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Description
The 25th Anniversary Celebration of CENTER STAGE
The iconic Cult-Classic Film for Dancers
with Choreographer Susan Stroman
Featuring:
- CENTER STAGE Masterclass [SOLD OUT] taught by Susan Stroman and her associate James Gray who will be teaching the “Jazz Class Warm Up/Combo” in the film (livestream tickets also available for the class)
- Interactive “Dance-A-Long” screening of CENTER STAGE with the opportunity to perform the “Jazz Class Warm Up/Combo” scene along with the film
- Plus other activities, special guests and surprises!
5:30pm Masterclass / 7:30pm Interactive "Dance-A-Long" Screening of Center Stage
Fundraising Benefit for The Stage Door Foundation
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic dance film CENTER STAGE, choreographer Susan Stroman is teaming up with Open Jar Studios to create a 25th Anniversary Celebration of Center Stage, a special double-header event starting with a tutorial masterclass on the infectious “Jazz Class” routine from the film (taught by Susan Stroman), plus a special once-in-a-lifetime interactive “Dance-A-Long” screening of the film.
The two part event starts at 5:30pm with a Center Stage Masterclass taught by Susan Stroman and her associate James Gray. This unique dance class will offer the opportunity to learn the iconic "jazz class warm-up" and combo scene highlighted in the movie. (https://youtu.be/5UNtQax0S6o)
Immediately following the masterclass, attendees will be treated to an interactive and experiential screening of Center Stage, featuring props and activities throughout the entire movie, including the opportunity to participate by performing the “jazz class warm up” and combo along with the actors in the film.
The interactive screening experience (created and led by Leah Hofmann, associate director to Susan Stroman) will also include a Center Stage Costume Contest where attendees can dress as a character in their favorite moment of the film, plus additional activities, special guests and surprises.
“You’ve heard of Sing-A-Long Sound Of Music?” says Jeff Whiting, president of Open Jar. “This event will be “Dance-A-Long Center Stage!”
“I think Center Stage remains beloved today because it was one of the first dance movies to give an honest depiction of the life of a professional dancer in New York City,” says Center Stage choreographer Susan Stroman. “Dance is the star of the movie. Much of the choreography is shot head to toe, so the camera takes the time to honor the body of the dancer. There are quick edits for energy, but dance is not sacrificed. As for the story, the characters are very real, authentic representations who reflect the heart and soul of a dancer. And it’s a great homage to New York City, featuring plenty of quintessential city shots where, to this day, you could visit and immediately spot a dancer. For young people desperate to become dancers, this movie has it all.”
The Onstage Blog recently heralded Center Stage with “A Love Letter to the Ultimate Dance Movie: Twenty-five years ago, a group of young dancers pirouetted onto our screens, and Center Stage became an instant classic. Released in May of 2000, this ballet drama gave us everything: dazzling dance sequences, an impossibly good soundtrack, early 2000s fashion choices, and enough drama to make even the most intense Swan Lake rehearsal seem tame. If you grew up loving dance—or just loved a good underdog story—you probably wore out your VHS or DVD copy of Center Stage. The film followed Jody Sawyer (Amanda Schull), a talented but technically imperfect ballerina, and her fellow students at the elite American Ballet Academy (ABA). Along the way, we got romance, rivalries, and the eternal debate: technique vs. passion. And let’s not forget the iconic final performance—Jody, in her fiery red leotard, dancing to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat.” If you didn’t try (and fail) to replicate that choreography in your living room, did you even watch Center Stage?” - The OnStage Blog
The Stage Door Foundation is a not-for-profit organization providing support to artists as they develop theatrical projects, allowing individuals to focus on the creative process. Their mission is to secure and provide support to theatrical artists by providing access to professional mentorship, subsidized investments, and a supportive network infrastructure that can ignite the innovation of art. The vision of The Stage Door Foundation is to shape a world where art can be dreamed, developed, and realized without obstacles, to cultivate a performing arts ecosystem that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the untold stories waiting to be unveiled. www.stagedoor.org
Open Jar Studios - Located in the heart of the Theater District OPEN JAR STUDIOS features some of the largest studios in New York City for rehearsals, auditions, and support offices for productions of all sizes. Two 4,000 square-foot studios with 22-foot high ceilings make the space ideal for Broadway rehearsals. The large studios accompany a number of different-sized studios also suited perfectly for dance rehearsals, music rehearsals, production offices, and even costume fittings. Under the direction of Jeff Whiting, Open Jar Studios is dedicated to the creation of art and the cultivation of the artist. https://www.openjarstudios.com/
- No refunds, no exchanges. Other restrictions may apply
Date & Time
Thu, Jun 5, 2025 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue Details
Open Jar Studios
1601 Broadway, 11th FloorNew York, New York 10019
