their kids to go for their dreams. Lean in and go for it. Expect to be afraid of your dreams. If you’re not afraid of your dreams, they're not big enough."

Naar-Saladino is teaching an Adult/Teen Advanced Beginner Tap Class on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Moya Strast Ballet Theatre, located at 445 Pike Street, in Mattituck. Private lessons are available. For additional information, call 917-692-3750 or email lpnaar@gmail.com.

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