Mark began his dance training at the age of three studying Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics under the direction of his mother, Myra Santoro, in Hamden, Connecticut. Myra was a member of DMA, (NYC Chapter # 26 and the Dance Teacher’s Club of Connecticut Chapter # 18). Following in his mother’s footsteps, Mark became a 2nd generation DMA member at the age of 16. He was a natural dancer from a young age having grown up in a dance studio as well as attending many DMA workshops as a teenager. It was clear that dance was in his blood! It was at these dance conventions where he met his mentors, Charles ‘Chuck’ Kelley and Charles Hughes. Both would greatly influence Mark’s career as a performer and dance teacher.

 

Thanks to all their wonderful training Mark made his Broadway debut at the age of 11 in Gypsy, starring Angela Lansbury. Following his run in Gypsy Mark was named Junior Mr. Dance of NYC, 1976, and 4 years later named Mr. Dance of Connecticut. His career really took off as a young adult when Broadway beckoned once again, and his resume continued to grow. Various shows included Sophisticated Ladies (Las Vegas Co); The Tap Dance Kid (1st Nat Tour - choreography by Danny Daniels); Carrie (choreography by Debbie Allen); A Chorus Line (Al); Cats; Damn Yankees (choreography by Rob Marshall); Busker Alley (pre/B’way tour starring Tommie Tune); and Show Boat (the Hal Prince/Susan Stroman revival). Of course, there were so many other shows and venues which included Dinner Theaters, Cruise Ships, Industrial Shows and Regional Theaters.

 

Intermixed within his 40-year career on the stage, he was consistently invited to numerous chapters of the DMA organization, where he has generously shared his expertise and knowledge as an educator and adjudicator. From 2000 to 2003, he was a member of the Tap Dance faculty for the DMA Teacher’s Training School where he was entrusted with the enhancement of the Tap Dance Syllabus, therefore contributing to the legacy of American Tap Dance tradition. He was the resident choreographer of the Mr. and Miss Dance of America Scholarship competition for 5 years, which earned him the DMA Choreography Award for his Opening and Closing production numbers. And in 2000, he was honored with the DMA President Award for his dedication to dance education. I cannot explain how great this is to be back at Dance Masters to receive this wonderful award.