Off The Cuff: Jude Tomasino

Aug. 9, 2019

Our CCRI faculty and staff are a diverse group with many fascinating hobbies and interests that keep them busy during their free time off campus. Welcome to “Off the Cuff.” Every other week, we’ll profile a member of our CCRI family to find out what makes them tick. Hopefully, their stories inspire others and help us develop new connections and friendships with our CCRI co-workers.

Meet Jude Tomasino. In addition to his various roles within CCRI’s Business Administration Department, the Worcester, Mass., native is also the acting President of the college’s Professional Staff Association and an accomplished dancer with a number of winning performances on his résumé.

Jude wears many hats at CCRI, but took some time out of his busy schedule this week to tell us how he got his big break in the dance industry and where he one day dreams of performing.

You’re very active within the college’s Business Administration Department. What are your roles and what do you find most rewarding about your responsibilities at CCRI?

I’ve been here for 13 ½ years and I’m not only an adjunct professor in the Business Administration Department, I serve as the Associate Director of Records & Transfer, plus I oversee the Office of Enrollment Services at the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln. I absolutely love my job! I’m very fortunate to have any amazing supervisor, Cathy Tessier, the Director of Records. She is supportive, knowledgeable and encourages professional growth. In addition, I feel very fortunate to have a dedicated staff at the Lincoln OES. It’s truly a pleasure to work with these folks.

Your background in dance is remarkable. How did you get started?

I grew up watching my sister dance and always loved theater. However, I did not start training until later in life.  Due to an outstanding teacher (Jo Ann Warren and her teaching staff), I quickly became immersed in dance. My specialty focus was jazz, lyrical / contemporary and musical theater.  I quickly entered the competition circuit and won numerous awards as a soloist and with partners and groups.  Some of my solo national titles included UCC Professional Mr. Dance, Mr. Dance USA and Mr. Dance Ovations.

When did you get your big break?

My first professional job offer actually came from a judge while I was competing. Her proposal led me to dance three years in a row in Lexington, Ky., for the annual NBC-televised Miss Kentucky Pageant, which was part of the Miss America system. Additionally, I was part of the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers cast at The Fireside Playhouse in Fort Atkinson, Wisc., as well as other paid dancing gigs. I also spent many years flying all over the United States adjudicating dance competitions and teaching master classes to students of all ages. Additionally, I have been a featured instructor at many local studios and choreographed award winning competition solo and team routines. I have also used my dancing skills as a high school and college-level competition cheerleading coach.

What many don’t know is you’re also a spin instructor. How has your dance background helped in this other endeavor?

I was captain of my college’s cheerleading and track and field teams, as well, so group exercise allowed me a competitive edge to stay in shape and have fun earning extra money. Moreover, the conditioning was a major help when I transitioned to dancing. The athleticism and stamina needed to compete and perform were essential. My aerobic endurance was a key advantage based on my group exercise experience. It also allowed me a way to differentiate my approach to teaching master classes by focusing routines and training using principles of aerobics and core strength to enhance the dancer’s experience. 

What else do you do for fun outside of CCRI?

I have three dogs that take up most of my free time, especially when going for walks: Jace, a Morkie; Joey, my Silky Terrier; and Jaxx, a Yorkshire Terrier. I am a huge theater fan and travel to New York City to see as many Broadway and off-Broadway shows as possible! My favorite is Cy Coleman’s Tony Award-winning show The Life. I’m also an uncle to my sister’s three kids (two boys and a girl) and they always seem to have some sporting or school event to attend. While I still enjoying going to the gym, it is now so I can enjoy more cake and pizza instead of training for a show or competition! Most of my jobs are very extraverted; however, I am an extremely introverted person. Therefore, I really love my alone time.

If you had your pick to dance at any venue in the world, where would it be?

I'm a musical theater guy at heart, therefore, any Broadway theater would do it for me!

We would love to hear your story, too! Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to be featured in a future edition of “Off the Cuff” or want to nominate a co-worker.

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