It looks like Broadway may have its own version of New York University’s Center for Ballet and the Arts, Jennifer Houmans’ institute for ballet artists and scholars. According to the Wall Street Journal, Josh Prince, the choreographer of Beautiful, the Carole King Musical and Shrek the Musical, founded Broadway Dance Lab last year as a way to offer choreographers studio space and paid dancers while they test out new show concepts. (It all reminds me of Michael Bennett’s A Chorus Line, which began as a workshop of sorts—Bennett had all his dancer friends assemble and tell stories, which eventually became fodder for the musical.)
During Broadway Dance Lab’s first year, the organization offered support to choreographers like Andy Blankenbuehler and Marcelo Gomes. Up this year? Lorin Latarro, who choreographed Waitress. Here’s to new musicals with kicking choreo!