Fans of Glee and So You Think You Can Dance know that being on Broadway takes talent and luck. (Of course the flip side is that despite decidedly mixed results, more than a few American Idol and Dancing With the Stars contestants wind up on Broadway because of competing.)
However there is one sure way of getting for an hour or two by taking a class at Broadway Dance Center.
Nuturing Individual Talent
Broadway Dance Center (a.k.a. BDC) opened in 1984 - a longer run than the all-time-Broadway record-breaker Phantom of the Opera. BDC also outperformed the tricky NYC real estate market (their current studio space is their third) and the ever-changing state of musical theatre challenged by AIDS, various reincarnations of the musical (use of microphones, "juke box" musicals as opposed to original scores, movies as sources for new musicals), and box office receipts not always as robust as they are now.
Unlike the ultra-professional programs at School of American Ballet or Gelsey Kirkland's new and thriving Academy that specifically groom future performers, BDC offers open classes for dancers of all levels and ages. And while there are several outstanding Manhattan dance studios for adults, teenagers, and young children, BDC's 250+ open class schedule is the most extensive. Wonderful schools such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, Ballet Academy East, and The Joffrey Ballet School specialize in one type of dance (e.g., Modern dance at Ailey). They also hold the majority of their open and/ or adult classes during evening hours after the kids and teenagers are done for the day.
BDC's morning, afternoon, and evening classes accommodate local residents, non-"dance" students, commuters, and tourists seven days a week. However, there are two things to remember. First, health club regulars may be surprised at the higher intensity and teaching level at a dance studio. Some classes are as long as two hours. Also, an "open" class is exactly that. There may be very advanced students or professionals taking the same class and a teacher might take that into consideration.
In addition to offering classes in traditional Broadway dance styles such as Tap (celebrated full-out in the Roundabout Theatre's reinvented Anything Goes), Theatre (embodied by Catch Me If You Can's chorus line of stewardesses), and Ballet (what Billy Elliot wants to do more than anything), BDC also offers Hip-Hop, Pilates, Jazz, Yoga, and Vocal Technique for Dancers.
Serious students who want to make dance and musical theatre their career can chooses from the Children & Teen Program, International Student Visa Program (ISVP), BDC Training Program, Summer Intern Program (SIP), and Work-Study Program. There is also four-month Professional Semester for semi-and professional dancers offering mentorship from faculty members, mock auditions, and the possiblity of working alongside the Radio City Rockettes.
A new program for singers and dancers is The Full- Voice 30-Day Challenge. Enrolees commit to 30 days of singing, dancing, coaching sessions, and healthy eating habits without interruption, Attendance is kept via student blogging and having their picture taken with the class teacher.
Dance Even When Someone is Watching
BDC is located is on 322 West 45th Street in Times Square, next door to the current hit revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffie. Whether walking up or riding the elevator to the third floor, dancers are warmly greeted at the Front Desk by work-study students. Along with their faculty of master teachers, another reason making BDC unique it's friendly atmosphere.
Alongside the elevator bank is a small waiting area with several video monitors. One screen runs classic movie musicals like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers while others show in-session classes. Here, there is no need for nervousness because there are no close-ups. All five studios located down the hall all have windows designed for watching classes. Dance of every form is learned and passed on by observation. Down that same hallway are the Men's and Women's spotlessly clean dressing rooms with restrooms, lockers (available for rental), showers, and state-of-the-art Dyson hand dryers.
Due to high enrollment, a sixth studio was added on the eighth floor offering the bonuses of natural sunlight and view of the Hudson River. It is also a panoramic reminder that Broadway is not only home to theatres but to offices, restaurants, and apartment buildings.
Joining the Line
Students do not have to audition to take class. Some programs require placement in order to best suit a student's needs. Schedules can be picked up either in the lobby or accessed on-line on the BDC website. The most reliable schedule is the electronic board at the sign-in desk, meaning the possibility of a last-minute cancellation or substitute teacher. Early arrival is encouraged because classes fill up fast. Mats and props provided for Yoga, Pilates, and Stretch classes but it can be a mad rush getting one if it's a popular class.
Class rates are on a sliding scale. While open classes do not require pre-registration, students must obtain a ClubCard either on-line or at in person. The Card serves as an ID for class sign-in as well as for discounts at local stores and restaurants.
Forgot the sweats, taps, or ballet slippers? There is a Store nestled between the studios and dressing rooms selling those dancing necessities along long with drinks, healthy snacks, and BDC-logo merchandise.
Sources:
- "Broadway Dance Center." Accessed 1 June 2011. Last updated 1 June 2011.
- Reuters. Broadway posts larger takings for past season. Published 31 May 2011. Accessed 1 June 2011. Reuters.
- Rice, Lynette. Kirstie Alley on life after DWTS: Is a Broadway show in her future? Published and Accessed 25 May 2011. Last updated 25 May 2011. Entertainment Weekly.
- UPI News Service. "Former 'American Idol' contestants making their mark on Broadway." Published 16 May 2006 . Accessed 25 May 2011. Last updated 25 May 2011. "Reality TV World."
Patricia Contino - Patricia Contino
