Jazz

roberta mathes, born and trained in NYC, received a BA in dance from Adelphi University and has a distinguished career in the performing arts, both in front of the audience as a performer, and behind the scenes as a choreographer and coordinator.

roberta feels that her best achievements lie in teaching jazz dance as mentioned in a feature article in Dance Teacher Magazine: "Mathes' personality - bluntness, selflessness, zany energy and fierce devotion serves as a magnet for her students... Mathes serves both as inspiration for, and evidence of, a full life in dance. Plus, she can really dance!" roberta's dynamic personality, along with her own style and "technique" forms a whole and responsive learning experience.

Her litany of achievements includes current position as the Artistic Director of Dance at bergenPAC PAS, in Englewood NJ, faculty at Steps on Broadway for over 35 years, (first subbing for Joe Lanteri and teaching in their Youth Program), along with ABT's NYC Summer Intensive, and Make A Ballet Program; having taught the now famous, Misty Copeland, James Whiteside, Alicia Graf Mack, Skylar Brandt as well as NYCB former company members, Dena Abergel and Amar Ramasar.

roberta loves watching her students grow into expressive and successful dancers. Along with having graced the Broadway stages in Carousel, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Mamma Mia, Wicked, Spring Awakening, Les Misérables, Sound of Music, Footloose, her students have appeared on SYTYCD, The American Music Awards and Radio City Music Hall. She loves sharing her passion with the next generations of dancers.

Her performing and choreography credits include:

• • film: Beat Street, Fatal Attraction, Carlito's Way
• • television: Guiding Light, Showtime at the Apollo, Law and Order
• • music videos: Higher Love, Heard It Through the Grapevine, Lost in Emotion
• • tours: Sweet Charity, Kismet
• • industrials/special events: IBM, Chrysler/The Liberty Bicentennial, Broadway's opening parade for the film, Hercules.

More at: www.robertamathes.com
SM: @robertamathesdance

Class description:
roberta developed a strong modern jazz technique which emphasizes correct body alignment, while focusing on injury prevention and longevity in dance. roberta has a keen eye for detail. Her "feel good" class is great for professionals looking to train and dancers returning after a long pause. Mathes' class is designed to give all dancers the freedom to release their muscles and gain more abdominal control. Her approach is to "instruct" while offering diversified choreography- a fusion of earthy, and soulful style, including lyrical to Latin inspired jazz! She creates a safe space for every dancer to free their inhibitions and expand their abilities.
Level: Intermediate, (All levels welcome)