Jazz Roots Dance Company was formed in 2009 by World Renowned Jazz Choreographer Sue Samuels. The company is dedicated to the preservation of the classical jazz dance form and aims to entertain and educate the younger generation about the roots of jazz dance.

Company Photo by Billy Grey As an experienced Instructor, Performer, and Choreographer with over 35 years in the business, Sue Samuels brings her passion and creative vision to a field that has been underrepresented in the community today. The company repertoire emphasizes strong clean lines that are driven by the musicality of the very orchestrations within the music. The body of work is varied from lyrical to latin to theatre, the way classical jazz dance was influenced by musical variations and infused with stylistic relevance. Works can be presented as a full evening of dance as well as numbers which can be molded to suit the needs of special events and themes. Jazz Roots Dance has appeared at the Choreographer’s Canvas 2010, Kat Wildish Performing in New York Showcases 2010 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater, and Society of Lapreoendoscoptic Surgeons Convention at the Sheraton NYC to name a few.

Artistic Director Sue Samuels has established herself as one of the staples of the performing arts community of today. Her expertise is often sought after for mentoring and coaching purposes by professionals and aspiring artists from around the world. Her students have included numerous stage, film and tv stars including Melba Moore, Brooke Shields, and Irene Cara. Performance and choreographic credits include lead dancer and assistant choreographer in such shows as Got Tu Go Disco at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway, The Johnny Hallyday Show in Paris, The Brazil Export Show in Rio de Janeiro to name a few. Televised credits include “All My Children,” “Jerry Lewis Telethon," “Contemporary Women," “the Arthritis Telethon with Melba Moore," “Zoom," and numerous commercials and industrials for Dr. Pepper, 7 Up, Wheat Thins, Head & Shoulders, Adidas, Glaxo, Members Only among others. For complete bio visit her webpage here on Divine Rhythm Productions.

Current works:

Papa Was A Rolling Stone - Strong Classic jazz number that is the company’s signature piece.

Ellie’s Theme - Classical Lyrical jazz originally choreographed by JoJo Smith and restaged for the company.

Rat Pack - A broadway theater jazz medley of Frank Sinatra tunes.

Listen - A trio set to contemporary music.

The Emerald Forest - Primitive animalistic influenced jazz piece set in a visual forest.

West Side Story Medley - Based on the popular film and broadway production.

Take Five - Off-beat number set on 5 dancers.

Wave- A piece staged to visually interpret the music note per note.

Riverdance- Contemporary piece set to a Celtic waltz.

For more information, visit www.jazzrootsdance.com and www.facebook.com/jazzrootsdance To request additional footage, please contact divinerhythmnyc@gmail.com or via phone at 2122621394. www.divinerhythmproductions.com