Having the opportunity for world-class talent to come work right here in Atlanta is something we truly cherish as a company. And when we heard Director/Choreographer Jerry Mitchell was traveling south to direct and choreograph the world premiere musical Becoming Nancy, we knew that we had to plan a dance workshop with teens.
First, our education department posed a challenge to our partner schools and organizations: learn the choreography to the opening number “East Dulwich” and submit a video on social media demonstrating your dancing and creativity prowess. And the response was fantastic! Here’s one of the entries from the talented teens at Hiram High School.
We chose a list of finalists and from that list, each participant could send two representatives to take a live workshop with Jerry Mitchell and his dance captain Nico DeJesus (fresh from his run at Pretty Woman on Broadway) right here at the Alliance Theatre to refine the number and learn from real Broadway professionals. After performing the number for friends and family, all the teens received free tickets to see the musical that evening, where they could see “East Dulwich” in its full glory — with sets, costumes, and lighting.
Take a look into this fun day below. Photos and video by Kathleen Covington. Special thanks to all the represented groups: Arabia Mountain High School, AT Teen Ensemble, DeKalb School for the Arts, Eagle’s Landing High School, Hiram High School, Ola High School, and Sawnee School of Ballet.
