Ray Leeper
Latest News on Ray Leeper:
Giordano Dance Chicago Premieres RED & BLACK At The Harris Theater (Oct 14, 2024)
Video: Get A Sneak-Peek At Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles WE LOVE BOY BANDS! (Mar 8, 2024)
Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Presents WE LOVE BOY BANDS! At The Saban Theatre, March 23 & 24 (Jan 16, 2024)
Giordano Dance Chicago Premieres RED & BLACK At The Harris Theater (Oct 14, 2024)
Video: Get A Sneak-Peek At Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles WE LOVE BOY BANDS! (Mar 8, 2024)
Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Presents WE LOVE BOY BANDS! At The Saban Theatre, March 23 & 24 (Jan 16, 2024)
BIO
As a Choreographer and Creative Consultant, Ray has established himself as one of the most respected artists in the dance industry. His choreography credits include music videos and live performances for recording artists such as Cher, Elton John, Matthew Morrison, IL Divo, Nick Cannon, Jackie Evancho, Snoop Dogg, Jaimie-Lynn Sigler, Geri Haliwell, LMNT, Inaya Day, Ty Taylor, Madd West and Hockey.
Television credits include: So You Think You Can Dance, X-Factor UK, America’s Got Talent, The Big Bang Theory, Matthew Morrison’s PBS Special: “Where It All Began”, Simon Cowell’s Red or Black, The Today Show, All My Children and The Young and the Restless.
He has also choreographed commercials for Gagaville (Lady Gaga/Farmville), Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Comcast, Crystal Light, Levis and Northwest Airlines
World/Concert tours: IL DIVO, Matthew Morrison “All That I Am” Tour and NKOTBBSB Tour, So You Think You Can Dance 2011/2012 Tours (Cont. Chor.), and X Factor 2011 Tour. NY stage/Off-
Broadway credits: “Inappropriate” (Dir./Chor.), “Nightlife”, “Common Grounds” (Award for Outstanding Achievement for Choreography), “Mental the Musical”, “Fashion Rocks Broadway” at Studio 54, “Dancebreak”, “The Gypsy Project”, “Jump on Broadway” at Radio City Music Hall, and The Box, NYC.
Film credits include: They Shoot Divas, Don’t They?, The Island, Body Chemistry and Move. Las Vegas shows: Franco Dragone’s “One Love” and “India”, Simon Hammerstein’s The Act Las Vegas. He was also the recipient of the Gold Leo Award for Outstanding Choreography, presented to him at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Upcoming projects include IL DIVO Live on Broadway scheduled to open November 2013, as well as a pre-Broadway production of the rock musical, Inappropriate, where he will be serving as both Co-Director and Choreographer.
Productions
Videos
VIDEO: Big Block Theatrical's INAPPROPRIATE Musical Launches Kickstarter Campaign
by Stage Tube - Oct 8, 2013
News
Giordano Dance Chicago Premieres RED & BLACK At The Harris Theater
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America's original jazz dance company enters their 62nd season SOARING! with an exhilarating program at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26.
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America's original jazz dance company enters their 62nd season SOARING! with an exhilarating program at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26.
Video: Get A Sneak-Peek At Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles WE LOVE BOY BANDS!
See sneak-peek video of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles' highly-anticipated concert, WE LOVE BOY BANDS! Enjoy chart-topping hits from iconic boy bands, led by Music Director Ernest H. Harrison and choreography by Ray Leeper.
See sneak-peek video of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles' highly-anticipated concert, WE LOVE BOY BANDS! Enjoy chart-topping hits from iconic boy bands, led by Music Director Ernest H. Harrison and choreography by Ray Leeper.
Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles Presents WE LOVE BOY BANDS! At The Saban Theatre, March 23 & 24
GMCLA presents WE ❤️ BOY BANDS! at the Saban Theatre - MAR 23 & 24. Don't miss this exciting performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles celebrating the music of boy bands.
GMCLA presents WE ❤️ BOY BANDS! at the Saban Theatre - MAR 23 & 24. Don't miss this exciting performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles celebrating the music of boy bands.
Videos: Watch Every DANCING WITH THE STARS Finale Performance; Ariana Madix, Jason Mraz & More Perform
Watch every performance from the Dancing With the Stars finale! Marvel star Xochitl Gomez took home the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy for season 32, with runnersup being Jason Mraz, Ariana Madix, Charity Lawson, and Alyson Hannigan. Watch videos of dances to songs from Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and more!
