A Letter from Josh Prince
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DanceBreak 2005
The "Sizzle" Reel from 2005 is here as are the bios of the choreographers. We have also added short interviews with each of the choreographers. They were shot backstage at the Ailey Studios with the attendant background noises of rehearsals and classes going on nearby.
Daryl Gray, Darren Lee, Ray Leeper, Jamie Rocco, Jeff Shade, and Slam
Filmed at the new Alvin Ailey Studios, The Joan Weill Center for Dance, NYC.
All 2005 photographs by Ben Strothmann.com
Video shot by Richie Westlein
Daryl Gray was a Broadway cast member of Dancin' and appeared as a soloist in On Your Toes and in other shows, touring nationwide. His many musical stagings have been seen at Coconut Grove Playhouse, California Musical Theater, New York City Opera, Playhouse 91, Santa Fe Festival Theater, St Louis Muny, Chicago Civic Theater, as well as on CBS and PBS television. A Celebration of the American Musical was televised "Live From Lincoln Center." He has choreographed for numerous dance companies on five continents and staged opera, industrials, ice dancing, video and high fashion. His 2004 production of Pirates of Penzance was voted "Best of the Bay 2004" (San Francisco) by the Mercury Newspaper.
Danced by: Sae La Chin, Kevin Crewell, Michael D. Jablonski, Christa Justus, Ryan Kasprzak, Sarah Kay Marchetti, Tim McGarrigal, Kathleen Nanni, Joel Robertson, Santhe Tsetsilas.
Darren Lee: Originally from Califrornia, Mr. Lee moved to New York at the age of 17, to perform in his first of 10 Broadway shows. In 2004, Darren served as associate choreographer for the Broadway production of Pacific Overtures. Other choreography credits include: Miss Saigon at Paper Mill Playhouse, AMT and the St. Louis MUNY, where he also staged The Fantastics. He co-choreographed Pacific Overtures at Atlanta Alliance, Cincinatti Playhouse and The North Shore Music Theater (IRENE Award "Best Choreography"). Internationally Darren has created numbers for the Takarazuka Revue Company, and in 2002, he directed, choreographed and conceived Bryant Park (an original dance musical) which toured Japan.
Danced by: Christopher Davis, Diana Kaarina, Kenway Hon Wai K. Kua, Rachel Lafer, Mary Ann Lamb, Kimberly Dawn Newman, Bobby Pestka, Jody Reynard, Paul Schaefer, Yuka Takara.
Darren's web siteRay Leeper: Upon recommendation of the professional choreographer who was commissioned to set his fifth grade production of Oliver, Ray began his career as The Artful Dodger. Due to his superior homeland kicks and above- average Russian splits, it was determined by concensus that this boy was born to dance! As a choreographer, Ray has worked for stage, film, television, and music videos. Commercials: Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Pioneer, Levi's. Recording artists: Eltom John (Mona Lisa Smile,) Cher, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Geri Halliwell, Kelly Levesque, LMNT. Film: They Shoot Divas, Don't They? Camp (workshop.) Off-Broadway: Innapropriate, Nightlife. Honors: Golden Leo Award for Choreography presented at the Kennedy Center.
Danced by: Ionna Alfonso, Daniella Caveleri, Jason Davies, Joey Dowling, Jacki Ford, Reed Kelly, Sara Lepere, Eric Stretch, Charlie Sutton, Ron Todorowski.
Jamie Rocco: NY: The Wizard of Oz starring Roseanne (MSG), Streakin', Henry Sweet Henry, Sweeny Todd, Country Christmas Carol, Nite Club Confidential, played Tugger in the Broadway company of Cats. World Premieres: Yankee Doodle Dandy ( US Tour), Born of a Dream (Kodak LA and DVD), Galaxy Express (Tokyo and TV), Doin' What Comes Naturally (London). Other regional: Smokey Joe's Cafe (2 Connecticut Critics Circle Awards), Guys and Dolls ( 2 Connecticut Critics Circle Awards), Crazy For You (LA Ovation Award Nominee). Revised Singin' in the Rain (Tokyo, PaperMill), Superstar, Big River, Cabaret, Violet, Songs for a New World, On The Town, The Rocky Horror Show, Into The Woods, Oklahoma, South Pacific, A Little Night Music, She Loves Me, Chess, Beehive.....
Danced by: Robert M. Armitage, Sean Martin Hingston, Duane Martin Foster, Juliana Ashley Hansen, Robin Levine, Christie Moore-Leslie, Krissy Richmond, Aaron Douglas Smith, Jasmine Walker, Noah Weisberg.
Jeff Shade: Mentored by Bob Fosse, former dance captain of Broadway's Chicago, and teaching faculty at Harvard University and the Boston Conservatory, Jeff Shade is here to MAKE DANCES! His choreography has been commissioned by the Heinz Foundation, and has appeared Off-Broadway in New York Moves and Watching My Hair Grow. Other choreography includes Crazy For You at Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Chicago at the Boston Conservatory, Roses Are Dance at Symphony Space,and Change for Harvard. Jeff holds an MBA from Columbia University and an MA from Leslie University. Jeff is founder/director of the all-volunteer House of the Roses- a dance-based outreach network serving young people struggling with homelessness.
Danced by: Jason Dougherty, Donielle EJ Janora, Ryan Jackson, Tony James, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Stephanie Martinez, Dana Moore, Kenna Michelle Morris, Ashley Anne Russ, Adam Sanford.
Jeff's web site
Slam, born in Belgium, is best known for his performances in Madonna's "Vogue" video, the Blond Ambition tour, and the documentary Truth or Dare. As a performer and a choreographer he has worked with George Michael, Vanessa Williams, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, and Britney Spears. A former member of Margo Sappington's The Daring Project, Slam has performed in Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida on Broadway. His piece Un-Done received the Gypsy of the Year Award in 2003.
Danced by: Janelle Abbott, Warren Adams, Natalie Cortez, Ryan Farrell, Robert Halley, Vanessa Hylande, Naomi Kakuk, Nina Lafarga, Jennifer Savelli, Scott Takenaka, Kyle Vaughn.