From ADAAP to the Professional Stage

A Legacy of Training. A Lifetime of Possibilities.

For nearly four decades, Pamela Myers Wurdeman’s Academy of Dance Arts & Performance has prepared dancers with a foundation rooted in technique, artistry, discipline and character.

ADAAP alumni have continued their training at respected conservatories and dance institutions and have gone on to careers spanning Broadway and national tours, professional dance companies, Radio City Music Hall, collegiate dance programs, professional sports entertainment and more.

Their journeys reflect the Academy’s long-standing belief that strong technical training provides a foundation from which each dancer can discover his or her own path.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Anthony Bryant | Wicked ADAAP is proud to spotlight alumnus Anthony Bryant, currently performing in Wicked. Anthony’s continued professional career represents the dedication, versatility and artistry that ADAAP strives to instill in its dancers from their earliest years of training. His journey from the studio to the professional stage is part of a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of ADAAP dancers. Anthony Bryant began his interdisciplinary dance training at The Academy of Dance Arts and Performance under the direction of Pamela (Myers) Wurdeman. His extensive training includes: Boston Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet Academy, Dance Theater of Harlem, Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, The Edge, and The Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. Anthony holds honors degrees from The University of the North Carolina School of the Arts, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, and The Juilliard School, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He has traveled nationally and internationally in touring productions of Disney’s The Lion King and Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan. His dancing has been seen on numerous television network shows including, So You Think You Can Dance, Dance War, Conan, Rosie’s Variety Special and The Juilliard Centennial Celebration. He has been a featured dancer for several years with Career Transition For Dancers yearly NYC Rolex Gala Event at New York City Center. Anthony currently pursues musical endeavors and freelances in NYC and Los Angeles. He is represented by GTA Dance Agency and Royalty Rope Inc. Management and Production, both based in Los Angeles. Anthony is currently a company member of L.A. Dance Project where he performs nationally as well as internationally.

Addi Loving ADAAP alumna Addi Loving continues an active professional performing career, with tap remaining at the heart of her artistry. She trains independently across multiple dance styles and travels throughout the country attending tap festivals and studying with leading professional tap artists. Addi is an alumna and former company member of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble. Her performance and professional credits include apprenticing with the Off-Broadway production TAP KIDS, performing with Reverb Tap Company at the Emmys Governors Ball, and performing at the renowned Jacob’s Pillow. Her additional credits include Dorrance Dance performing as "Cat" a company member in the musical Chez Joey at Arena stage, the Savion Glover-and Tony Goldwyn directed reimagining of the Rodgers and Hart musical Pal Joey.

BROADWAY, MUSICAL THEATRE & THE PROFESSIONAL STAGE

ADAAP alumni have carried their training onto professional stages in New York and across the country, with performance credits and opportunities including:

• Wicked
• The Lion King
• Peter Pan
• Chez Joey
• Radio City Music Hall

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

ADAAP’s alumni history also includes the iconic stage at Radio City Music Hall.

A former ADAAP student was selected to perform the coveted role of Clara at Radio City Music Hall for multiple years, and another former ADAAP dancer went on to perform as a Radio City Rockette.

These accomplishments remain a special part of the Academy’s professional legacy.

PROFESSIONAL DANCE COMPANIES & PERFORMANCE

ADAAP dancers have pursued professional opportunities with leading companies and organizations representing ballet, contemporary dance, tap and commercial performance.

Alumni experiences include:

• Dorrance Dance
• Complexions Contemporary Ballet
• L.A. Dance Project
• Jacob Jonas The Company
• Yow Dance Company
• North Carolina Dance Theatre
• North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble

CONSERVATORIES, SCHOOLS & PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Throughout ADAAP’s history, dancers have been accepted to and studied with distinguished dance schools, conservatories, intensives and pre-professional programs including:

BEYOND THE CONCERT STAGE

The foundation developed through dance can lead in many directions.

ADAAP alumni have also continued performing through professional sports entertainment and collegiate dance programs.

The Academy has trained dancers who have become NFL cheerleaders, including an alumna currently in her third season with the Atlanta Falcons, as well as numerous dancers who have gone on to become members of college and university dance teams.

Whether pursuing dance professionally, performing at the collegiate level or carrying the discipline and confidence developed through dance into another career, each path is part of the ADAAP story.

ALUMNI & PROFESSIONAL GUEST ARTISTS

One of the Academy’s greatest traditions is bringing accomplished artists back into the studio to share their professional experience with the next generation.

Throughout the year, ADAAP welcomes alumni and professional guest artists for master classes, workshops and special instruction, allowing today’s dancers to learn from artists with firsthand experience in the professional dance and theatre world.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Since 1987, the Academy of Dance Arts & Performance has believed that dance education is about far more than a single performance, competition or season.

It is about building dancers with the technical foundation, artistry, work ethic and character to carry their training wherever their lives may lead.

From a dancer’s first class to a conservatory, college, Broadway stage, professional company or career beyond dance, we are proud to remain a part of their journey.