The world-class New York City Ballet is awe inspiring, breathtaking and powerful. The highest amount of technical proficiency is demanded of each dancer and the productions feature choreography by some of the most dynamic talents on the planet. First-time visitors to the ballet may want to engage in a docent-run First Position Talk, which is held prior to the start of specified performances. Patrons will receive introductory comments concerning the ballet they are about to see and may also ask questions. Dancer Chats, Studio Talks and seminars are also available. The New York City Ballet will sweep you off your feet.
Theatrical Encounters: Dance
Get to know what it’s like to be a Broadway dancer. You’ll spend an hour with a cast member of a Broadway show and learn about their journey to becoming a successful dancer in the performing arts. Get the inside story on the audition and rehearsal process, find out what the day-to-day life of a professional dancer in NYC is like, and learn about what really goes on backstage during a show. This seminar will give you a new perspective on the life of a dancer as you start to fully appreciate the challenges and rewards they experience as they work towards their professional goals.
Experience will include:
- Discussion with a Broadway dancer
- Insights into the profession
- Open forum Q&A
Seminar length: 1 hour
Never danced, sang or acted before? No problem! We’ll teach you an easy to learn, fun section from a Broadway show. Leave feeling like a star! Beginners are welcome. Take on the challenges that every performer must face and have fun!
Experience will include:
- Beginner dance, singing and acting exercises
- Basic steps and songs used in the selected Broadway show
- Q&A with a cast member
Seminar length: 1.5 hours
How does someone become a professional choreographer and what is it like to create the choreography for a professional show? Meet and discuss the art and craft of choreography with a Broadway or off-Broadway choreographer or an associate choreographer. Enjoy an hour with this member of the creative team of a show and learn about their journey to becoming successful in the business. You’ll enjoy stories about their past projects, how they approach choreographing a new project, and what they look for when casting a production. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about your own career goals and chosen path and get helpful insights and advice from someone who understands what it takes to succeed.
Experience will include:
- Learning about the process of taking choreography from studio to stage
- Discovering how to become a professional choreographer
- Q&A with a professional choreographer
Seminar length: 1 hour
The dance call for the singer or actor can be frightening, overwhelming, and a dealmaker or breaker. In this seminar, a Broadway performer, dance captain, or choreographer will share tips and techniques that actors and singers can use to shine in their dance call. Learn how to retain choreography, adapt to different choreographic styles, and improve confidence when dancing in small groups. Look, feel, and perform better in your next dance or movement call.
Experience will include:
- Techniques to build confidence and presentation in a movement call
- Choreography taught by a Broadway Performer, Dance Captain or Choreographer
- Mock audition to implement learned techniques
- Q&A / discussion about the movement audition process
Seminar Length: 1.5 hours
History is a great teacher for those who want to understand an art form and excel in creating new and innovative work. This unique and insightful seminar offers participants keen insights into how cultural and historical events have influenced dance styles through the last century. Starting with dances popular in the 1920’s, spanning the 20th century, and examining the standards set by current styles, students participate in both an informative and innovative dance class, and, also, a fun and engaging history lesson. Learn history, technique, and style actively.
Experience will include:
- Choreography from the 1920’s to present
- Discussion about different eras and how dance was influenced by current eras
Seminar Length: 1.5 hours
What is the choreographic process behind some of the biggest and most popular show-stopping numbers seen on Broadway? What techniques do Broadway’s most respected and accomplished choreographers use when they are creating some of the stage’s emblematic moments? Learn how the process works, what methods are utilized, and how a dance number is defined and refined. Along with acquiring important knowledge from a professional, you’ll be given the opportunity to implement what you’ve learned by creating your own choreographed piece.
Experience will include:
- Study of different choreography techniques being used by today’s top choreographers
- The opportunity to create your own group piece
- Q&A with a cast member, performer or choreographer
Seminar Length: 1.5 hours
Improvisation can be difficult for even the most skilled dancers, as they are told in an audition to step out of their comfort zone, the mode of learning a combination or a routine, and asked to reveal their creativity, freedom of movement, and ability to adjust to and learn from new discoveries. For many choreographers, improvisation has become a major aspect of the creative process, and it is often an important part of a professional dance call. In this workshop, you will learn how to use improvisational techniques to develop unique choreography, create a story, and convey emotion through movement. Get to a whole other level with improvisation.
Experience will include:
- Dance Improvisation and technique exercises
- Q&A Session
Seminar length: 1.5 hours
What types of dance performance techniques are needed for you to catch the eye of those who are casting a show or looking for dancers who can train at a high level? It all starts with that audition, and your being able to prove that you have the skills that it takes to do the job. Learn the techniques and secrets that those on the other side of the table desire from a dancer. Our professional faculty can teach to improve your presentation in an audition, help you stand out in a room of dancers, and increase your chances of getting that role or job, or of being accepted into a respected and reputable dance or school program.
Experience will include:
- Mock audition with immediate feedback
- Choreography taught by a Broadway Performer, Dance Captain or Choreographer
- Q&A / discussion about the audition process, including how to prepare for an audition, what to bring, what auditions are worth attending and how to follow up after an audition
Seminar Length: 1.5 hours
What does it take to learn the choreography from a Broadway show? You’ll go through the steps and find out, as you’re given the exceptional opportunity to work with a Broadway cast member. Select a Broadway show, and you’ll learn the choreography in the style of that show. Also, you’ll be offered the chance to acquire techniques that professional NYC dancers use to improve their all-important auditions and premium performances.
Experience will include:
- Choreography from select Broadway Show (some restrictions may apply)
- Q&A with a cast member or performer
Seminar Length: 1.5 hours