Arts & Entertainment

RVC Dance Studio Owner Selected for County Arts Ambassadorship

A Rockville Centre business owner has been appointed the lead ambassador for cultural arts in Nassau County.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano tapped Joan Hope MacNaughton, a Lynbrook resident and founder and artistic director of Leggz Ltd., for the position.

“I’m just so excited. It’s a wonderful thing and I can’t wait to be doing wonderful events and happenings in Nassau County,” she told Patch. “I feel so honored to be appointed by the county executive.”

MacNaughton, whose Leggz Ltd Dance Ensemble is nationally recognized, has had students who have gone on to careers on Broadway, television and the ballet. She also works as a dance coach/choreographer for dancers on Broadway shows, television, film and commercials.

Her previous work includes the original Annie, Will Rogers Follies, The Man Who Came to Dinner, the revival of Bye Bye Birdie and the NYC Ballet. MacNaughton has also created, directed and choreographed numerous productions, including the Off Broadway play "Rare Times Altogether" by James Joyce. She is a lifetime member of Dance Educators of America.

“Joan’s extensive background in the arts and love for her county make her perfect for this position,” Mangano said. “Together we will continue to provide residents with a wide variety of opportunities to expand horizons and help reach the full potential of our young people.”

MacNaughton serves as the vice president of the RVC Lion’s Club, vice president of the RVC Guild for the Arts, chairman of the RVC Community Fund Enchanted Winterland, Old Westbury Gardens Children in Bloom Luncheon Chair, Nassau County Museum event planner, United Cerebral Palsy Nassau Festival of trees coordinator, and the Friends of the Madison Theatre at Molloy College advisory committee.

“We have so many places in Nassau County that are underused right now,” MacNaughton said. “I really want to make a difference and bring a lot of happiness to people in Nassau County.”


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