Musical Theatre Classes
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About Our Adult/Teen Musical Theater Classes
If you love musicals, this class will have you dancing with a joyful heart. We will explore the world of musical theater and how it's different genre's and styles help to tell a story. We will learn techniques to incorporate dancing, acting and some singing and will do excerpts from popular Broadway shows. Our Donny Gersonde has extensive experience with musical theater performances, and he is very entertaining! His students absolutely love him.
The attire for this musical theatre class is comfortable dnce attire (leotards and tights or dance pants/shorts/leggings and snug fitting top. Jazz and/or ballet slippers are recommended but not required.
Fall Session Classes
Session Dates: September 16, 2024 - February 9, 2025
Donny attended Coronado School of the Arts: Musical Theatre, high school in San Diego, and he holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut.
After college, he returned to San Diego and became the lead dance teacher for the Coronado School of the Arts-Musical Theatre High School, his alma mater.
Donny says his love for teaching is equal to his passion for dancing. All levels and all bodies bring him joy to get people moving!
Maia Nowack
Maia grew up dancing in Seattle before attending Northwestern University in Evanston, where she earned a Bachelor of Theatre degree with a minor in Dance.
While there, she danced in works by Chicago-based choreographers such as Jeff Hancock, Joel Valentin Martinez, and Maray Gutierrez. She has also taken part in the Strictly Seattle and Dance This! intensives in Seattle. She has taught drama and dance to Evanston School District students and interned at Seattle Children's Theatre, where she is currently a teaching apprentice.
What do students learn in musical theatre classes?
- Jazz style dance technique and choreography
- Performance/presentation skills
What do I look for in a good musical theatre class?
- A thorough warm up and lots of choreography
- Also evaluate the instructors' experience level, class size, performance opportunities, and how well it matches your ability level.
What should I wear to a musical theatre class?
- Students should wear comfortable dance attire that does not restrict movement (either leotard and tights, or dance pants/leggings and snug fitting top). Jazz shoes or ballet slippers recommended but not required.
Is prior experience in singing, acting, or dancing required to enroll in a musical theatre class?
- We accept students from all skill levels. Although previous Jazz dance experience is beneficial, beginners are welcome. Donny's classes suit both the novice and seasoned performer.
How long do classes in musical theatre usually last?
- Our musical theater class is an hour long.
Are there auditions required to get into your musical theatre classes?- No audition required. All are welcome.
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The talented instructor Donnie Gersonde's Musical Theater classes at American Dance Institute offer a thorough and exciting curriculum that covers everything from Broadway theater and classics to jazz dance and hip-hop music. The students have the unique opportunity to explore creativity and boost their self-esteem through a variety of performance arts, including singing, acting, and dancing. With a focus on building confidence and honing their skills, these classes provide an unforgettable experience, fostering harmony and discipline. The curriculum includes elements of stagecraft, choreography, and theatrical scenery, ensuring a well-rounded education in the art of musical theater. Donnie Gersonde's innovative methodology incorporates improvisation, dialogue, and memorization techniques, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Whether students are preparing for auditions or simply seeking to expand their knowledge, American Dance Institute's Musical Theater classes are the perfect place to embark on a journey of creativity and self-discovery in the vibrant world of performing arts.
At the American Dance Institute in Seattle, Washington, musical theater classes take center stage against the backdrop of the city's vibrant parks and diverse neighborhoods. From the enchanting Woodland Park Zoo to the scenic Carkeek Park, students explore their creativity in a setting that embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Located in Loyal Heights, Seattle, the institute offers a unique experience that encompasses Ballard Commons Park and Crown Hill Park, enhancing the learning journey with natural beauty. Under the carousel's charming melodies at Woodland Park and the tranquil Woodland Garden, aspiring performers in Hawthorne Hills and Greenwood neighborhoods find their voices and rhythm through hip hop dance and theatrical expression. Amidst coffee shops like Starbucks and neighborhood eateries like Taco del Mar and Red Mill Burgers, students fuel their passion for the arts. With a curriculum as diverse as the city itself, these musical theater classes become a harmonious fusion of talent and culture, just like Seattle's rich culinary scene and cultural heritage. It's a place where creativity knows no bounds, a stage where dreams come to life in the heart of the Emerald City.