Andy Blankenbuehler
Position
Regional, National, and Summer Intensive Faculty
Dance Specialty
Best Advice to Young Dancers
“Learn to do everything. Take chances with lots of different kinds of dancing. Have fun with it and be brave! Take your technique seriously, as it will give you the tools to tell wonderful stories with your dancing, and it will allow you to dance for years and years. Remember that it should always be fun. Dare to dream big... but the bigger your dreams, the harder you have to work!”
Favorite Thing about an NYCDA Weekend?
“I love to see both dancers and teachers discover something in my class that they never realized about dancing. A new door is opened in their mind, and I know that after the weekend, they will see something in a new way.
I also always marvel at the bravery I see every weekend. The dancers put themselves in the spotlight with no fear. I think that's an amazing thing. As dancers we get to fly, and so it's great seeing these young people take advantage of this gift we have.”
Background
Andy was born in Cincinnati, OH, and started dancing at the age of three. Growing up, Andy studied dance, theatre, art and music. He also grew up playing soccer and owned a VW Bug convertible. After working for Disney for a year, Andy made his way to NYC at age 20 to begin his successful career as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and family man! Andy lives in New York City, with his wife and two children, Luca and Sofia.
Stage Performances
Broadway performing credits include “Fosse,” “Contact,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Steel Pier,” “Big,” and “Guys and Dolls.” He also toured with “West Side Story,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Fosse,” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Music of The Night,” along with numerous regional productions all over the country.
TV/Film Performances
Andy has appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance,” “The Sopranos” (HBO), and numerous commercials.
Choreography
Andy choreographed “In The Heights” (Tony, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography), “9 to 5” (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics nominations), the revival of “The Apple Tree” starring Kristin Chenoweth, and the recent City Center revival of “The Wiz.” Other musicals include “Desperately Seeking Susan” (London), as well as the world premiere productions of “Waiting For The Moon” (music by Frank Wildhorn), and “A Little Princess” (music by Andrew Lippa). He has staged concert work for both Elton John and Bette Midler, and he conceived, directed, and choreographed the hit Caesers Palace production “Nights On Broadway.” Andy has also appeared as a guest choreographer on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Most recently he choreographed and directed the new musical “Bring It On,” set to tour the country in 2011.
Teaching Credits
Being hired only as a Tap teacher, Andy received his first teaching job for Dance Caravan. During his transition from performing to choreographing, Andy taught for many years at Broadway Dance Center, where he spent his time refining his work. Andy has also taught at Steps on Broadway.