Nysia Wilhite-Carter

Nysia Wilhite-Carter is a highly experienced dance educator, choreographer, artistic director, and advocate with more than 20 years of dance education experience. A lifelong dancer, Howard County native, and Howard High School alumna, Nysia brings extensive knowledge of technique, performance, curriculum development, and dancer education to the Backstage faculty.

Her connection to Backstage Dance Studio dates back to the 1990s, giving her a longstanding connection to both the studio and the Howard County dance community. Throughout her career, Nysia has developed and led K–12 dance and wellness programming across Maryland and the greater DMV, trained and mentored dance educators, and directed large-scale arts programming.

Nysia specializes in adaptive and inclusive dance education, with extensive experience developing curriculum and movement programming for students with physical and cognitive disabilities. Her work includes adapting instruction to support individual learning needs, including students with IEP and 504 plans, while maintaining strong artistic and educational standards. At Backstage, she also serves as a resource and liaison for adaptive dance education, helping support an inclusive environment where dancers of varying abilities can participate, grow, and thrive.

Her teaching and choreographic background includes Commercial Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Leaps & Turns, Technique, Afro Dance, Rock-N-Tots and Adaptive Movement. In addition to teaching, Nysia owns and directs her own dance organization and leads community-based arts initiatives.

At Backstage, Nysia brings decades of experience, specialized knowledge, professional leadership, and a genuine love for dance and her community. She is passionate about sharing her expertise with the next generation and helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, artistry, and individuality.