Watch every performance from the Dancing With the Stars finale! Marvel star Xochitl Gomez took home the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy for season 32, with runnersup being Jason Mraz, Ariana Madix, Charity Lawson, and Alyson Hannigan. Watch videos of dances to songs from Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and more!
DANCING WITH THE STARS Finale to Feature Music From Taylor Swift, Beyoncé & More
The episode will feature dances to music from Mariah Carey, Jason Mraz, Rick James, Frank Sinatra, Spice Girls, Astor Piazzolla, Katy Perry, Gloria Estefan, C2C featuring Derek Martin, Beyoncé, Ciara, Destiny’s Child, Sam i & Jarina De Marco featuring Anitta & BIA, District 78, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez.
The episode will feature dances to music from Mariah Carey, Jason Mraz, Rick James, Frank Sinatra, Spice Girls, Astor Piazzolla, Katy Perry, Gloria Estefan, C2C featuring Derek Martin, Beyoncé, Ciara, Destiny’s Child, Sam i & Jarina De Marco featuring Anitta & BIA, District 78, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez.
Chicago Dancers United Announces Lineup for DANCE FOR LIFE 2020: UNITED AS ONE
Chicago Dancers United has announced the lineup for Dance for Life 2020: United as One, a digital event showcasing Dance for Life (DFL) performances from the past 29 years and a world premiere finale.
Chicago Dancers United has announced the lineup for Dance for Life 2020: United as One, a digital event showcasing Dance for Life (DFL) performances from the past 29 years and a world premiere finale.
Nan Giordano and Ray Leeper Team up for First Ever Virtual Jazz Dance Experience
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) Artistic Director Nan Giordano and LA-based choreographer Ray Leeper team up for the first ever virtual jazz dance experience on Zoom 2 - 3 p.m. (CT), on Gus Giordano Day, Saturday, April 25. Active participants and observers alike are welcome.
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) Artistic Director Nan Giordano and LA-based choreographer Ray Leeper team up for the first ever virtual jazz dance experience on Zoom 2 - 3 p.m. (CT), on Gus Giordano Day, Saturday, April 25. Active participants and observers alike are welcome.
BWW Review: Moves at the Montalban's Dance Festival Opens With Capezio A.C.E. Awards and Erik Saradpon's FORMALITY LIVE!
MOVES at The Montalban's Dance Festival Opens with the Capezio A.C.E. Awards Finalists' Performances and Erik Saradpon's Extraordinary Dance Company FORMALITY LIVE! The first two of four nights of the Annual Dance Festival, MOVES, smartly and efficiently produced by Break the Floor Productions, were filled with high energy, creativity abounding, energy-charged and inspired performances, including promising talent both new and emerging. Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Capezio A.C.E. Awards Finalists and Award Ceremony The Capezio A.C.E. Awards crowned a 2020 winner, playing to a jam-packed house at the historic Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood as part of the MOVES at The Montalbán dance festival produced by Break the Floor Productions and presented by Capezio. The illustrious panel of chosen judges, all esteemed dancers/choreographers, included Marguerite Derricks, Vincent Paterson, Anita Mann, Ray Leeper, Tony Selznick and Tessandra Chavez. All well-established and widely respected by their peers, these judges are the cream of the crop in the dance world and industry.
MOVES at The Montalban's Dance Festival Opens with the Capezio A.C.E. Awards Finalists' Performances and Erik Saradpon's Extraordinary Dance Company FORMALITY LIVE! The first two of four nights of the Annual Dance Festival, MOVES, smartly and efficiently produced by Break the Floor Productions, were filled with high energy, creativity abounding, energy-charged and inspired performances, including promising talent both new and emerging. Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Capezio A.C.E. Awards Finalists and Award Ceremony The Capezio A.C.E. Awards crowned a 2020 winner, playing to a jam-packed house at the historic Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood as part of the MOVES at The Montalbán dance festival produced by Break the Floor Productions and presented by Capezio. The illustrious panel of chosen judges, all esteemed dancers/choreographers, included Marguerite Derricks, Vincent Paterson, Anita Mann, Ray Leeper, Tony Selznick and Tessandra Chavez. All well-established and widely respected by their peers, these judges are the cream of the crop in the dance world and industry.
