Kate's Note: Be a Part of It

New York, NY. It’s where dancers from all over the world come to test their talent and see what they’re made of. It’s an awe-inspiring place, for

sure. But it’s also tough. Although some make a career here seem effortless, the Big Apple will chew you up and spit you out if you don’t bring your A-game. Students and professionals alike need to have ability, drive, focus, determination and a thick skin—oh, and a little bit of luck can’t hurt either.

 

This issue of Dance Spirit shines a spotlight on Broadway, NYC and the dancers and musicals that make it all so exciting. This month’s cover girl, 21-year-old Meredith Miles, landed her first-ever professional performing gig in a little extravaganza called (ahem!) Come Fly Away, choreographed by none other than Twyla Tharp, and set to the tunes of Frank Sinatra. Miles is an ensemble member in a cast that’s teeming with Broadway veterans, but even still, she breaks through (“Broadway’s Baby,” p. 46). Seven more musical theater standouts light up this month’s fashion feature, “Le Jazz Hot Dancewear,” p. 48. For the 411 on their shows and more of the danciest musicals in NYC now, turn to p. 52. So much to see, so little time!

 

Then, for those who may be traveling to NYC this summer for an intensive, a national competition or a convention, our New York City guide (p. 58) organizes the city’s dance options—from classes to performances to attractions—by genre. No matter what your dance interests, we’ve got to-do lists for you!

 

Last April, three special young dancers got to travel to Manhattan to make a different kind of national debut. Turn to p. 69 to read about Patricia Zhou, Alexa Anderson and Emily James: Dance Spirit’s 2010 Cover Model Search Finalists. In NYC, they participated in a photo shoot, attended classes at Broadway Dance Center, filmed a video for dancespirit.com/, saw Memphis on Broadway and enjoyed being tourists! Patricia, Alexa and Emily each bring something unique to the competition, but only one will make it onto the cover of Dance Spirit’s October issue. Go to dancespirit.com/ to vote now! You can only vote once, so tell your friends and family to make sure they log on before July 31 to pick their favorite.

 

Plus, there are summer health tips (p. 42), tips for how to run a successful dance team practice (p. 80) and so much more.

 

So, here’s to you, New York, NY! And to you, Broadway dancers, who are lighting up the Great White Way. You make the world a more wonderful place. And to you, Broadway hopefuls—you’re our future. We’re waiting for you!

 

Kate Lydon

 

 

Photo of the 2010 Cover Model Search Finalists (L to R) Alexa Anderson, Emily James and Patricia Zhou in NYC by Alison Feller.