Director

Diane Giattino
Diane Giattino
Founder, Stage Door School of Dance


Diane began her career in the arts at the age of 8 performing on national television as a featured dancer on The Merry Mailman Show, and she went on to play such wonderful characters as Anita in West Side Story and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She discovered her passion for teaching dance nearly five decades ago while creating and heading a theater program for special needs children in New York City.

Upon moving to Long Island, her love for dance and the theatre motivated her to found her own dance studio, which she expanded and developed into one of the foremost studios in Suffolk County, Stage Door School of Dance. She is well known as a choreographer as well, having worked on over 100 productions in the New York metro area, and her students continue her legacy by dancing on Broadway and as members of the Radio City Rockettes.

As a founding member of the Brookhaven Theater Dance Guild, Diane helped to bring renowned artists like Gwen Verdon, Mercedes Ellington and Maurice Hines to the next generation of dancers in Suffolk County. After being a proud patron and supporter of the Gateway Playhouse for over 40 years, Diane is thrilled to be part of the Executive board helping to create the best theatre on Long Island.

 

Diane Giattino, with husband James, Rick Styles, and daughters Mary & Elise.
"Dressing for the Night" gala. Photo by Suzanne Gude.

 

Diane Giattino, with silent auction artwork by Titus Kana.
"Let the Good Times Rock 'n Roll" gala. Photo by Suzanne Gude.