Debunking the myths that are "Old School"...It's Time to Set the Record Straight

I love young talent. I do. I find it inspiring to watch young artists at work regardless of what area they excel in. As someone who has adjudicated countless dance competitions, I also find it very exciting to watch young, up and coming choreographers present their work. I can say without hesitation that I've had the privilege of seeing some of the most awe inspiring work presented across this country by numerous choreographers, many of which that with any luck, we may all hear about in the future.

But as much as I'm inspired by young talent, I've found myself lately being fascinated with the great teachers, dancers, and choreographers of the past. The people if you will, who have paved the way for dancers today. We are so fortunate to have at our disposal, the internet and the avail of channels like you tube. They have provided me not only with entertainment, but knowledge of the past, and a glimpse in to the future. Most recently I have been fascinated by a set of interviews on YouTube with some of

A Chorus Line Finale

the original Fosse dancers. To hear them talk with such affection about what it was like to work with Fosse when he first started to choreograph for the Broadway stage is riveting. I've also had an affection for the musical A Chorus Line, (and respectively, the documentary titled Every Little Step, which follows the casting process for the Broadway revival),  ever since I was a young boy. It was the very first musical I had ever seen live, and I remember sitting in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver being awe struck with what was happening on the stage. That show was truly a game changer for me, and as far as I was concerned, I was going to become a dancer no matter what!

Most recently, when speaking with a colleague, she had told me that some of her students had told her that they weren't really that keen on jazz any more as it's "Old School." Now, being the solid, grounded teacher that she is, she informed them without hesitation, that what they are doing in class is relevant, no matter what the popular opinion of the day may be. To me, that says that that particular teacher is solid in their resolve to make sure her students get an all around dance education....something that at times, seems to have slipped by the wayside.

Yours truly as a young dancer/teacher teaching in the 80's