Reese Dailey at The Verdon Fosse Legacy Program
Reese (AQF '23) shares her experience at the Verdon Fosse Legacy Professional Training in New York where she had the opportunity to strengthen all aspects of herself as a performer.
“This summer I attended The Verdon Fosse Legacy Professional Training Program. For four weeks in New York City I was immersed in all things Fosse®. I spent my days training in ballet, FOSSE® Jazz, followed by an acting, singing or rhythm class where I had the opportunity to strengthen all aspects of myself as a performer. I also had the chance to train in classes inspired by Fosse®’s work which included East Indian, Afro-Cuban, Flamenco, Jack Cole and Horton. In addition to technique classes I spent time in professional rehearsals diving deep into signature pieces of Fosse® choreography in an individualized, constructive, and challenging class environment. This experience allowed me to understand what it means to be a ‘Fosse® dancer’ from Fosse® veteran performers and artists from today's industry.
One of the most amazing parts of the intensive has to be the teachers. There is truly nothing like learning directly from people that were in the room with Bob and Gwen. Learning the repertoire from so many amazing teachers gives you the chance to really understand the material. Kolton Krouse was most recently in the 2023 revival of Dancin’ where they danced trumpet solo. Dana Moore is a classic Broadway jazz dancer who worked closely with Fosse in most of his shows. I had the opportunity to build a relationship with both of these teachers as I was able to take their classes at Steps on Broadway as well as during the training program and was absolutely honored to work with them.”
“Nicole Fosse (Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon's daughter) is the Artistic Director for the legacy. Nicole is also a UNCSA alumni which was an exciting connection! We had the opportunity to work closely with her whether that be listening to stories about her parents or her being hands on with us in ballet class. The legacy she is keeping alive is so important. Fosse’s style was so detail oriented and very intentional so learning the intention behind the work was the most amazing experience.
This intensive has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. Understanding Fosse’s style and work and being immersed in it for four weeks will forever shape who I am as a dancer. Fosse was such a storyteller and he had an intention behind every movement. If you look at videos of Fosse’s dancers they don’t all look the same doing the same rep but as I learned this summer everything is initiated from the inside out. Learning how to dance in this way wasn’t what I expected I would necessarily get out of the intensive but I know it was the most important thing I could have learned and will be beneficial for style and help with a life lasting career.
Dear Anthony Quinn Foundation,
I can’t begin to thank you enough for this incredible experience. I truly loved the opportunity to train with the Verdon Fosse Legacy this summer and learned things that will stick with me forever as a dancer and person. I am so happy to have gotten the chance to train with the Legacy before going into my Senior year and into my dancing career!”
Reese Dailey