Gillian Abbott News

'I carried a watermelon!', one of the most memorable lines from the classic love story Dirty Dancing, is brought to life on stage in the wildly fun production currently touring North America. For those who have been living under a rock since 1987 or have somehow deprived themselves from enjoying this beloved film, Dirty Dancing is the coming-of-age story of Frances 'Baby' Houseman told over the course of the summer of 1963. On a family vacation at an extravagant summer resort called Kellerman's in her last summer before attending college and living out her dreams of joining the Peace Corps and changing the world, Baby meets resident bad boy dance instructor Johnny Castle and their whirlwind romance is exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Gillian Abbott recently assumed the iconic role of Frances 'Baby' Houseman in the North American tour of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage. Check out a first look at Abbott in the production bleow!

DIRTY DANCING, THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE, which is now in production at the Connor Palace transports the audience back to the summer of 1963. As is the custom of many well-to-do Jewish New York City families of that time, the Housemans have escaped for the summer to the Catskill Mountains, home of the Borscht Belt. It's a summer away from the sweltering city. It's a time for fun and games, and summer romances.

Gillian Abbott assumes the iconic role of Frances "Baby" Houseman tonight in the North American tour of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage. Abbott joins the production as it begins performances at the Connor Palace at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, where it will continue through March 22.

How can one day sum up four life-changing years? This past Friday, May 24th I crossed the stage of Alice Tully Hall to receive my Bachelor of Fine Arts diploma from President Joseph W. Polisi of The Juilliard School. Like dancing, this moment held such significant meaning yet in it's ephemeral state it is hard to believe it happened, let alone share the experience- but I'll try my best.

Third year at Juilliard marked the beginning of my "Morning Pages". My close friends and family know that I've spent almost every morning for the past two years with my green smoothie, tea and journal. Julia Cameron's book, "The Artist's Way", taught me morning pages, which are three pages stream of thought to begin the day. This has been my tool for creativity, my weapon against my ego and my mirror reflecting my soul. I came back from summer holidays feeling good, and I wanted to protect the confidence I had gained, not letting the pressures of school take over again. I was much more in touch with my heart and I wanted to continue hearing myself clearly.

In August, 2009 I was greeted by incredibly enthusiastic students on 65th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. The Juilliard School: this was my new home and although my mom and sisters were overwhelmed by the welcoming committee, they knew I'd fit right in. Orientation lasted one week in which I met students from all over the world, set up my dorm room, and got use to downsizing from my two-bedroom apartment in Las Vegas. The school held several seminars to orient us, and organized outings to help us get our bearings in the city while having some fun before the Juilliard schedule took over our lives!

When I was seventeen years old I was invited to audition for Cirque du Soleil in Vancouver, BC. I went to the audition solely for experience and to have my face seen as I was too young to be offered a contract (the minimum age was 18). After close to eight hours of dancing phrases, improvising, partnering, acting and sharing solos, the casting director asked me if I would be able to move to Las Vegas within months. I told her, "I'll move in a heart beat if I have the opportunity". On February 14th she phoned my house and asked to speak to my mom. I was legally too young for her to speak directly to me. She said they were very interested in hiring me for the Beatles LOVE show. My family had seen the show the summer it opened and after swaying together singing the finale "All You Need Is Love", I turned to my dad and said "that's what I want to do with my life". Although my mom knew this and thought it all sounded very exciting, she was also shocked and suddenly nervous about her youngest child leaving so soon.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation (NYCDAF) celebrated its first anniversary at The Joyce Theater with a dazzling evening of dance artistry "Destiny Rising" featuring outstanding NYCDA alumni, the dynamic choreography of NYCDA faculty and special guest performances by stars of prominent dance companies all to benefit the NYCDAF College Scholarship Program.

The NYC Dance Alliance Foundation (NYCDAF) celebrated its first anniversary at The Joyce Theater with a dazzling evening of dance artistry "Destiny Rising" featuring outstanding NYCDA alumni, the dynamic choreography of NYCDA faculty and special guest performances by stars of prominent dance companies all to benefit the NYCDAF College Scholarship Program.