High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel 20 years ago, on January 20, 2006. To celebrate, Dance Spirit has spoken with some of the films’ key dance figures to examine HSM’s impact on dance and pop culture at large. Our final series installment is a Q&A with Kenny Ortega, who directed the movies and […]
High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel 20 years ago, on January 20, 2006. To celebrate, Dance Spirit is speaking with some of the films’ key dance figures to examine HSM’s impact on dance and pop culture at large. Next up is a Q&A with KayCee Stroh, who played the iconic role of Martha […]
High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel 20 years ago, on January 20, 2006. To celebrate, Dance Spirit is speaking with some of the films’ key dance figures to examine HSM’s impact on dance and pop culture at large. Next up is a Q&A with Lucas Grabeel, who played the unforgettable role of musical […]
On January 20, 2006—20 years ago today—High School Musical premiered on the Disney Channel. What started as a lighthearted made-for-TV teen movie soon became a worldwide phenomenon. For dancers especially, it was a turning point: The film’s approachable, high-octane choreography shaped an entire generation of talent and introduced countless fans to commercial and theater dance. […]
We at Dance Spirit are *huge* fans of awards shows—particularly, awards shows that highlight dance. So naturally, we’re extra-huge fans of the World Choreography Awards, which have recognized and celebrated all the fabulous choreography happening in movies, TV shows, commercials, and on stages for a full decade. For the WCA 10th anniversary, the winners of […]
Congrats to Kenny Ortega, who just earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame! The legendary choreographer and director was presented with the 2,667th star on the iconic thoroughfare yesterday. Ortega’s mile-long list of achievements includes everything from Dirty Dancing (1987) to Newsies (1992). And that all came BEFORE the dance-filled franchise we hold near […]
You guys know we prick up our ears at the first mention of any dance-related T.V. or movie. And wasn’t it just the other day that I was singing Jennifer Beals’ praises? So naturally, the dance gods heard me and put the two together: Deadline is reporting that Jennifer Beals and Kenny Ortega are teaming […]
Last night the Season 9 Top 20 took the stage in the first real competition of the season. And boy, did things get hot! Over at the judges’ table, High School Musical director Kenny Ortega joined Nigel and Mary and—phew!—was I glad to have an articulate and knowledgeable judge with real dance experience weighing in […]