The KO dance studio was alive with energy on Sept. 20 as guest artist Tanner Lane, a professional Broadway dancer and choreographer, stepped through the doors for a full-day workshop.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., students navigated a mix of fast-paced choreography, emotional storytelling, and high-stakes auditions. This was not an ordinary class; this was a life-altering experience straight out of New York City.
Mr. Lane, known for his unique Fosse-fusion style, was invited by Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds through Steps on Broadway, one of New York City’s most prestigious dance studios. Mr. Lane has performed in national tours of “Chicago” and “Pippin” and has choreographed for several regional productions, building a strong reputation for fusing classic Broadway techniques with the contemporary flair of artists like Lady Gaga.
“Tanner really came out of nowhere in terms of becoming well known for his Fosse fusion style,” Mr. Reynolds said. “I looked him up after seeing him sub a class, and I was blown away. I just knew he would be incredible for our program.”
For KO students, the workshop offered a rare opportunity to learn directly from a real-life working Broadway professional. “Having someone like Tanner come in helps students build connections, strengthens the KO dance network, and raises our level of rigor,” Mr. Reynolds explained. “He taught his class the same way he would in New York: hard, fun, and high caliber.”
The day began with an intense audition for a piece set to Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam.” Eleven students originally started, and by noon, only seven were selected to perform the piece: sophomore Hunter James, juniors Danica Arwen De Dios and Molly Palmer, and seniors Juliana Chipelo, Jane Morris, Leo Kollen, and Riley Mapp.
Mr. Lane challenged students to focus on more than just technique. “Get out of the mirror,” he said, emphasizing storytelling and presence. Senior Teague Shamleffer, who is an understudy for the piece, remembered one key phrase that Mr. Lane said before everyone began to audition for the piece in groups: “This isn’t heart surgery, you can relax.”
Danica appreciated the opportunity to be part of this dance intensive.. “Working with him was amazing,” Danica said. “He focuses on how you feel in the moment and why you dance. That kind of opened my eyes to a different side of dancing.”
For Head Dance Captain Juliana Chipelo, who comes from a more classical ballet background, all based on precision, this workshop demanded more from her and was unlike anything she had done before. “With Tanner, it was more about just throwing yourself into the movement and expressing yourself rather than thinking about perfect technique,” Juliana said. “That was definitely challenging for me as someone trained classically, to let go of that mindset and embrace a freer, more expressive style.”
Teague appreciated Tanner’s insight into the audition process. “He offered a unique perspective because he’s been both the one auditioning for Broadway shows and the person who sits behind the table deciding who gets in and who gets cut,” Teague said. “He emphasized storytelling in his piece, and how dancing isn’t just about nailing the movements and timing, but also about conveying emotion and feelings to the audience, which is something I won’t forget.”
The workshop’s impact extended beyond choreography. “We’re trained to constantly check our technique,” Mr. Reynolds said. “But when you step away from the mirror, you dance with more freedom and connection.” Tanner taught the students fearlessness and how to be their own person and be fully present in their movements.
By the end of the day, the energy in the studio had completely transformed. Nervous anticipation gave way to bold, expressive movement, and dancers who had started cautiously were now fully immersed in their own characters. For Juliana, the experience was truly unforgettable. “It was a spectacular opportunity for all of us to have someone who works professionally and has so much experience come and work with us,” Juliana said. “It was really amazing, such a great opportunity.”
