Andy Blankenbuehler

Dance Specialty

  • Musical Theatre

Best Advice to Young Dancers

“Learn to do everything. Take chances with lots of different kinds of dancing. Have fun with it and be brave! Take your technique seriously, as it will give you the tools to tell wonderful stories with your dancing, and it will allow you to dance for years and years. Remember that it should always be fun. Dare to dream big... but the bigger your dreams, the harder you have to work!”

Favorite Thing about an NYCDA Weekend?

“I love to see both dancers and teachers discover something in my class that they never realized about dancing. A new door is opened in their mind, and I know that after the weekend, they will see something in a new way. I also always marvel at the bravery I see every weekend. The dancers put themselves in the spotlight with no fear. I think that's an amazing thing. As dancers we get to fly, and so it's great seeing these young people take advantage of this gift we have.”

Background

Andy was born in Cincinnati, OH, and started dancing at the age of three. Growing up, Andy studied dance, theatre, art and music. He also grew up playing soccer and owned a VW Bug convertible. After working for Disney for a year, Andy made his way to NYC at age 20 to begin his successful career as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and family man! Andy lives in New York City, with his wife Elly and two children, Luca and Sofia.

Stage Performances

Broadway performing credits include “Fosse,” “Contact,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Saturday Night Fever,” “Steel Pier,” “Big,” and “Guys and Dolls.” He also toured with “West Side Story,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Fosse,” and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Music of The Night,” along with numerous regional productions all over the country.

TV/Film Performances

Andy has appeared on “So You Think You Can Dance,” “The Sopranos” (HBO), "Americas Got Talent," and numerous commercials.

Choreography

Most recently he choreographed the current award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton. Other Broadway credits include In the Heights (Tony Award), Bring It On (Tony nomination), 9 To 5 (Tony nomination), and the revival of Annie. Other theatrical work includes the world premiere of the musical FLY (Dallas Theatre Center), The Wiz (City Center Encores), Desperately Seeking Susan (West End), A Little Princess (Andrew Lippa), and the current national tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has staged work for Elton John, Bette Midler, and Janelle Monae. His work has been seen on "America’s Got Talent" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Teaching Credits

Being hired only as a Tap teacher, Andy received his first teaching job for Dance Caravan. During his transition from performing to choreographing, Andy taught for many years at Broadway Dance Center, where he spent his time refining his work. Andy has also taught at Steps on Broadway.