Kate's Note: Broadway Ambition

Recently, I met an 18-year-old aspiring Broadway dancer who had just returned from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular audition in NYC. Out of hundreds of girls, she had been one of just a handful left standing at the end—and she still didn’t know if she’d gotten the job. Clutching her phone, she was waiting to find out if this could be the break that would allow her to move to NYC and start her career. When I asked her about

her favorite types of articles in Dance Spirit, she responded: “Any and all things Broadway.”

 

I was so happy to point her to the annual Broadway issue. It’s a reader and staff favorite because it’s filled with information about what shows to see now and who’s tearing up the Broadway boards.

 

One young performer who is swiftly rising to the top is this month’s cover girl, Savannah Wise. She’s a triple threat with an effervescent personality and a showbiz pedigree—her mother (Kiel Junius), father (Scott Wise) and stepmom (Elizabeth Parkinson) are all professional dancers. Read “Born for Broadway” (p. 52) for Savannah’s story.

 

In “What Should I See?” (p. 56), we spill on all the danciest musicals on Broadway so you can make your wish list.

 

Then, for the 2011 New York City guide (p. 58), DS got four in-the-know dancers to tell you about their favorite spots—from where to take class to where to get lunch.

 

Finally, we introduce this year’s Cover Model Search finalists: Kaitlynn Edgar, Zoey Anderson and Maddie Swenson. Turn to “True Competitors” (p. 68) to read about all three gorgeous ladies, then go to dancespirit.com/ to vote for your favorite. The winner will appear on our October cover!

 

Enjoy!

Kate Lydon

 

 

 

 

Scott Wise and Elizabeth Parkinson, owners of the FineLine Theatre Arts school in New Milford, CT, are Tony and Astaire Award–winning performers with stellar stage careers. They also happen to be father and stepmother to this month’s cover girl, Savannah Wise!

Click here
for their advice for making it on the Great White Way.

 

 

 

Photos top to bottom: Savannah Wise, photo by Nathan Sayers; The DS staff, former Cover Model Search winner Ida Saki and the finalists pose at this year’s CMS photo shoot, photo by Erin Baiano.