Stage and screen choreographer, Anthony Van Laast

Anthony Van Laast is one of the country's leading stage and screen choreographers.

After training and dancing at the London Contemporary Dance School, he started choreographing for the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. He then went on to choreograph hit shows like; Sister Act (2011 on Broadway and 2009 West End), Bombay Dreams (2004), Mamma Mia! (2001), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1993), Annie Get Your Gun (1986), Candide (Old Vic, 1988, Olivier Award for Best Musical)  and most recently Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, which opened in the West End in 2018.  

His television and film work includes; Beauty and the Beast (2017), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009), Mamma Mia! (2008) - and the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018).

Anthony explains how he got his first big break because he had long hair (but not any more!) and the difference between choreographing for the screen versus the stage. He also taks about how he choreographed the films Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson.

And he has some great audition and career advice for young dancers wanting to work in musicals and film.

ANTHONY'S TWO LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES!

1. Choreograph, dance and direct your own short video of between 45 seconds - 1 minute in duration. Choose your own music to dance to - but make sure you listened to Anthony's description of exactly what he is looking for.

2. Learn and perform a small routine from Mamma Mia! - as shown in this video <follow link>. Choreo note from Anthony's associate choreographer, Nichola: Go for it. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Remember... "You're having the time of your life". Nichola x

After lockdown, the winners from each challenge will be invited to spend a day working with Anthony in his studio making a short film; then be taken by him to see the musical Mamma Mia! (which was choreographed by him).

Please email your videos to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.com

And feel free to also post your videos on Instagram and Tag me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars along with #anthonyslockdownchallenge

CLOSING DATE: Saturday 16th May (extended deadline)
One video entry per challenge per person.
You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay own travel and expenses.
Anthony's decision is final - thank you!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ANTHONY FOR SUCH INCREDIBLE PRIZES!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)