Dance Works Guest Choreographer

Jamila Jones ~ Guest Writer

The University of Lynchburg’s dance team, Dance Works, will showcase choreography by a new guest artist in the upcoming spring showcase on April 21-22, 2023.

Ronnie Brady, a local choreographer in the Lynchburg area, has choreographed a jazz, tap, and partnering dance with a flirty theme from the musical, Some Like it Hot. 

Dance Works will host its annual Spring Showcase, featuring 10 dances with a variety of choreographers. Brady is the first guest artist hosted and was assigned this piece of music by Director, Loretta Wittman. 

Wittman said,  “It’s important for our students to get to experience different choreographer’ styles and ways that they teach. It is helpful for our students to get exposure.” 

Brady has been dancing since high school. After graduation, he decided to try to make it in New York City, but then chose to “pursue another ten years of theater experience, just learning” which led to choreography, which is where he thrived.

Brady said, “What attracted me to this was that it was a different kind of dance, it challenged me to fit different levels of training… is unique… just overall enjoyable.” 

Students also had an enjoyable time working with Brady. Rachel Bruce ‘25, a dancer and student choreographer,  said she “absolutely loved getting to work with Ronnie…he always keeps rehearsals upbeat and entertaining” and she has had a “fantastic experience overall.”

Wittman said she hopes students will “gain many different sorts of skills applicable both in the performing arts world but also out… in life” such as “discipline, collaboration, and knowing there are deadlines.” 

To support Dance Works and see Ronnie Brady’s choreography, go to the Spring Showcase on April 21-22 at 7:30 P.M. in Hailey Theater located in Dillard Fine Arts Center. There is no need to reserve tickets, they are free for the public and seating is first come first serve.