Leah Kate Nicoll

Dancer. Singer. Actor. Choreographer. Designer.

Specialized Master Classes

Leah Kate has 18 years of instructional experience with ages ranging from 2 1/2 to 55 years old. Her approach to teaching equips students with technical knowledge as well as the method and science behind it, giving them the historical and physiological context that allows them to visualize and execute technical concepts in each discipline with more effective intention and muscular engagement.

Leah’s repertoire of specialized masterclasses include:

The Science of Dance - begins by selecting a problem to solve (ex. increasing extension, turnout, or jump height), and focuses on identifying the mechanics necessary to improve and perform the desired function: muscles and joints, their functions, and how they work together. Studies show that those who can visualize their desired outcome will execute more effectively, and this class will teach dancers to self-identify, self-correct, self-visualize, and self-actualize.

Breaking Barriers in Ballet - will bring new light to the way dancers approach ballet by identifying how it benefits them in other styles. Through breaking down the technical elements required in Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, or even Tap and Hip Hop, this class empowers students to self-identify the ballet exercises that will assist their growth across multiple styles, becoming a technically sound and stylistically versatile dancer.

Singing for Dancers - covers the concepts necessary to master simultaneous singing and dancing: breath, strategic energy conservation, and how to improve vocal execution during choreography. This class will empower dancers to become experts at dissecting show material in order to execute effectively without losing steam physically or vocally.

Acting for Dancers - can specialize in dance for stage and/or camera. This class teaches the art of honest storytelling through human experience, and centers around the concept that if the performer feels, so will the audience. Dancers will learn to embrace their emotional instincts to become more authentic storytellers.

Real Talk: Auditions - an audition class on identifying the things you can control and optimizing your mental and physical energy toward nailing them. This class can be tailored to various types of auditions: ballet, musical theatre, acting, singing, commercial, contemporary, or multi-genre. We will conclude with a mock audition and feedback. Whether done in one session or two (class + audition), this class gives dancers the tools needed to feel powerful in every audition room they enter.

 

Versatile Choreography

Leah Kate’s award-winning choreography repertoire spans many dance genres, including Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Acro, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary Ballet. Most recently, Leah choreographed a 9/11 Benefit Concert and two sold-out dance fashion shows for NY Fashion Week, launching the couture lines of EDM artists DRMAGDN and Sh!tty Princess in collaboration with Hicham Bens (designer for the Moroccan Royal Family), simultaneously launching her own dance fashion line, Leahtards.

Leah has choregraphed for musicals, live concerts, dance concerts, and competitions with casts ranging from 1 to 40. No matter what venue, genre, or cast she has, Leah Kate prides herself in setting choreography that is challenging yet achievable while creating engaging, exciting, and enjoyable works for both the audience and the performer.