Two performers, Elizabeth and Lara, share their journeys into the world of dance and musical theatre, revealing the passion and dedication that shaped their careers. From early ballet lessons to Broadway stages and leading educational programs, their stories offer a glimpse into the diverse paths within the performing arts.
Early Steps in Dance
Elizabeth: My dance journey began at the age of seven at COCA in St. Louis. While I primarily focused on ballet training, my upbringing was steeped in theatre. Growing up watching my dad perform and teach, storytelling through performance always felt natural. It wasn’t pressure, but an organic interest that led me to ask to audition, and from there, it simply grew.
Lara: My start was much later, almost at the very end of high school in Ponca City, OK. It was a classmate’s idea to put together a tap routine for our senior class assembly. For a month, I learned tap at her house. Ballet came later when I went to college at OCU. The movie Turning Point, with Mikhail Baryshnikov, had just been released, highlighting the evolving acceptance of ballet for boys. In Oklahoma, dance wasn’t always an obvious path for young boys. My serious dance education truly began when I moved to New York City to pursue theatre. Suddenly, I was surrounded by talented male dancers, pushing me to new levels of challenge and inspiring my growth.
Current Projects and Passions
Elizabeth: Currently, I’m performing in The Crucible on Broadway, a powerful play running through July. [Laughs] Come see it! Before this, I was in Mary Poppins on Broadway and The Audience with Helen Mirren last year – each show incredibly different and rewarding. Exploring these diverse theatrical experiences has been amazing.
Lara: I’m now the head of the musical theatre program at Webster Conservatory in St. Louis, focusing on nurturing the next generation of performers.
New York City Immersion
Elizabeth: My family and I have truly embraced New York City; it feels like a second home. From our first arrival, we were captivated. During my time in Mary Poppins, my mom homeschooled us, making it easier to fully explore the city. We visited almost every museum, spending our days discovering new things. It’s special to now consider New York a second home, alongside St. Louis. When I was in Mary Poppins, we sublet an apartment, and my dad commuted from St. Louis. It all worked out, and now we navigate the city with ease.
Lara: Moving to New York to pursue theatre was transformative. I immersed myself in dance, taking 3-5 classes daily. It became an obsession. Auditioning led to opportunities, and I found myself on Broadway in shows like The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, Happy New Year, Pirates of Penzance, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Neil Simon Theatre. (I’m actually preparing for an evening at 54 Below celebrating the history of that very theatre, which is exciting.)
On Your Toes introduced me to the ballet world in a profound way. Originally choreographed by Balanchine in 1936, it beautifully merged ballet and tap. I had the incredible opportunity to dance with ballet legends like Natalia Makarova, Galina Panova, and Valentina Kozlova. The production juxtaposed Broadway hoofers with dancers from New York City Ballet and ABT. Partnering with a prima ballerina, who was new to theatre production, while I was new to partnering at that level, created a unique bond and mutual respect. This experience broadened my understanding of dance and performance. While exploring the vibrant theatre scene around Times Square and venturing downtown towards artistic hubs like Christopher Street Sheridan Square, I felt deeply connected to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Career Evolution and Artistic Longevity
Lara: The mid-1980s marked a shift. From 1978 to 1986, Broadway experienced a downturn after My One and Only with Tommy Tune closed. While Cameron Mackintosh brought in mega-musicals like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Cats, the mid-80s saw a noticeable Broadway decline. Opportunities became limited for me in New York. In ’86, On Your Toes moved to the West Coast, and I decided to stay, transitioning into directing and choreography. I accepted a full-time teaching position at Cal State Fullerton for seven years before touring with Wizard of Oz. After marrying my wife and the tour’s end, we returned to New York for a year and a half. However, I missed teaching, leading us to spend the next eight years in Chicago, Illinois, and Winchester, Virginia, before settling in St. Louis for the past nine years.
Future Aspirations and Artistic Legacy
Elizabeth: My aspiration is simply to continue telling stories. The Crucible, for instance, is presented in a uniquely modern way, which is exciting. I love opening minds to different interpretations. The variety within performing is what captivates me – the chance to embody and share diverse narratives.
Lara: My wife and I emphasize artistic longevity with Elizabeth. Gigs are temporary; shows open and close. That’s the nature of the business. It’s been wonderful to witness Elizabeth’s growing passion and talent in ballet alongside her acting and singing. Looking at productions like On the Town and An American in Paris and seeing ballet dancers in leading roles, it feels like Elizabeth is developing a versatile skill set for a sustained and fulfilling life in the theatre.
