Re-Staging of Fosse's 'I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man' & More Set for Steps on Broadway Conservatory Show

Steps on Broadway, NYC's legendary professional dance center committed to training and maintaining the integrity of the art form, will complete the Conservatory spring semester with a bi-annual performance on June 3, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.

Featuring nearly 20 students, ages 17-24, the Conservatory Program is a 2-year, intensive program, specializing in either Ballet/Contemporary or Theater Dance/Jazz. Students take a minimum of 15-18 technique classes per week, joined by courses in audition preparation, repertory, performance and composition skills, and more.

The spring showcase welcomes Lloyd Culbreath, a Verdon Fosse Legacy-sanctioned reconstructeur who is re-staging "I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man," and Davis Robertson, former principal of Joffrey Ballet who created a new contemporary ballet "Two Truths & A Lie" triggered by our country's current political climate.

Choreography by graduating dancers and vocal selections from Jan Horvath's Voice for Dancers classes will also be showcased to demonstrate the scope of study within the Conservatory Program.

"At the end of the spring semester is where we can really see these dancers come into their own," remarks Mindy Upin Jackson, Director of Professional Training Programs. "In working with these guest choreographers, the dancers can get a real taste of a professional career, while also providing multi-disciplinary opportunities for them to expand their versatility-criteria for success in this 21st-century dance world."

Bob Fosse choreographed "I Wanna Be a Dancin' Man" as a tribute to his own personal dance icon, Fred Astaire. As the Act II opener for 1978's musical revue, DANCIN,' "Dancin' Man" honors the charm and elegance of Astaire and celebrates the golden age of the Hollywood musical. The number also highlights a poignant, universal sentiment that lies at the heart of every dancer-despite all of the sacrifices (physical, emotional, professional), the dancer loves to dance and, while both the art form and the career are ephemeral, that passion is everlasting.

In "Two Truths & A Lie" Robertson, the newly appointed Steps Student Program Audition Director, challenges audiences to revisit painful politically charged experiences such as 9/11. The work, inspired by the uncertain political temperature, explores issues of today's news stories, the ways information is relayed and consumed, and the wavering levels of trust behind them.

In addition to industry technical preparation, upon the successful completion of the program, students will graduate with a Certificate of Completion and a strong network of professional contacts from the ballet, commercial and Broadway communities. This spring, the Conservatory will congratulate graduates Rino Kamimura, Natalie Silva, Juliana Beladera, Tamara Cederberg, and Kennady Simpson. A bio, resume and video of each of the graduates can be found on Steps' website.

The Steps Conservatory performance will be held on June 3, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. in the Steps Studio Theater on the third floor. Steps on Broadway is located at 2121 Broadway at 74th Street and is accessible by the 1,2, and 3 trains. All tickets are $20 and can be purchased at bit.ly/2qkoJnF

Founded by Carol Paumgarten in 1979, Steps on Broadway is an internationally recognized training center providing excellence in programming that supports the art and the artist. Steps is home to more than 250 world-renowned teachers who offer over 300 dance and exercise classes a week. Throughout the year, Steps incorporates guest artists, special master classes, performances and special events. For over three decades Steps has been a training ground for generations of aspiring and professional dancers. Steps also offers professional training programs which include the two-year Steps Conservatory, Summer Study NYC, International Independent Study Program, and Steps' Steele Pilates Teacher Mat Certification. The School at Steps programs serves over 800 students from 18 months to 18 years.