Immortal Icons of Dance

In this episode, Dylis Croman tells us about being mentored by Ann Reinking throughout her career. Dylis was 14 when she first met Ann, and it was because of Ann that she made her Broadway debut in "Fosse" in her early twenties. Now Dylis carries Ann's legacy forward, especially anytime she steps on stage as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" on Broadway.

Additional Resources:

Reference Footage

All That Jazz (1979)

Annie (1982)

Ann Reinking Shirt

All That Jazz Sweatshirt

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.

In this episode, Elizabeth Farrell joins us to talk about her time dancing for Agnes DeMille. Elizabeth danced with American Ballet theater for 13 years and during that time was chosen by DeMille to dance in a number of her ballets, including the lead role in her masterpiece, 'Rodeo'.

Additional Resources

Reference Footage

Agnes DeMille Website

Autobiography: Dance to the Piper & Promenade Home

Oklahoma!

Podcast Merch

Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through this link and finalize a purchase.

Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quiñones was a dancer on Soul Train in the 70s, was one of the founding members of The Lockers, and was best known for his role of "Ozone" in the movies Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. Guest, Professor Bird talks to us about his mentor, Shabba-Doo, what he learned from him and how he's learned to pass on hip hop culture to the next generation.

Reference Footage

Breakin' & Breakin' 2

LA Times Article

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

In this episode of Immortal Icons of Dance, host Lauryn Johnson welcomes guest Shelby Kaufman to discuss her relationship with the legendary tap dancer Dr. Harold "Stumpy" Cromer. Shelby shares how their bond went beyond dance, teaching her valuable lessons and emphasizing the power of age- and race-defying friendships. Shelby also delves into Harold's incredible career, from his humble beginnings on the streets to performing on Broadway and becoming a mentor to the tap community.

Additional Resources:

Footage

Interview with Harold Cromer

New York Times Article

Bio Source Info

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

In this episode, host Lauryn Johnson interviews Broadway actress Mary Ann Lamb. Mary Ann shares insights about her collaborations with the Immortal Icon, Ann Reinking, and her experiences working on the long-running show "Chicago." She discusses the importance of honesty and hard work in dance, and reflects on her interactions with renowned performers like Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. Overall, it provides a fascinating look into the life and career of a dance icon.

Additional Resources:

Footage

Ann Reinking Shirt

Ann Reinking Sweatshirt

All That Jazz (1979)

Fosse (2002)

New York Times Article

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Mary Ann Lamb, a Broadway veteran with 11 Broadway credits speaks about her experience working with Jerome Robbins, one of the great theater-makers of the 20th century.

Additional Resources:

Footage

Somewhere: The Life of Jerome Robbins by Amanda Vaill

Jerome Robbins, by Himself edited by Amanda Vaill

Jerome Robbins: Something To Dance About Documentary

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Former Dance Theatre of Harlem Artist, Christopher Charles McDaniel, talks to us about his experiences in the studio as one of Arthur Mitchell's last students.

Additional Resources:

Arthur Mitchell Footage

Arthur New York Times Article

Arthur Agon Sweatshirt

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Susan Pilarre was a dancer with the New York City Ballet for 16 years under the direction of George Balanchine. She then spent 37 years passing on his teachings at the School of American Ballet. We sat down to discuss Balanchine's legacy and what it has meant to her to be a part of it.

Additional Resources:

“Balanchine: A Biography” By Bernard Taper

Watch footage referenced in the episode

“In Balanchine’s Classroom” a documentary by Connie Hochman

Serenade Ornament

Podcast Merch

Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

In this episode Lauryn will introduce listeners to the podcast by describing what her inspiration was and what the goals she has for the podcast. Lauryn also details her dance history experience and why she is so passionate about it. Tune in each week to listen to interviews with where we discuss and remember the iconic dancers of the past.

Merch: shop.immortaliconsofdance.com

Instagram: @immortaliconsofdance