Winners Announced For the 2020 Capezio A.C.E. Awards For Choreography
The Capezio A.C.E. Awards crowned a 2020 winner at last night's ceremony that played to a packed house at the historic Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood as part of the MOVES at The Montalbán dance festival produced by Break the Floor Productions and presented by Capezio. The winner of the 2020 Capezio A.C.E. Award for outstanding choreography is choreographic team Grayson McGuire & Shiori Kamijo. Grayson and Shiori will receive a cash prize of $15,000 to be used towards the production of their own show at next year's MOVES at The Montalbán. The runner-up for this year's award, and the recipient of a $5,000 cash prize, is Noelle Marsh. There was a tie for second runner-up, each receiving $3,000, between Sarah Steben and Brandon Croisetiere. Hosted by hip-hop legend Kenny Wormald, the esteemed judging panel included such dance industry icons as Anita Mann, Marguerite Derricks, Ray Leeper, Vincent Paterson, Tony Selznick and Tessandra Chavez. Capezio and Break the Floor would like to thank all 26 choreographer finalists and their amazing dancers for competing in this year's awards.
The Capezio A.C.E. Awards crowned a 2020 winner at last night's ceremony that played to a packed house at the historic Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood as part of the MOVES at The Montalbán dance festival produced by Break the Floor Productions and presented by Capezio. The winner of the 2020 Capezio A.C.E. Award for outstanding choreography is choreographic team Grayson McGuire & Shiori Kamijo. Grayson and Shiori will receive a cash prize of $15,000 to be used towards the production of their own show at next year's MOVES at The Montalbán. The runner-up for this year's award, and the recipient of a $5,000 cash prize, is Noelle Marsh. There was a tie for second runner-up, each receiving $3,000, between Sarah Steben and Brandon Croisetiere. Hosted by hip-hop legend Kenny Wormald, the esteemed judging panel included such dance industry icons as Anita Mann, Marguerite Derricks, Ray Leeper, Vincent Paterson, Tony Selznick and Tessandra Chavez. Capezio and Break the Floor would like to thank all 26 choreographer finalists and their amazing dancers for competing in this year's awards.
Orange County School Of The Arts' 2019-2020 Master Artist Series Welcomes Prestigious Artists And Industry Leaders
Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) delivers on its mission to provide an unparalleled arts and academic education to a diverse student body passionate about the arts through its 2019-2020 Master Artist Series and Creators & Innovators Series. In addition to the school's 16 arts conservatories, these unique programs provide students the opportunity to learn from real-world experts in a variety of industries. Acclaimed artists, educators and industry leaders visit OCSA's campus in Santa Ana to share their expertise and provide students with exclusive advice through demonstrations, residencies, panel discussions, master classes and more. This season's Master Artist Series kicked off with a culinary arts master class with internationally celebrated chef, Jet Tila, who is a best-selling author and host on a?oeIron Chef America.a??
Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) delivers on its mission to provide an unparalleled arts and academic education to a diverse student body passionate about the arts through its 2019-2020 Master Artist Series and Creators & Innovators Series. In addition to the school's 16 arts conservatories, these unique programs provide students the opportunity to learn from real-world experts in a variety of industries. Acclaimed artists, educators and industry leaders visit OCSA's campus in Santa Ana to share their expertise and provide students with exclusive advice through demonstrations, residencies, panel discussions, master classes and more. This season's Master Artist Series kicked off with a culinary arts master class with internationally celebrated chef, Jet Tila, who is a best-selling author and host on a?oeIron Chef America.a??
Dance For Life Announces 2019 Lineup
Dance for Life Chicago announces a lineup of popular companies and artists returning to the stage August 17 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. Dance for Life, which mobilizes Chicago's dance community by raising funds through dance, presents this annual benefit performance, which this year is followed by a gala reception at the Hilton Chicago.
Dance for Life Chicago announces a lineup of popular companies and artists returning to the stage August 17 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. Dance for Life, which mobilizes Chicago's dance community by raising funds through dance, presents this annual benefit performance, which this year is followed by a gala reception at the Hilton Chicago.
Highlights from 2018 at the Auditorium Theatre
In the Auditorium Theatre's 129th year of existence, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 13th annual Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah; asked "What's This?" on Halloween with a special screening and the Midwest premiere of Disney in Concert's The Nightmare Before Christmas; and sang along to timeless classics like "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" and "Grease" with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. We reveled alongside the dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; celebrated Ballet Nacional de Cuba's return to Chicago following a 15-year absence; highlighted top local dance companies, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Giordano Dance Chicago; and got transported to Mexico with the colorful music and dance of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez. We also hosted the 14th year of our Hearts to Art summer camp, a performing arts camp for young people who have experienced the death of a parent; welcomed over 5,000 students to our Student Matinees; and brought thousands of people from across the city to the theatre through our ADMIT ONE program.
