Abigail Nickell is a seasoned dancer, performer, and educator with over 15 years of partner dance experience and a lifelong devotion to the arts. As a west coast swing competitor, she dances at the advanced level in Jack & Jill competitions, holding over 50 WSDC points, and has appeared in both Classic and Showcase divisions at the professional level. Her career highlights include placing top 10 in the highest professional division in the country at the prestigious US Open Swing Dance Championships.

Abigail’s dance foundation began in ballet and musical theatre, with 20+ years of classical training and a degree in music and dance. She’s also trained in ballroom and Latin styles, bringing a rich, versatile movement vocabulary to every class she teaches.

As an instructor, Abigail blends technical precision with musical artistry, offering a thoughtful and supportive approach that empowers dancers to find their own unique expression. With over a decade of teaching experience, she’s passionate about creating a space where students feel both challenged and inspired, no matter their background.

Take a look at two standout routines from Abigail’s early professional career in West Coast Swing, a showcase of the high-level performance style that shaped her teaching and technique.
☞ Classic Division (pro level, high swing content required)
☞ Showcase Division (pro level, 3+ lifts required)

To see Abigail’s current performances, projects, and teaching updates in Wilmington, follow her on Instagram: @dystopiandancer