On Saturday May 8, we hosted Miss Lauralyn McClelland from New York City’s Broadway for a Musical Master Class with our dancers as part of our Online Opportunities Initiative.
Miss Lauralyn welcomed our Intermediate and Senior dancers on Zoom with her energetic personality. During the beginning of class the dancers got to experience a professional level warm-up and then the choreography began. Miss Lauralyn taught our dancers the actual Broadway choreography from “Super Sea Star Saviour” from Nickolden’s Spongebob the Musical.
While working through the choreography Miss Lauralyn made a point to connect with our students one-on-one, offering technique feedback and encouragement. She encouraged the dancers to bring the Spongebob magic and imagination to their dancing.
At the end of the class the dancers had an opportunity to ask Miss Lauralyn anything they wanted about her career so far. Miss Lauralyn stressed the importance of being prepared. From being prepared in your technique and your dancing, to showing up early for rehearsals and auditions, and having your mind prepared too! She told us about how one of her director’s always said, “Luck is in the combination of preparedness meeting with opportunity.”
Our dancers had a fabulous time working with Miss Lauralyn and are looking forward to their additional upcoming Broadway classes as part of our Online Opportunities series as well!
Who is Lauralyn McClelland?
Lauralyn holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University and has been a member of Actors’ Equity Association since 2007. She has worked on 7 Broadway shows and performed live at the Tony Awards, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The View, The Today Show and Good Morning America. She’s danced on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the Rock of Ages movie, and was in the ensemble cast of the Nickelodeon special – The Spongebob Musical: Live on Stage! She’s been fortunate to tour the US, Asia and Europe performing in musicals and now resides in New York City.
Lauralyn has taught for studios around the country and given master classes all over NYC.
What is the Online Opportunities Initiative?
Online Opportunities Initiative was created to provide a little something extra and fun for our dancers to look forward to during the third lockdown as well as a way to support our community. Over this past year, our community has been faced with overwhelming challenges that have been felt by everyone. Some people who have never experienced issues might now dealing with concerns like social isolation, food security, and safe and reliable transportation to doctors’ appointments. And for some that already experience these hurdles, they are left dealing with navigating them in an even more challenging climate. United Way Oxford has been working with organizations across the County to help adapt current programs, and create new ones, in order to help assist people get the support they need, when they need it. By investing in over 30 COVID Relief Programs across our communities, options for support are now available to assist those that need it most. By coming together, we can continue to support those in our community that need us now more than ever.