In the Auditorium Theatre's 129th year of existence, we honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 13th annual Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah; asked "What's This?" on Halloween with a special screening and the Midwest premiere of Disney in Concert's The Nightmare Before Christmas; and sang along to timeless classics like "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" and "Grease" with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. We reveled alongside the dancers from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; celebrated Ballet Nacional de Cuba's return to Chicago following a 15-year absence; highlighted top local dance companies, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Giordano Dance Chicago; and got transported to Mexico with the colorful music and dance of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez. We also hosted the 14th year of our Hearts to Art summer camp, a performing arts camp for young people who have experienced the death of a parent; welcomed over 5,000 students to our Student Matinees; and brought thousands of people from across the city to the theatre through our ADMIT ONE program.
Giordano Dance Chicago Honors Jazz Dance At The Auditorium Theatre
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) closes out its 55th Anniversary season, and the Auditorium Theatre's 2017-18 Season, at the National Historic Landmark on June 9 with an exhilarating mixed repertory program that honors the stylistic heart of American jazz dance.
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) closes out its 55th Anniversary season, and the Auditorium Theatre's 2017-18 Season, at the National Historic Landmark on June 9 with an exhilarating mixed repertory program that honors the stylistic heart of American jazz dance.
The Auditorium Theatre to Welcome Back Giordano Dance Chicago, 6/11
The Auditorium Theatre welcomes Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) back to its landmark stage as the final performance of the season's 'Made in Chicago' Dance Series, Saturday, June 11 at 7:30PM. The company, led by Artistic Director Nan Giordano, returns after last year's dynamic engagement and will perform five works from the company's 157-piece repertory, including Crossing/Lines, Feelin' Good Sweet, Can't Take This Away, Sneaky Pete, and Sing, Sing, Sing. Tickets start at $28, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway).
The Auditorium Theatre welcomes Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) back to its landmark stage as the final performance of the season's 'Made in Chicago' Dance Series, Saturday, June 11 at 7:30PM. The company, led by Artistic Director Nan Giordano, returns after last year's dynamic engagement and will perform five works from the company's 157-piece repertory, including Crossing/Lines, Feelin' Good Sweet, Can't Take This Away, Sneaky Pete, and Sing, Sing, Sing. Tickets start at $28, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway).
BWW Reviews: ONE DAY: THE MUSICAL Brims with Teenage Angst, Pop-Rock Intensity
"One Day: The Musical" exudes an angry, pop-rock sensibility and has teenage angst in spades. Though the show takes the journal entries of real teenagers as its basis, it sometimes feels like a mouthpiece for adolescent issues rather than a show about living, breathing humans. In striving to be a universal stand-in for the struggles of growing up in the twenty-first century, "One Day" becomes a plot-less, occasionally meandering revue. On the musical theater continuum, I'd describe "One Day" as "Spring Awakening" meets "Rent" meets "Hair" meets "Next to Normal." The caveats here being that I personally am not a fan of the first show listed, and "One Day" does not function as effectively as the others. The show does, however, showcase an entertaining pop-rock flare. And when the ensemble launches into composer/lyricist/librettist Michael Sottile's soaring, heavily microphoned harmonies, "One Day"feels gloriously tuneful.
"One Day: The Musical" exudes an angry, pop-rock sensibility and has teenage angst in spades. Though the show takes the journal entries of real teenagers as its basis, it sometimes feels like a mouthpiece for adolescent issues rather than a show about living, breathing humans. In striving to be a universal stand-in for the struggles of growing up in the twenty-first century, "One Day" becomes a plot-less, occasionally meandering revue. On the musical theater continuum, I'd describe "One Day" as "Spring Awakening" meets "Rent" meets "Hair" meets "Next to Normal." The caveats here being that I personally am not a fan of the first show listed, and "One Day" does not function as effectively as the others. The show does, however, showcase an entertaining pop-rock flare. And when the ensemble launches into composer/lyricist/librettist Michael Sottile's soaring, heavily microphoned harmonies, "One Day"feels gloriously tuneful.
Photo Coverage: ONE DAY Company Gives Concert Sneak Peek!
Producers Big Block Entertainment/Scott Prisand & Jamie Bendell (Heathers: The Musical) and Carl Levin (Rock of Ages) present the new pop-rock musical ONE DAY, making its New York premiere this spring for a limited engagement at the innovative downtown performance space 3LD Art & Technology Center. The musical will begin previews Saturday, February 7, 2015, with an opening night of Thursday, February 19, 2015 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, March 1, 2015. The cast just gave a special concert sneak peek and you can check out photos from inside the event below!
