Choreographers
MusicWorks has a very talented team of creative choreographers, teachers and musicians who are continuously releasing new material for use in dance classes. These artists are featured in our section called the "Signature Series". This creative team is dedicated to providing dance teachers with the best in technique, routines and across the floor material to inspire both teachers and students to achieve their best.
The creative team in the Signature Series saves teachers valuable time by creating new material for every class -whether it be in tap, jazz, ballet or hip hop - in every level of difficulty from beginning to advanced. Check out our Signature Series for inspirational videos, DVD's and CD's for use in every dance class!
Please click on a name below to find their work.
| Janice Barringer | JANICE BARRINGER was raised in Florida and received her early training in ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics there from Edith and Bill Royal. Upon deciding to focus on ballet, she moved to New York City, the dance capitol of the world, where she studied with leading teachers in the field. Janice is currently a ballet teacher and writer. She has written for Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine and now writes regularly for Dancer Magazine. Her book, The Pointe Book, the definitive book on pointe shoes and pointe training has been a big seller all over the world. The second Edition was published in June 2004. In the spring of 2005 another of her books was published by Princeton Book Company: On Pointe:A Look at the USA International Ballet Competition. |
| Darryl Retter | DARRYL RETTER has been teaching on the convention circuit for the past fifteen years and has gained the reputation of being a teacher's teacher. Darryl is an inspiration to all who met him - from student to studio owner. His drive and energy are contagious. His belief to follow one's dream is heard by thousands of dancers across the nation. |
| Keith Clifton | KEITH CLIFTON is a triple threat as a choreographer, dancer, and teacher. His choreography credits include the Miss California Pageant, Arsenio Hall, and the musical Anything Goes, for which Keith received the Drama Logue Critic's Choice Award in Los Angeles. |
| Heidi Jarrett | HEIDI JARRETT is an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer & master teacher. Her choreography has been featured at such venues as: The House of Blues, MGM Grand-Las Vegas, The Shrine Auditorium, The Greek Theatre, Premier Cruise Lines, and the 19th Annual Music Industry Pre-Grammy Awards Party in Hollywood recently. Heidi choreographed the first "live billboard" for the DVD release of the film Moulin Rouge in Los Angeles. |
| Al Gilbert | AL GILBERT, 1921 – 2003 Known by all as “The Pied Piper of Dance”, Al was the founder and former owner of “Stepping Tones Records” the predecessor to what is now known as “MusicWorks”. At a time when nothing like it existed, Al’s revolutionary vision to create instructional dance materials for dance instructors and their students generated a trend that changed the entire dance industry. An accomplished choreographer and performer, Al spent his life creating entire Teaching Systems, Training Aids and Graded Technique for Pre-School through Grade 9 Tap. Among the hundreds of titles that we have available in our Collection, his legendary “Graded Tap Syllabus” continues to be our biggest seller and is used by dance professionals all over the world. |
| Dorothy Vose | DOROTHY VOSE was the first ballet teacher to work with Al Gilbert who understood his brilliance of teaching tap and applied it to teaching ballet. Her insight to helping children in a step by step logical approach to learning ballet, is still unprecedented. Her graded approach to ballet is based on the same principles that Al used in teaching tap, and can be found in many training aids, CD's and videos. |
| Becca Retter | BECCA RETTER is a multi-talented dancer, teacher and choreographer. We are pleased to welcome her back on staff. She is a Master Teacher recognized by MusicWorks, Dupree Dance Expo, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America teaching all levels of tap, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre. Becca is an expert at Al Gilbert's tap technique and teaches it to teachers from around the world at the D.E.A. training school in New York and Las Vegas. She can also be seen on countless Stepping Tones educational videos. Previously she taught for Retter's Academy of Dance from 1995-2001 and was also co-director of Starlet Academy. Becca has danced internationally in Canada, Denmark, Guatemala and Russia. Her love and enthusiasm for dance make her a favorite among students and teachers and she always enjoys sharing her talents. |
| Reagan Marie | REAGAN MARIE is passionate about teaching young dancers. Trained by the nations top choreographers, including the legendary Mr. Al Gilbert, her goal is to continue the tradition of appropriate movement for young dancers. Dancer-Actor-Teacher, Reagan brings you the most useful material for the youth Hip-Hop Program at your studio. Your students will love the Phunky Phresh moves from Reagan! |
| Laurie Johnson | LAURIE JOHNSON gave up her successful corporate career to become a tap dancer, public speaker and life coach. She has a remarkable gift for deeply touching the hearts and minds of those who hear her message. In addition to touring with Tremaine Dance Conventions, Laurie conducts workshops and seminars across the country and is a frequent guest on television and radio shows. |
| Thommie Retter | THOMMIE RETTER is a dancer, teacher and choreographer. He toured for 10 years with Dupree Dance Expo teaching tap, jazz, hip-hop and musical theater. He has also taught for Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, All American Dance Congress, Rainbow Conventions and Al Gilbert Seminars. His choreography has been described as "fresh and exciting"and he is known for bringing the "fun" back into dance. |
| Gabriel Francisco | GABRIEL FRANCISCO has emerged on the dance and fitness scene as a passionate dancer, unique choreographer, and a teacher who teaches from the heart. Presenting his "Universal Style", an eclectic blend of West Coast Hip Hop and East Coast House, on an international level, he is able to cross any cultural boundaries creating an enjoyable and successful class. Gabriels's style is innovative and progressive and will challenge and inspire dancers of all levels. |
| Joey L. Dowdy | JOEY L. DOWDY was the original choreographer for the Backstreet Boys and studied at the Point Park Conservatory and with the legendary Joffery II Ballet. Joey has developed his Afro/Latino workout to maximize the potential for a balanced, comprehensive exercise program. |
| Rhonda Miller | RHONDA MILLER is an International Choreographer and is currently on faculty at the Broadway Dance Center and STEPS in New York. She has choreographed for commercials, television and film. Rhonda holds her Masters from Oklahoma City University and was the first dancer/choreographer to be inducted into the O.C.U. Hall of Honor. |
| Joanie Lather | Known for her creative childrens work produced in collaboration with Al Gilbert, Joan Lather is an outstanding choreographer and teacher. She is the epitome of energy, fun, and dedication. An inspiration to pre-schoolers, children, teens, and adults, Ms Puffie..as she is known professionally.is an excellent educator for teachers. MS Puffie has passed on her Dancing Dynamics to her renowned son, Barry Lather, known throughout the world for his talents as a choreographer and director, working with stars and groups such as Usher, Ciara, and the Miss America Pageant. Dancers love to learn with MS Puffie! |
| Karen Hebert | |
| Gina Badone | Gina Badone has taught and choreographed for dancers age 6 through professional in L.A. for more than ten years. She is currently the Co-Director of the Dancer's Bridge at Retter's Academy of Dance in Los Angeles. The Dancer's Bridge is a specialized program for the aspiring professional dancer. |
