Lamb, d' Amboise, MacLeod Hold Master Classes at DNA

Dance New Amsterdam (DNA) will offer a series of musical theater master classes in September 2010. A trio of Broadway dance luminaries, Charlotte d'Amboise, Mary Ann Lamb and Mary MacLeod, will focus on technique and choreography from Broadway masters for whom they have danced such as Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, and Michael Bennett.
 
Charlotte d'Amboise has performed in numerous Broadway productions. Her lead roles include Cassie (Chorus Line), Roxie (Chicago), Charity (Sweet Charity), and Lola (Damn Yankees). She brings her own interpretation and considerable experience to the classes. "I've been blessed to have worked with giants in this business and I'm excited to pass this on," said Ms. d'Amboise. "Born into a rich dance heritage, I appreciate the significance of learning from those who have lived it."
 
A veteran of a dozen Broadway shows, Mary Ann Lamb teaches throughout the country and internationally. She recently returned from Japan after leading a Robbins Intensive with Alex Sanchez for CareWave (Japan's Broadway Cares). Ms. Lamb, who worked directly with Robbins, said, "I bring passion and energy from the remarkable choreographers and directors I've been privileged to work with. In turn, it's a privilege to pass their work on."
 
Mary MacLeod recently set the original choreography of Damn Yankees for City Center's Encore series. She danced Fosse's choreography directly under Gwen Verdon and Ann Reinking and was featured in Broadway's Fosse. MacLeod also served as dance captain for Smokey Joe's Café and A Little Night Music, and is currently the assistant stage manager for the latter. "When I teach or work with dancers in a show I try to help them become better aware of point-of-view, dynamics, detail, and the musicality of dance," said Ms. MacLeod. "These are the critical elements."
 
Schedule of Classes:
Mondays, September 13 & 20, 4pm - 6pm: Mary MacLeod
Thursdays, September 16 & 23, 4pm - 6pm: Mary Ann Lamb
Monday, September 27 & Thursday, September 30, 4pm - 6pm: Charlotte d'Amboise
 
 
Dance New Amsterdam (DNA), led by Executive Director Catherine A. Peila, is proud to celebrate its 26th year as an agent of experimentation for New York City dance arts. As the first not-for-profit arts organization to move to Lower Manhattan after 9/11, DNA plays a critical role as an asset for the dance community, as well as a renewing force in downtown Manhattan's cultural landscape. An incomparable resource, DNA's 25,000-square-foot facility is a pioneer infrastructure for the performing arts by housing a professional 130-seat theater, six studios, a wellness program, two galleries and a reception space - cultivating dance in all its forms and guiding dancers through the various stages of their career. As a forerunner in the field of dance education, DNA continues its commitment to honor the complete dancer. Championing principles of injury prevention and conscious body awareness, DNA celebrates the individual dancer in a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive environment. DNA fosters the development of new and experimental choreographic works through commissions, residencies and subsidized space, developing new audiences and bridging diverse communities by exploring the role of dance across a spectrum of styles and cultures.
 
Program revenue alone does not cover the costs of DNA's annual activities. We would like to thank the generous supporters who have helped DNA achieve its mission and make the 2009/2010 season possible, including: public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), in partnership with the City Council and City Council Member Alan J. Gerson; New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); New York State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; New York State Senator Daniel Squadron; as well as from Carnegie Corporation of New York; Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; American Express; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund; American Express through the Fund for the City of New York for Lower Manhattan Arts Leaders(LoMAL); Trust for Mutual Understanding (TMU); TenduTV, a media sponsor; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Deutsche Bank and JoAnna Fields; Capezio; Jerome Robbins Foundation; Consulate General of Switzerland in New York; Polish Cultural Institute in New York; Consulate General of The Netherlands in New York; Consulate General of Israel in New York; and the Michael J. Ashworth Fund at The New York Community Trust; in-kind support from Arts & Business Council and Materials for the Arts; our Individual Program Sponsors, Co-Presenting Partners, Community Business Partners, and DNA's Community of Individual Donors.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.