Baby Remember My Name

You've seen the movie, you remember the TV show...but did you know there was a musical?! The producer of the TV series, film and subsequent reality show, developed a musical in 1988 based on the same theme -students at the New York City's High School of the Performing Arts. The characters are different, but resemble some from the original movie.

It was a really challenging show to select. As the choreographer I had to incorporate classical ballet, modern, 1980's hip hop, salsa and of course some good old fashioned Broadway style jazz. The majority of the cast had little to no previous dance training. I welcomed the challenge and was SO proud of the kids! They worked hard in rehearsals-sweating their behinds off and pushing their bodies to the limits. I don't think I was one of their favorite people many nights, but after watching the DVD they were all smiles! Hard work pays off. It is a truly gratifying experience to choreograph high actors. I look forward to it every winter.

FAME jazz hands!

Olivia shaking it out during FAME

This year Olivia was cast as "Iris Kelly" the serious, graceful ballerina transfer student. This broke her trend of being cast only as characters that end in "ie" or "i" (Tessie, Kellie, Gertie, Minnie, Bambi, Nellie) :) She was in pointe shoes most of the show which was fun for both her and me! Sidenote: Including Olivia we had FOUR ballerinas that were able to dance en pointe! What fun!
 

Dancing in "The Junior Festival" rehearsal scene

 

Pas de deux

Because most of her scenes took place in the dance studio or during a rehearsal, Olivia was in a leotard and tights for most of the show. She did, however, get to rock two pairs of my old leg warmers. The kids really got into the '80s theme. There was tons of hairspray and blue eye make-up backstage!

"The Junior Festival"

With Krista and Mariah-ballerina buddies!

Iris Kelly

There are more pictures saved here if you click on this LINK
The rehearsal shots are mostly from photographer Jim Miranda and the backstage pics are from Olivia!

Below I compiled some of my favorite dance moments from Fame. Most of them feature Olivia so I thought it would nice to share here. Enjoy! ♫