Dave Ragnacci Dave Ragnacci School of Dance

Dave Ragnacci is the owner and director of The Dave Ragnacci School of Dance located in Carbondale and Scranton. Surprisingly, his dance education did not begin until age 21.

In high school Dave participated in band, chorus and theatre. After graduation he was very active in community theatre such as Coal Company Theatre, Standing Room Only, The Corner Bistro, Actors Circle, The Forest City Follies, Penn State Players, Marywood Players, The Daily Grind, Applause Theatre Group and U of S Players.

Dave was known for his choreography within many high school districts (such as West Side, Valley View, Lakeland, Bishop Hannan, Bishop Hoban, Holy Cross and Mt. Pocono). He also choreographed the Lakeland High School Band front for many years as well as community theatre groups including the Forest City Follies, Penn State Players, Standing Room Only, The Corner Bistro and Actors Circle. He was one of the four finalists on the local production of Dance Fever and danced in The Richard Harris production of Julius Caesar, performing along side the famous Richard Harris. While choreographing The Forest City Follies, Dave was approached by several parents asking if he would consider opening a dance studio in Forest City. Dave says he “owes this whole wonderful career to two persistent people, Paul Cerra and Marianne Korty,” and is so thankful for their encouragement. In 1989 the first location of the Dave Ragnacci School of Dance opened in Forest City and in 1992, the second location opened in Scranton.

Dave is certified by Dance Educators of America. He has participated in The First American Worldwide Dance Congress held in Chicago along with many Christopher’s National Dance Teachers Seminars. He has studied under well-known professionals such as Gus Giordano, Jeff Shade, Matt Mattix, Frank Hatchett and Joe Tremaine.

The studios hold many awards of excellence and achievement and have performed at events such as the Keystone Summer Camp, The Hair Show at The Woodlands, elderly nursing homes, NEPTA Awards Ceremonies, The River Street Jazz Cafe and numerous summer picnics and local fundraisers. The studio is known for its motto, “Dance With Theatrical Flair.” Their annual dance production is held at The Theater at North featuring their ballet, tap, jazz, pointe and hip hop students. All students are given the opportunity to shine and given equal opportunity to do so. The studio also offers classes for residents of Keystone residence, where the students are a big part of the show.

Dave’s life has been enriched by witnessing his students grow not only in dance but also in self confidence and self esteem. “Our studio is one big dance family. Many students return after graduation to visit and even participate in our many adult classes,” he said. He receives much gratitude from not only watching his students perform but also from experiencing the audience cheering, laughing and smiling during the shows. “Knowing that people are relaxing and forgetting about the stress of the world for two hours while being entertained by our shows is very gratifying,” he said. “Dance is not only important for your physical wellbeing by increasing mus- cle strength and flexibility but it is also wonderful for mental health as well,” he said. “Dance gives us a chance to express emotions through song and dance. Dance also helps to promote social skills, instill self confidence and can increase memory skills,” he said.

Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly were huge role models for Dave. “I have huge respect for Patti Jasuta Esposito, my early mentor in dance,” he said.

When looking for dance instructors Dave looks for those who not only have top skills but are personable, kind and compassionate. “They must also be very creative and inspiring to our young dancers,” he said.

Between his two studios, Dave has over 300 students and 10 instructors.

Dave is a resident of Scranton. His family consists of his husband Kevin, mother Clara, his late father, Raymond who recently passed away, stepmother Estrella, a brother Raymond Jr, sister Renee, son Jacob and several nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. “We are a very close-knit family that thoroughly enjoys spending very much time together,” he said. H