Steps on Broadway Conservatory students perform "I Wanna Be A Dancin' Man"
The Verdon Fosse Legacy was invited to reconstruct “I Wanna Be A Dancin’ Man” on the pre-professional students of the Steps on Broadway Conservatory Program. Veteran Fosse dancer and Legacy-sanctioned reconstructeur, Lloyd Culbreath, taught the piece with the help of his assistant, Marissa Calabrese, and vocal coach, Jan Horvath (also a veteran Fosse performer).
Bob Fosse choreographed “I Wanna Be A Dancin’ Man” as a tribute to his own personal dance icon, Fred Astaire. As the Act II opener from 1978’s musical revue, DANCIN,’ “Dancin’ Man” honors the charm and elegance of Astaire and celebrates the golden age of the Hollywood musical. But the ensemble production number also highlights a poignant, universal sentiment that lies at the heart of every dancer—despite all of the sacrifices (physical, emotional, professional), the dancer loves to dance and, while both the art form and the career are ephemeral, that passion is everlasting.
Nicole Fosse founded The Verdon Fosse Legacy LLC in response to the overwhelming misinterpretation of the work of her father, Bob Fosse. Drawing from her background in classical ballet, Ms. Fosse adopted the method of reconstructing the work with the contributions of many of the original performers and assistants. Every Verdon Fosse Legacy-sanctioned teacher has either had the privilege of working intimately with Bob Fosse and/or Gwen Verdon or has been taught directly by those that did. All sanctioned teachers have been chosen because of their abilities to convey the details, nuances, and direction of the material and their consciousness of promoting the work with its original integrity. The mission of The Verdon Fosse Legacy is to promote, preserve, and protect the artistic and intellectual property of Gwen Verdon and Bob Fosse. Through the Bob Fosse Master Class Series, Legacy-sanctioned reconstructeurs use Fosse repertoire, original direction and imagery, and oral history as vehicles to fully educate the performer in style, technique, and work ethic. The Verdon Fosse Legacy has hosted The Bob Fosse Master Class Series in universities, dance studios, and performing arts conservatories around the United States and the world.
The Steps Conservatory showcase took place on June 3rd at Steps on Broadway. For more information about the Steps on Broadway Conservatory Program visit www.stepsnyc.com. All inquiries regarding choreographic reconstructions of Bob Fosse's work can be directed to theverdonfosselegacyllc@gmail.com.
Lloyd Culbreath, a Verdon Fosse Legacy-sanctioned reconstructeur, performed in DANCIN’, BIG DEAL, SWEET CHARITY, and as dance captain for the CHICAGO revival. Other Broadway/national tour credits include SOPHISTICATED LADIES, THE TAP DANCE KID, HONKY TONK NIGHTS, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, GUYS AND DOLLS, ANYTHING GOES, ON THE TOWN (Assistant Choreographer), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Assistant Choreographer), and CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER’S LIFE. Lloyd has taught at/for Wright State University, Paramount Arts Center, American Dance Machine for the 21st Century, The Lucia Marthas Institute for Performing Arts, The Ailey School, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway on behalf of The Verdon Fosse Legacy.
