About The Absolute Beginner Workshop

If you have always dreamed of dancing, or are looking to learn a new style, these workshops were created just for you! We put great effort into providing the right instructors, curriculum and atmosphere here at BDC for the first-time dancer – classes for adults only! We know this exceptional program will ignite your passion for dance.

Workshops are 6 consecutive weeks on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, of Thursdays.

Adults Only 18+ years of age

Registration for the April/May session is now closed. If you would like information for the July/Aug session, please email ABWorkshop@bwydance.com to be notified when that registration opens/

 

Current Workshops

Apr 15-May 24, 2012

HIP-HOP BALLET HIP-HOP CONTEMPORARY
Jamie Jackson
Jamie
Jackson

SUNDAYS
6-7:30 pm
Apr 15-May 20
Dawn Hillen
Dawn
Hillen

SUNDAYS
6-7:30 pm
Apr 15-May 20
Neil Schwartz
Neil
Schwartz

SUNDAYS
7:30-9 pm
Apr 15-May 20
Jeremy Miller
Jeremy
Miller

SUNDAYS
7:30-9 pm
Apr 15-May 20
   
JAZZ
BALLET
HIP-HOP
TAP
THEATER
HIP-HOP
Sue Samuels
Sue
Samuels

TUESDAYS
4:30-6 pm
Apr 17-May 22
Joy Karley
Joy
Karley

TUESDAYS
7:30-9 pm
Apr 17-May 22
Joanna Numata
Joanna
Numata

WEDNESDAYS
9-10:30 pm
Apr 18-May 23
Justin Boccitto
Justin
Boccitto

WEDNESDAYS
9-10:30 pm
Apr 18-May 23
Lainie Munro
Lainie
Munro

THURSDAYS
4:30-6 pm
Apr 19-May 24
La Jon
La Jon

THURSDAYS
7:30-9 pm
Apr 19-May 24

 

Price

$150 per Workhop
Sorry, workshops are not pro-rated if you join after the first week.

Class Descriptions

 

Justin Boccitto
Justin
Boccitto
Justin Boccitto's Absolute Beginner Tap Workshop starts at the VERY beginning.  Students learn all the basic steps in tap as well as their definitions.  The class continues with incorporating these steps in warm up and across the floor exercises and two final combinations.  Every week students are provided with videos to practice at home.  The goal of the workshop is to produce tap dancers who can move into higher level classes at BDC while learning in a fun and relaxed environment. 
Dawn Hillen
Dawn
Hillen
If you have always wanted to take ballet or you are coming back from time away this is the class for you! Dawn Hillen is a friendly, funny and patient teacher who will inspire you with her passion for dance. She creates a safe and supportive environment in which to learn. As an expert in the field of adult beginner ballet Dawn will show you everything you need to know to dance well! All aspects of ballet class will be covered. Excellent technique, placement, etiquette, and what to do to look like a professional. There are so many benefits to be gained-strength, flexibility, coordination, grace, balance, mental acuity, confidence... Ballet will bring out the beauty in you!
Jamie Jackson
Jamie
Jackson
My hip hop ABW will focus on musicality and grooving! Hearing the music is different from listening to music & groove is the most essential part of dancing! 
La Jon
La Jon
La Jon D's ABW consist of starting with the basics. Learning rhythrm and grooves trying to push each individual to be comfortable in their own body. Towards end of the term the class will progress to a routine. It's a fun, chill, and relaxed vibe suitable for basic individuals. Hope to see you their!!!! Remember it's not about the step.. It's about the feeling :-)
Joy Karley
Joy
Karley
In Absolute Beginner Ballet you will learn the basics of how to take a Ballet class.  We will go step by step through everything from walking into the room to how to stand at the barre to moving across the floor. You will learn the positions of the feet and arms as well as the basics of posture and alignment.  We will cover class etiquette and most of the basic steps you need to know to help you feel more comfortable in a Basic level Ballet class.  You will also be learning musicality with the help of a live accompanist. Suggested text:  Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet by Gail Grant.
Jeremy Miller
Jeremy
Miller
Jeremy feels it is important to build a techn. Jeremy incorporates strength building and flexibility exercises into his class. We will work on movement both across the floor and with a combination in center at the end of class. Choreography is usually fast and challenging, but yet attainable for anyone. A lot of contemporary is based on a strong upper body so you will also be pushed to build that strength. You will have a better understanding of your body and how to work more properly through it, all while having many opportunities to smile and express your voice. Jeremy's style of choreography is learning how to dial into your own personal artistry and become more comfortable and confident when expressing this facet of your being.
Lainie Munro
Lainie
Munro
Lainie’s Absolute Beginner Theatre Dance Workshop is perfect for actors and singers who need to learn how to dance for movement and dance auditions, and for anyone who loves Broadway theatre dance and wants to learn it from the ground up. In 6 classes we cover all styles and genres from Jerome Robbins to Bob Fosse to Michael Bennett and beyond, in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment. Lainie is known for her positive energy and ability to teach non-dancers how to dance. Many of her ABW students have gone on to become regular dance students and have booked work in musical theatre.
Joanna Numata
Joanna
Numata
During the first couple of classes we will focus on basic weight transfers, which give you, the student, and the ability to move smoothly around the dance floor…no more fumbling over your feet! Over the course of the 6 week session, choreography will be given with movements ranging from smooth grooves to energetic hits. Each class will build upon the previous one and by the end of the session you’ll have a few new combos under your belt. I really like breaking each movement down and definitely welcome questions. But above all, I’ll offer you a friendly, comfortable and fun environment to learn in. Hope to see you soon!
Sue Samuels
Sue
Samuels
Learn to dance "Broadway Jazz" style with a Master teacher! It has clean, clear lines. Learn all the basic moves, including turning, the proper way to kick and lots of basic footwork! Train your body with real dance technique, using a jazz barre warm-up. Learn how to "pick up" dance choreography and have lots of fun!
Neil Schwartz
Neil
Schwartz
This class will provide beginners with the ability to work on musicality, performance, dynamics, and confidence while motivating students to maintain a positive classroom environment. Each song is carefully selected to enable each student to focus on body awareness, confidence, and clear execution of movement. We start the class with a twenty minute warm-up and then learn a short combo. Come with an open mind, a passion to improve, and the desire to learn more about yourself!

