The Dance Student Assembly (DSA) has been putting together monthly hour long workshops held by professional dancers working in the industry. Some have even been Michigan Alumni!
This past week we were lucky enough to be taught by Dee Tomasetta, a Michigan alumni. Dee has been working professionally in New York City since she left Ann Arbor. Some of her work includes: playing Peter Pan in the Broadway First National Tour of Finding Neverland, Starring in Broadway Labs and Pre Productions of Mrs. Doubtfire, Bliss the Musical, Kalevala the Musical, and the Storm, appearing on So You Think You Can Dance a top 15 female finalist, receiving the Emerging Artist Alumni Award from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and so much more. In addition to working professionally, Dee is also a faculty member at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) located in New York City. She continues to share her knowledge, love, and passion for the arts teaching at various dance institutions and conventions throughout the country.
Dee taught a 45 min class, challenging the dancers to a fast combination from the Broadway show Six, which was supposed to be opening this week on Broadway but of course was postponed. It was so great to be able to learn from and dance with Dee. She is extremely talented and dynamic in her movement. The combination was so fun, and despite having to be socially distant and limited to our small spaces, it was so fun to dance together as a department.
After class Dee lead a Q & A, where students sent in their questions to her before the workshop. It was so great to hear her insight on making it in the industry, as well as staying motivated during a time when our livelihood is on pause. She is constantly looking towards the future and her inspiring words gave the department the hope of life getting back to normal and dancers starting to go back to work. What an inspiring way to start the weekend!
A still image of me, Tal, and Dee all dancing together during the workshop.
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