(photo: Michael Parker) A few years ago, my good friend Michael Parker came to Las Vegas with a really talented group of dancers, and I was flattered to be asked to teach a master class on Fosse-style. For those readers who aren’t aware, the first 45 years of my professional life were spent as a dancer on Broadway, national touring companies and regional theaters. Dance was my life. Seeing this photo again today, I immediately flashed back to that session, and was reminded how much we can forget. I sometimes forget that at the age of 58 I still love to dance. Often, it’s the “idea” of dancing that isn’t so great in my head, but then when I’m dancing I remember what a gift it is. I sometimes forget how much I’ve learned from so many great choreographers and dancers like Lee Roy Reams, Ann Reinking, Donna McKechnie, Sandahl Bergman, Thommie Walsh, Baayork Lee, Patti Wilcox, Chris Chadman, Rob Ashford, Kathleen Marshall… So many I can’t remember them all. I forget things – have I mentioned that? I’m not the guy to teach a class on how to properly plié or tendu, but I’m always excited to “pass on” the style and approach of those I’ve learned from. Ann Reinking, who really gave me the gift of learning Fosse-style, told me once it’s a very important tradition and responsibility in the dance world. And she was, as always, correct. I forget a lot. But today it was fun to remember. Related: Get Up And Dance – It’s National Dance Day
