Dear Katie: How Can I Go from a Bunhead to a Broadway Baby?

In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email
[email protected] for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I’ve been a ballet person my whole life, but now I’d really like to start pursuing musical theater. What do I need to do to make that a realistic option?

Laura

Dear Laura,

Good for you! Musical theater is a wonderful world that can open so many doors for ballet-trained dancers.

First, look into supplementary training options, like weekend master classes, that would allow you to study musical theater without sacrificing your ballet training. Broadway hopefuls need to be true triple threats, so if time and money permit, add some jazz and tap classes, as well as voice and acting lessons, to your schedule. (And being the person who can do it all will make you marketable beyond the musical theater world, too.)

I’d also encourage you to get involved in community theater, because what you need most is real stage experience. Reach out to local theater programs, especially when they’re mounting dance-heavy shows like A Chorus Line or West Side Story. Odds are they’ll be thrilled to have a talented dancer like you!

For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click here.