COACHING STAFF
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OUR PHILOSOPHY
As coaches we strive to...
Be a role model and leader for the Dance program, always considering and acting in a team-first manner.
Create a positive, encouraging environment so that dancers prepared to confidently compete, and are motivated to push past their perceived limits.
Challenge each other and the program to always improve and evolve.
A LITTLE ABOUT US
NICOLE RUSSO
Nicole Russo is a proud Eastlake Dance alumni, graduating in 2014. As a dedicated member of the Eastlake Dance Team, her passion for dance continued into college, where she joined the Western Washington University Cheer Team. During her time there, Nicole served as the dance lead on the team’s leadership board, showcasing her commitment and talent.
Now an elementary teacher in the Lake Washington School District, Nicole has been coaching with us since 2021. She’s thrilled to be back with the program that helped shape her journey, and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and team that had such a meaningful impact on her life.
MELANIE KRIEGER
Melanie Krieger has over twenty-five years of experience in dance education and coaching. She served as Captain of her high school national championship team and Co-Captain of the University of California, Santa Barbara Dance Team. Her educational background includes over a decade of teaching dance and physical education in Washington and California. She previously held the position of Dance Program Director with Varsity Brands’ United Spirit Association, where she led the training and development of instructors and judges for dance summer camps and competition events across the United States.
As the longtime coach of a WIAA State Championship dance team, her focus has been on cultivating a culture of excellence through dancer-centric training using a team-first philosophy. Melanie is grateful for the opportunity to share her love of dance within the community her family calls home.
NIKHILA IYER
Nikhila grew up dancing Indian classical before joining the Eastlake Dance Team in high school, where her love for performance and teamwork flourished. In college, she continued dancing competitively with UW Natya, serving as captain and leading the team to multiple top 3 placements at national competitions. Beyond performing, she helped found and organize national collegiate dance competitions, fostering a growing community for South Asian dancers across the country.
Now a data analyst at Abercrombie & Fitch, Nikhila brings the same creativity, discipline, and leadership from her dance background into her professional life. She began coaching at Eastlake in 2025 and is excited to give back to the program that first inspired her passion for team dance, especially by contributing to the community, helping dancers grow as individuals, and fostering strong team spirit. She is deeply passionate about thoughtful team programming and creating an environment where dancers can thrive both on and off the floor.