 

Testimonials

As an aspiring actor who sings, it has been my goal to get cast into musicals. Since most musicals require some sort of dance skills, and I did not have any to speak of, I looked into the Absolute Beginner Workshop at Broadway Dance Center just to get a background in some basics. I decided to take Jim Cooney’s Musical Theater Dance Workshop that ran between April and June of this year. I really have high praise for the fun and encouraging atmosphere at BDC. Jim was always very friendly and helpful, and he came up with a nice blend of technique and practical application through fun and creative choreographed routines. Just two weeks after completing the 8-week workshop, I went on an audition for a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was cast as an Ensemble member. I got the opportunity to do a lot of singing and 6 choreographed dance routines throughout the show. We just completed a sold out run of our production were critics praised everything, including the choreography, as “Broadway quality,” which is an amazing feeling. I feel that the basics I learned in Absolute Beginner Workshop really helped me land this role. After such a positive experience, I may plan to return to Broadway Dance Center sometime in the near future so I may continue to improve and learn different styles of dance.
-Eric Parkin

 

I decided that it was time to change my reaction to hearing that there would be a movement call after the singing and acting portion of an audition. My first reaction to having to dance was usually anger at myself for not taking classes and the second reaction was usually terror.  I needed to change my attitude through positive action.  I had heard about Lainie’s teaching style from a friend in musical theatre, so I signed up for her Absolute Beginner Workshop. Lainie broke the steps down and was very encouraging and committed to our class.  I really enjoyed dancing with the same group of people over the 6 week course. I felt empowered as I gained confidence in my abilities each week.  Lainie’s class was a safe place to learn and to be challenged. I started to actually enjoy dancing. After completing the ABW, I continued with Lainie’s Beginner classes.  Now instead of being terrified by the thought of having to dance, I feel challenged and excited about learning. I just booked the 9 to 5 tour and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to express myself through acting, singing and dance!
- Lori Hammel

Refund Policy

  • Students who have registered and paid for the workshop but decide not to continue the workshop are entitled to a refund less a $25 administrative fee ONLY after the first week.

  • The last date for refunds (less the $25 admin fee) for this workshop session is April 20, 2012. NO refunds will be given after this date.

  • After the refund date there are no exceptions for refunds, however you can decide to take a CREDIT for the next workshop session only.

  • There are no credits or refunds for missed classes.

  • If Broadway Dance Center cancels a class for any reason a make-up class will be offered.