Stephen Mear, musical theatre choreographer

I talk to the legendary musical theatre choreographer, Stephen Mear.

A two-time Oliver award-winner, Stephen has choreographed many hit musicals - including the 2010 production of Hello Dolly and 2016 production of Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton.

In 2005 Stephen jointly choreographed the Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins with Sir Matthew Bourne. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "The old-style master of the modern chorus-line".

Stephen talks to me about:

• Why "dance saved me".
• Being inspired to dance after watching lots of black and white films with his mother.
• How he was the only boy in his dance class at home.
• Getting his first dance job in Cats (after practicing lots of turns in second).
• Learning to choreograph by sitting in the Gods and watching shows from up there.
• Why Jerome Robbins inspired him so much.
• The wonder of working on Gypsy with Imelda Saunton.
• Working with Sir Matthew Bourne on Mary Poppins.
• Creating "Poppins sign language".
• How to tap upside-down!
• The qualities he looks for in dancers.

 STEPHEN'S TWO AMAZING CHALLENGES!

1. For dancers... Video yourself performing the letter signing from "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
A video tutorial is here (not done by Stephen): CLICK LINK
You can see it being performed here: CLICK LINK
The winner will be taken to see the London production of Mary Poppins by Stephen (date to be confirmed).

2. For tappers interested in choreography... Choreograph a tap routine for "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain and video yourself performing it.
A video of Good Morning is here: CLICK LINK
The winner will spend a day with Stephen in London (date to be confirmed).

Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @stephen.mear and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #stephenslockdownchallenge

If you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.com

IF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #STEPHENSLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.

IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.

You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay their own travel and expenses.
Stephen's decision is final!
CLOSING DATE: Midnight 3rd July 2020

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU STEPHEN!

Other videos to watch:
Step in Time: CLICK LINK
Oasis - The Importance Of Being Idle: CLICK LINK
Stephen Mear's website: CLICK LINK