Broadway Dance Class for Adults

Fred Astaire Dance Studio Announces Adult Broadway Styles Class

Upper Montclair, NJ – The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Upper Montclair NJ announces its latest addition in dancing genres – Musical Theater/Broadway Styles.  Led by Broadway veteran Lois Englund, the class will be every Saturday from 10-11 AM.

Carrie Babcock, owner of the Fred Astaire, and life-long dancer, has been looking for “a place to take class without having to trek to NYC,” says Babcock.  Babcock is a Ballroom champion and former member of AEA and AFTRA.  “When I met Lois this fall, I knew the time was right to start our own program.  I hope this class will fill the niche for high-quality, professional Theatrical/Broadway dancing for adults in Northern New Jersey.   There are few adult classes around Montclair, and they’re all at night, when I’m working or putting the baby to bed.  I’m thrilled we could hold a Saturday morning class.”  Although Carrie herself will be attending the class, she wants to assure you the class is Open to any level.  She adds, “we’ll teach a high standard, but you don’t have to be a professional dancer to attend.  Think of it as your community theater.  They’ll be some advanced people who’ll get the leading roles, and some new people who just want to have fun and use dance to get fit. Eventually, maybe we’ll divide the class into beginners and intermediate/advanced.  But for now, we’ll all dance together.”

Lois Englund will be teaching the Musical Theatre Technique class on Saturday Mornings from 10- 11:00 a.m. Best known for her portrayal as Val in  “A Chorus Line” on Broadway, Lois has performed feature roles in over a dozen other Broadway shows including DANCIN, CABARET, SHOWBOAT, CAROUSEL, MAME, and ANNIE.  Lois has worked with Hal Prince, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennet, Francoise Szony and Agnes DeMille.   In addition to acting, directing and choreographing shows all over the world, Lois has served as Artistic Director for Musical Theatre Works at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.  Lois is a certified yoga teacher in Ashtanga, Anusara and Vinyasa.

 The 16-week course will be broken into 2 eight-week sessions – January 29 – March 19, and March 26 - May 14. Beginning January 29, the first eight weeks will focus on center work, jazz, and musical theater.  The second 8 weeks will focus on one or two Musical Theater Masterpieces that we will perform at the Fred Astaire Anniversary Party in May.    Class on January 29 will be your orientation and registration.  Registration will be accepted the week before, and starting at 9:30 am Saturday, January 29. RSVP is required.   Ages 16 and up welcome.  Only cash or checks will be accepted as payment.