Lessons learned performing in a Broadway musical were the featured attraction in a UNL dance classroom on Nov. 13.
Two cast members from the Tony award-winning musical “Memphis” led a master class with UNL students in Intermediate-Advanced Modern Dance. During the two hour long session, “Memphis” cast members Jonathan Ragsdale and Jonas Shumpert taught the students two dance combinations pulled straight from the rigorous choreography used in the musical.
“Memphis” played in two performances at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 12-13.
As Ragsdale and Shumpert coached the class through the routine to “Everybody Wants to be Black on a Saturday Night,” students were encouraged to ask questions about dance technique. The performers also offered career advice to Broadway hopefuls.
“Nearly every performer that comes to the Lied Center is asked to participate in activities that offer UNL students a chance to connect with artists from all over the world right here on campus,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied. “This is a truly rare opportunity for the students of Nebraska to gain access to world class performers and work with the masters in their fields of study.”
