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Musical Theatre Dance

Monday, 5:30pm-6:30pm - $155 per term at Stage Door Studios


A 60 minute dance class specifically tailored for musical theatre enthusiasts in school years 7-13 (ie Intermediate and High School students) wanting to up-skill in the area of dance.

 

Taught by local dance teacher and choreographer Sam McLeod, Stage Door's Musical Theatre Dance class will focus on musical theatre style dance as well as touching on the many and varied styles of dance featuring in today’s musicals. 

 

Students can expect to explore jazz dance techniques as they learn how to turn, leap and kick safety and effectively.

 

There will be a strong focus on using our bodies in a communicative way to connect to the music, to the story and to an audience.  

 

Class attendees will rehearse towards a performance at the end of the year.

 

Homework for Musical Theatre Dance

Monday 6 Oct

A MESSAGE FROM THE TUTOR: 

Kia ora everyone!!

Fourth term is here!!!!! Where did the year go?

After welcoming everyone back from holiday, I handed out two notices to everyone. One notice details what is needed for costumes (to be brought from home) while the other is a Term Four calendar showing when costumes are required, when we have an extended class, and what the timings are in the lead up to our End of Year Showcase performance. 

Please take particular note of Wed 22nd Oct and Mon 5th of Nov.

It was great to get back into the studio this week after the break from classes. 
We worked on 'Come Alive', making more notes and adjustments. 
Then we had a little play with a new choreography for a bit of fun and to exercise our mind-body muscles. 

I am feeling excited for Term Four as we work to integrate Stage Door's Zodiacs and Constellations musical theatre classes into our number. Fun times ahead! 

See you next Monday!
Sam

Important Notices for Musical Theatre Dance

TERM FOUR

Throughout the year our Musical Theatre Dance Class has worked on a number of songs and exercises as they have developed their dance prowess. During Term Four the class will focus on 'Come Alive' to get it ready to present at our Musical Theatre End of Year Showcase performances towards the end of this term, on Saturday 22 November 2025 (scroll down for more information about our 2025 Musical Theatre Showcase). 
 

SONG 1: Oogie Boogie's Song 
From The Nightmare Before Christmas
Oogie Boogie's Song is the villain song of The Nightmare Before Christmas sung by Oogie Boogie and his prisoner, Santa Claus. Our focus for this quirky number has been on bringing character and story into our dancing. 

SONG 2: Come Alive
From The Greatest Showman
With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

'Come Alive' comes from The Greatest Showman. In the early 1800's Barnam opened the 'American Museum' in downtown Manhattan, which featured various wax figures. Ticket sales were slow, so the decision is made to showcasing something "alive". Our song appears in the movie when Barnum adds curiosity performers to his offering, such as bearded lady Lettie Lutz and little person Charles Stratton.
At the End of Year Showcase performance our MT Dance class will be joined on stage by Stage Door's Zodiacs and Constellations Musical Theatre Classes, as we bring this fantastic song to life. 


SHOWCASE FINALE SONG: Happy 
Written and performed by Pharrell Williams

Our 2025 Musical Theatre Showcase Finale song is Happy by Pharrell Williams.
For this number our MT Dance class students will join together with all of Stage Door's musical theatre classes (nine in total) to perform together at the very end of our 2025 Musical Theatre Showcase in November (see the bottom of this page for more information about the showcase). 
 

Song lyrics and practice tracks for all MT Dance songs can be downloaded from this webpage for practicing at home. Click on the song title listed on the right hand side of the page, under Resources (above the tutor pic) to access these.

A Note About Footwear

If they have them, Musical Theatre Dance class students are encouraged to bring Jazz shoes & Chorus shoes to each class with them. 

If they don't have Jazz shoes - Sam suggests trainers and old socks (that don't matter if they get holes in them)

If they don't have Chorus shoes - Sam suggests finding some sturdy, heeled opshop shoes similar to chorus shoes (ideally with a strap, otherwise these can always be tied or strapped on separately) 

Male students are welcome to opt for chorus style shoes as well and/or flat mens dress shoes.

If you are wishing to purchase Jazz and/or Chorus shoes, Stage Door recommends
Dancewear Essentials in Tauranga, where you can either order online, 
or in store at 756 Cameron Road 
www.dancewearessentials.com

 

Resources

TERM FOUR MT DANCE CALENDAR Oogie Boogie's Song Come Alive FINALE: Happy MT DANCE CLASS COSTUME NOTICE

Team members

Sam McLeod

Sam McLeod

2025 Musical Theatre Showcase

WHEN: Saturday 22 November, 1:30pm & 6pm
WHERE: Whakatāne Little Theatre, Short Street, Whakatāne
COST: 
Adult: $20 
Child: $15 (4-16years) 
0-3 yrs free (when sitting on an adult knee)

On Saturday 22 November all nine of our Stage Door Musical Theatre Classes will be taking part in the 2025 End of Year Musical Theatre Showcase. The Showcase consists of two public performances (1:30pm & 6:00pm) and is held at the Whakatāne Little Theatre and gives students the chance to perform on the big stage to show whānau and friends what they have been working on throughout the year.
This year's Musical Theatre Showcase is shaping up to be a fantastic performance with more than 120 talented local children and young people set to take to the stage. 
Tickets are on sale now, and likely to sell out.
Grab your seats from TryBooking.com now: 
https://www.trybooking.com/nz/ZGS