Stephanie on her choreographic process, ego and valuing the dancers she works with (2:08 ), Stephanie shares her childbirth-fitness journey (12:28 ), the joys of all our children’s phases of growing up (18:09 ).

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Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  

Guest: Stephanie Klemons

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions

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INTRO:

Bio:

Stephanie Klemons is a Drama Desk Award winning Broadway Performer, Director & Choreographer. At 22 years old, Stephanie made her New York Choreography Debut Off-Broadway with AUTOMATIC SUPERSTAR, as well as, her Actor’s Equity debut with the 1st Nat’l tour of BOMBAY DREAMS, directed by Baayork Lee. The following year, she made her Broadway Debut as an Original Cast Member of IN THE HEIGHTS. Originating and Associate Choreographing FOUR Original Broadway Musicals to date, including smash hit HAMILTON, IN THE HEIGHTS, BRING IT ON & IF/THEN, as well as Associate Choreograph three respective National Tours. Additionally, a vocalist on the Grammy Nominated and Award winning cast albums of IN THE HEIGHTS, HAMILTON & IF/THEN. Currently maintains Choreo Department for US & International companies of HAMILTON, from casting to logistics across the globe. Stephanie has spent 20 years as Andy Blankenbuehler’s “right hand gal”.

Besides Hamilton and In The Heights, they have created such other shows as FLY at La Jolla Playhouse, ONLY GOLD, and they Co ChoreographedFrank Wildhorn’s ZELDA (originally Waiting for the Moon) at Flatrock Playhouse.Additionally, she’s choreographed for Netflix Original Series “HUNTED”, Victoria’s Secret commercials, VOGUEX George Michael Music Video, Sesame Street Episodes & NBA’s BROOKLYNETTES dance team.

Regionally, she has choreographed ROCK OF AGES at Chicago’s Drury Lane Theater, and Pittsburgh CLO, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Dir/Chor)at Arkansas Rep, GYPSY at World Famous Marriott Theater in Chicago, as well as, IN THE HEIGHTS at The Actor’s Playhouse, for which she was nominated for a CARBONELL AWARD. Starring as Vanessa in PCLO’s IN THE HEIGHTS the previous year was a highlight of her career. She made her directorial debut at Washington DC’s esteemed Kennedy Center to critical acclaim as Director & Choreographer of IN THE HEIGHTS. Director/Choreographer and co-creator with New York Children’s Theater’s original work, THIS IS SADIE, and Barbara Zinn Kreiger’s evening-length Dance Adaptation of PINOCCHIO. Post-pandemic she choreographed the first new musical to open Off-Broadway A COMMERCIAL JINGLE FOR REGINA COMET written by Alex Wyse and Ben Fankhauser, as well as, choreographing the original musical ROCK AND ROLL MAN at New World Stages, starring Constantine Maroulis for which she was nominated for an AUDELCO award. In 2017, Stephanie was the choreographer behind the viral Superbowl commercial featuring Odell Beckham Jr and Eli Manning “Time of Our Lives”, for which she was nominated for a WORLD CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD.

As a teaching artist Stephanie has taught around the world at acclaimed studios like her hometown Broadway Dance Center & STEPS. Of all her work she’s most proud of her not-for-profit, Katie’s Art Project, connecting kids facing life-threatening illness with emerging and establishing artists to write original songs, make art and create a legacy through art. Stephanie is a Long Beach Resident for part of the year with her wife and two young children. Follow her for updates on Instagram @DANCEism