Before half term, the Dance Academy was thrilled to host the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) to Bangkok Patana for the second time. AMDA workshops proved to be an unforgettable experience for both our parents and dancers. The morning began with an engaging parent workshop led by Junnan Liao, Senior Associate Director of International Outreach, alongside acclaimed AMDA alumna and 10-time Broadway performer J. Elaine Marcos. Parents enjoyed a rare, in-depth look into daily life at a world-renowned performing arts conservatoire, gaining clarity on what training at AMDA truly entails.
The atmosphere quickly became an open forum, with parents asking thoughtful questions about living and studying in New York and Los Angeles. Topics ranged from accommodation and city safety to the realities of juggling classes, rehearsals and independent life abroad. Junnan and J. Elaine provided candid, first-hand insight, painting a realistic yet inspiring picture of what young adults can expect. J. Elaine’s own journey – from student to Broadway and beyond – and how AMDA not only refined her technical skills but also helped her discover who she is as an artist, understand her strengths, confront her weaknesses and build the resilience needed to thrive in a demanding industry, was particularly inspiring.
Our Secondary dancers then took to the Theatre stage for a fantastic 90-minute workshop. Learning original choreography from the global hit musical Hamilton, choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, students immersed themselves in authentic Broadway movement and storytelling. J. Elaine guided them through the process of approaching new choreography, sharing vivid anecdotes from real audition and rehearsal rooms – what directors observe immediately, how dancers can present themselves with confidence, and why individuality is a performer’s greatest asset. She emphasised that exceptional dancers don’t simply execute movement – they communicate meaning, emotion and intention. With her coaching, our dancers shifted from performing steps to being powerful storytellers. Their growth in just one session was extraordinary to witness.
Overall, it was an exhilirating morning with insight, inspiration and invaluable industry wisdom – one that has undoubtedly elevated our dancers’ understanding of what it truly means to pursue the performing arts at the highest level.
Your turn! Step into our dancers’ shoes and learn a snippet of Andy Blankenbuehler’s original choreography yourself. Explore the phrase here: Hamilton – I’m Not Throwing Away My Shot – Original Choreography