Producers Big Block Entertainment/Scott Prisand & Jamie Bendell (Heathers: The Musical) and Carl Levin (Rock of Ages) present the new pop-rock musical ONE DAY, making its New York premiere this spring for a limited engagement at the innovative downtown performance space 3LD Art & Technology Center. The musical will begin previews Saturday, February 7, 2015, with an opening night of Thursday, February 19, 2015 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, March 1, 2015. The cast just gave a special concert sneak peek and you can check out photos from inside the event below!
SYTYCD Crowns Champ, ON THE TOWN Welcomes Dancer; FULL RESULTS & PICS!
Whoooooooa, this is it! All of the voters have voted, the competitive dances have been danced, the, 'Shut your face's have been shut your faced; tonight was SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's 11th season finale. And though, as in the last two years, we had four dancers still standing at the beginning of the night, for the first time since 2011, there was only one winner announced. Gone are the days of not having to choose between our favorite male and female dancers; this time, only one gets to take home the title of 'America's Favorite Dancer.'
Whoooooooa, this is it! All of the voters have voted, the competitive dances have been danced, the, 'Shut your face's have been shut your faced; tonight was SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's 11th season finale. And though, as in the last two years, we had four dancers still standing at the beginning of the night, for the first time since 2011, there was only one winner announced. Gone are the days of not having to choose between our favorite male and female dancers; this time, only one gets to take home the title of 'America's Favorite Dancer.'
SYTYCD Recap: Final Four Dazzle in Performance Finale; 8/27 Full Results!
This is easily the most excited I have been for an episode of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE all season. Even though I picked three of the four finalists as major contenders when the Top-20 was announced (and five of the final six, thank you you very much), this is definitely not the Final Four (Zack Everhart, Jessica Richens, Valerie Rockey and Ricky Ubeda) that I thought we would have just a few weeks ago. That being said, each has managed to have a breathtaking moment or four, however, with the exception of Ricky, each has also had their share of missteps as well.
This is easily the most excited I have been for an episode of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE all season. Even though I picked three of the four finalists as major contenders when the Top-20 was announced (and five of the final six, thank you you very much), this is definitely not the Final Four (Zack Everhart, Jessica Richens, Valerie Rockey and Ricky Ubeda) that I thought we would have just a few weeks ago. That being said, each has managed to have a breathtaking moment or four, however, with the exception of Ricky, each has also had their share of missteps as well.
SYTYCD Recap: Finalists Revealed; Dancers Perform Bway & 'Anything Goes'; Update w/ Pics
And then there were six. We are just two weeks away from the Season 11 (and possibly series) finale of 'So You Think You Can Dance,' and even though this isn't the six remaining dancers I thought we would have just a few weeks ago, that doesn't mean that the talent still on hand isn't as exciting as ever. With last week's surprising eliminations of Tanisha (that one still brings a tinge of anger) and Rudy, the field is slightly more open for dancers to claim a spot in the finale. Though Ricky is still the leader in the clubhouse in terms of guys, the girls' race is suddenly wide-open.
And then there were six. We are just two weeks away from the Season 11 (and possibly series) finale of 'So You Think You Can Dance,' and even though this isn't the six remaining dancers I thought we would have just a few weeks ago, that doesn't mean that the talent still on hand isn't as exciting as ever. With last week's surprising eliminations of Tanisha (that one still brings a tinge of anger) and Rudy, the field is slightly more open for dancers to claim a spot in the finale. Though Ricky is still the leader in the clubhouse in terms of guys, the girls' race is suddenly wide-open.
SYTYCD Recap: Shocking Eliminations on Michael Jackson Night! Full Results & Pictures!
During his decade at the helm of 'American Idol,' Nigel Lythgoe beat the idea of theme weeks into a bloody, self-parodying pulp. However, tonight, Uncle Nigel is bringing a theme to 'So You Think You Can Dance' for the first time (as far as I can remember); and it is one that I can actually get behind. For tonight's Top-8 edition, each routine will be performed to a Michael Jackson song; either one of his classics, or a single from his 'new' album 'XScape.'
During his decade at the helm of 'American Idol,' Nigel Lythgoe beat the idea of theme weeks into a bloody, self-parodying pulp. However, tonight, Uncle Nigel is bringing a theme to 'So You Think You Can Dance' for the first time (as far as I can remember); and it is one that I can actually get behind. For tonight's Top-8 edition, each routine will be performed to a Michael Jackson song; either one of his classics, or a single from his 'new' album 'XScape.'
Videos