Rising Stars: Meet Macy Ruggiero of Nashville,TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Macy Ruggiero

Hi Macy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a Nashville native (there’s not too many of us left anymore!) I grew up in Mount Juliet with a single mother who recognized my love and aptitude for the arts from a very young age and always worked hard in supporting me in pursuing my dreams. I was so very fortunate to have excellent music educators in Wilson county schools who really nurtured my talents and gave me a place where I belonged. Post-high school I traveled in an organization called Up with People singing and dancing around the world. I later went to Vanderbilt University where I studied Vocal Performance. Since then, I have expounded my career into every facet of the arts. I teach and compete professionally in Ballroom and Latin dance, I teach voice, I am the lead female vocalist of 30Vice band, I am a choreographer for theater and film, I’m an actor both on stage and on camera, and now I’ll be starting on the General Jackson showboat as a singer/dancer for the 2025 season!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road! But it has been nothing but rewarding! This career choice is hard, and there is no one right way to “make it.” You face rejection, competition, financial struggle, long hours, and wear and tear on your body. It takes an immense amount of confidence, faith, and mental fortitude to keep your eyes focused on your dreams and never give up. Growing up in a single parent household means there’s financial limitations. That is why I am so passionate about accessibility to the arts in schools and the community. My school and community programs created a place where I could thrive in my talents. In my adult life, I suffered a septic kidney infection that almost took my life and really took a toll on my body. This is one of the scariest things that can happen as a performer as it takes away your ability to work and do what you love. While recovery was not easy, I’m happy to say that I’m healthier and stronger than ever! This experience lead me to pursue work in health and wellness with a focus in helping artists.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is my ability to do anything. I’m most known for being a jack of all trades! If I don’t already do it, I can learn. I teach all styles of dance but I specialize in Ballroom and Latin. I love production design and styling. I sing, dance, and act in multiple capacities both with my band, in musical theater, in film, in collaborations with other artists, and now on the General Jackson Showboat! I love being involved in so many parts of the artistic world! I am a certified Reiki practitioner as well. Artists’ health and wellness is so important to me. I’m so grateful to get to do so many cool projects and meet so many creative people!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes! Covid ended my time with the Up with People organization, leaving me without work for a while. This was a harsh reality for many performers. However, I did so many virtual creative projects with friends from all over the world which really helped fuel my soul during an unprecedented time. When the going gets tough, the tough get creative!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.macyruggiero.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macyruggiero/profilecard/?igsh=MWdoN2hjc3p2NW9oNg==