Spotlight On: Pam Lenker

What is your role at RRS?

Choreographer!

How did you get started in theater?

I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, and I got cast in my first big professional (paid) production during college. I was taking a jazz class in Seattle, and the teacher was the choreographer for a show about to be cast in town. He asked me after class if I was interested in being in the show and hired me on the spot. That was probably the easiest audition process I’ve had in my career, and it was my first equity production.

What is the first action you take when you get a new job(role/design/director/choreographer/music direct)?

I look at the content (what era the show was in, the composer and style of the music in the show) and I do my research. I look at the movement that era was famous for, the style of the era (clothes, hair, etc….), and the general tone of the choreography. From there, I try to put a slightly contemporary spin on old school choreography, and I choreograph specifically for the dancers I have in the cast. That’s probably the toughest part of choreography….approaching it in a creative way to create pictures with lots of different ages and abilities, and pushing your dancers to produce what they’re capable of while still making it a fun process for them. It’s a balance.

How did you hear about RRS and what made you join?

I’ve been heavily involved with the dance program at the Riverdale Y, and got brought into the RRS summer camp three summers ago for the first time. Since then, I’ve begun to choreograph shows for their regular season, like 42nd Street. I’m so happy to be involved because it’s a great program, and the kids are awesome.

What is your most embarrassing RRS moment?

Hmmmm….stay tuned on that one. I’m sure it’s coming.

When not at RRS do you pursue other ventures?

I work with kids currently working on (and auditioning for) Broadway. I also choreograph for other theater productions and do a dance residency in the School of United Nations. I have an advanced team of tap and jazz students that compete and perform regularly, and I guest teach at Steps on Broadway. I also travel three to four times a year to teach workshops and set choreography in other parts of the US. I perform in my free time.