In Step with Broadway Dance Lab

A choreographer since the age of 16, Brooke Wendle's star has always burned bright, from her hometown in Texas, all the way to the Big Apple. Whether touring the country, performing as a Radio City Rockette, or dancing on Broadway, the one constant in Brooke's life has been choreography. Her destiny has led her through incredible successes, and given her moments to reflect on her position and the way she wants to use her voice to inspire, rather than tear down. Listen now to this intimate conversation with choreographer Brooke Wendle.

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Ray Mercer has been a performer in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway for the past 16 years. While some might see his path as a means to an end, Ray has maintained a graceful spirit, and youthful passion for what he does. Likewise, Ray's approach to choreography is one of curiosity and playfulness, seeing every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. www.broadwaydancelab @bwaydancelab #bwaydancelab #instepwithbdl

Dive into a deep and rich conversation with Camille A. Brown. In addition to being the choreographer of the current Broadway revival of Once on the Island, and NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Camille is the founding artistic director of Camille A. Brown & Dancers. She is a four-time Princess Grace Award winner, a Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellow, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award winner, Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, and TED Fellow, among others. Her work has been commissioned by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Broadway theaters, and other prominent institutions. On this episode we discuss Camille's training, what she looks for in a dancer, and the challenges and blessings of creating work that dives deep into the heart and soul of America's history. Facebook and Instagram - @bwaydancelab #bwaydancelab BDL Website: www.broadwaydancelab.org Camille A. Brown Website: www.camilleabrown.org

In January 2018, New York Times chief dance critic, Alastair Macaulay, posed the question, "Who and what is Caleb Teicher?" The answer may lie somewhere between dancer and choreographer, social dancer and concert stager, artist and administrator, solo performer and frequent collaborator. In short, the answer to who Caleb Teicher is may in fact prove unanswerable, and Teicher wouldn't have it any other way. www.broadwaydancelab.org IG: @bwaydancelab FB: /bwaydancelab

A native New Yorker, Larry Keigwin is a choreographer who has danced his way from the Metropolitan Opera to downtown clubs to Broadway and back. He founded KEIGWIN + COMPANY in 2003, choreographed the Broadway show If/Then in 2014, and is now setting his sights on finding new opportunities to tell stories through dance. Listen in to this delightful conversation with modern dance legend, Larry Keigwin.

With every choice she makes, Minnesota native Katie Rose McLaughlin is reaching for something new. Her eclectic background, including training in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and even clown work in Switzerland, has culminated in the founding of her own company and her own form of dance-theatre. Listen, as we discuss the advantages of jumping without a net with choreographer Katie Rose McLaughlin.

Founder and Artistic Director of The Black Iris Project, Jeremy McQueen is an award-winning emerging choreographer. A 2013 recipient of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s Choreographers of Color Award and two-time finalist of the Capezio Award for Choreographic Excellence, McQueen’s works have appeared at festivals and theaters across the country. Although Jeremy's passion for traditional musical theatre began early in his life, he has found a new strength and conviction in using his art form to tell personal stories and to be a beacon for young people who's experience mirrors his own.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Lorin Latarro has appeared as a performer in 14 Broadway shows including Swing, Fosse and Movin Out. Now she's the one making up the steps - and with the hit Broadway musical Waitress under her belt, it seems she's doing something right. But Lorin has a vision to reach beyond the stage, as she uses her art to create real change in the world at large.

A New York City based director, choreographer, and educator, Al Blackstone is the recipient of the 2011 Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreographic Excellence. His work has been called “sweet, silly, sly... infectious.” by Dance Magazine, and while he has worked mostly in musical theatre, Al's passion for contemporary and jazz dance have enriched his unique approach to storytelling.

JoAnn M. Hunter began her career as a successful Broadway dancer with over 12 Broadway shows to her credit. She has had the privilege of working with some of the most creative directors and choreographers in the industry. I spoke with JoAnn about her early memories of dancing for legends like Jerome Robbins, the process of building a show from start to finish, and the importance of a maintaining an open, collaborative rehearsal environment.

Born in Switzerland, Karen Sieber's career has crossed continents and genres, as she has worked successfully in theatre, television and film. Here she discusses the role of being an associate, how she navigates her creative process, and role she believes women can play in shaping today's art.

Ron Todorowski's career has taken him through the world's of concert dance and musical theatre, where he has performed in eight Broadway shows including the current revival of CATS. Having danced for and assisted legends like Mia Michaels and Twyla Tharp, Ron brings a unique viewpoint to his life and work.

Josh Prince founded Broadway Dance Lab in the hopes of creating a place for choreographers to practice their craft. In doing so, he is helping transform an entire industry - placing emphasis on process rather than product.

Choreographer Wendy Seyb has worked extensively in the worlds of concert dance, theatre, music videos, film and television. She has found much of her inspiration in comedy, but the path has not always been easy as she has worked to carve a niche for herself in an industry which can at times seem only interested in "serious" work.