 Evening of Dance Featuring Wade Robson
ARCHIVE: January 27, 2008
Merrimack Hall was honored when Emmy®-winning choreographer Wade Robson returned to Huntsville for this one-of-a-kind dance event! The Evening of Dance showcased the work of many of Huntsville's most respected choreographers and teachers, along with the work of emerging choreographers, in a production that featured many different genres of dance.
The centerpiece of this exciting production was the performance of "Change," the original work commissioned by Merrimack Hall from Wade Robson in July 2007. After an extensive audition process, Wade Robson selected 13 dancers and two understudies to work with him in a 3-day intensive, at which time this choreography was created.
A portion of "Change" was performed by all the finalists on the Fox TV smash hit So You Think You Can Dance. Wade expanded this choreography and created it in Merrimack Hall's performance hall, giving the young dancers he selected the unprecedented opportunity to see him up close and personal as he developed this inspiring work. Wade shared his thoughts with us at the Evening of Dance, explaining his inspiration for "Change," how the piece was created, and what moved him to give this remarkable work to Merrimack Hall.
"Change" was previewed at Merrimack Hall on July 28, 2007 for the guests at our Open House and received a five-minute standing ovation.
In addition to his contribution to the Evening of Dance, Wade Robson also conducted a master class at Merrimack Hall on Monday, January 28, 2008.
 The Evening of Dance also included a performance by up-and-coming pop star Ashton Grant, with choreography by Chantal Robson. Born in Texas, Ashton moved to Colorado where her mother opened a dance studio. Ashton has been singing and dancing all her life, and began working in Los Angeles when she was 12. Now 16, Ashton just signed a recording deal with Pathworks Entertainment and is currently recording her first album, due to be released in 2008. Ashton's performance included area dancers highlighted in original choreography created just for them by Chantal.
 In conjunction with the Evening of Dance, Wade Robson’s sister, choreographer and dancer Chantal Robson, traveled to Huntsville to conduct master classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels at Merrimack Hall.
Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Chantal has been performing since the age of eight. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of 12 to continue her dance training and was featured in her first music video at 14. Her first national tour was with the artist Brandy, when she was only 15 years old. Since that time, Chantal has worked and performed with artists such as Madonna, Usher, Christina Aguilera, *NSYNC and Britney Spears. As a choreographer, Chantal has set choreography for MTV and NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Chantal has developed her own management/production company and is working with recording artists in every aspect of their career.
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Wade Robson Master Class
ARCHIVE: Jan 28, 2008
Wade Robson once again conducted a master class at Merrimack Hall.
Chantal Robson Workshop
ARCHIVE: Jan 22 - 26, 2008
Chantal Robson conducted master classes for dancers of varying ages and skill levels at Merrimack Hall. Ashton Grant assisted Chantal in all of these classes.
In addition to the master classes, Chantal held an audition to select back-up dancers for Ashton’s performance at the Evening of Dance.
Don't miss Ashton's video on YouTube! She is performing a piece choreographed by Chantal in this video.
The Interview
Watch this exclusive interview with Emmy-winning choreographer Wade Robson as he reflects upon his experience at Merrimack Hall in July, 2007.
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