Bob Rizzo
Bob Rizzo is a New York based award-winning artist and prominent figure in dance education and musical theatre. Bob has taught professional dance classes in NYC for more than 30 years at studios such as Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway, and Peridance. He also served on the faculties of the undergraduate Musical Theatre program at New York University and the Jazz Dance World Congress. Over his career, Bob has worked with thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to successful professional dance careers on Broadway, television and in film, most notably, Matthew Morrison of GLEE fame. Bob was also featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine, which hailed him as the teacher of teachers, and he presently serves on the advisory board for Dance Spirit Magazine.As a director and choreographer his credits include more than 200 Musicals for the New York stage, national tours, summer stock and dinner theatre. His choreography has appeared on national television in commercials and popular daytime programs.
Bob successfully juggles the roles of producer, director, choreographer, teacher, and entrepreneur. His Company, Riz-Biz Productions, is a leading producer of educational dance videos in the United States, with a catalog boasting more than 75 titles. Most recently Bob developed a new website, www.thedancecoach.com, which brings his love of teaching and coaching to the digital world. Dancers, teachers and choreographers can now access his considerable expertise online by uploading videos of their routines and selecting one of several options for personalized feedback from Bob Rizzo, The Dance Coach.
MOST POPULAR ARTICLES
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BWW Feature: Dollmation Attack! Warren Wright's Barbie Dolls take on Fosse, Madonna, and I Love Lucy.
June 18, 2020
While sheltering in place since March, Brooklyn-based artist Warren Wright (aka Warrencito) took full advantage of his quarantine downtime. Combining his fascination with Barbie Dolls, iconic dance sequences, and stop-motion, he creates some astonishing videos. If you're a fan of Madonna, Bob Fosse, or even Lucy Ricardo—you're bound to find something joyful in the recreations Wright refers to as “Dollmation.”
BWW Interview: Director Sam Scalamoni on ELF THE MUSICAL at Madison Square Garden
November 27, 2017
Madison Square Garden ushers in the holiday season with the New York return of Elf The Musical. Director Sam Scalamoni oversees a cast of 28 including George Wendt (Cheers) starring as Santa Claus. The show is playing a limited engagement at The Theater at Madison Square Garden from December 13th through December 29th.
BWW Interview: Marilyn D'Honau on Dancing in the Original WEST SIDE STORY
September 25, 2017
Marilyn D'Honau is not only the youngest surviving cast member of the original production of West Side Story, she was also the youngest when the show opened in 1957. D'Honau was a sixteen- year-old high school senior when she was cast as Clarice, one of the Jet girls. Though she'd been performing professionally since she was twelve, she credits having good ballet training for her successful audition.
BWW Interview: Broadway's Dana Moore: A Keeper of the Fosse Flame!
June 27, 2017
Dana Moore, having appeared in twelve Broadway musicals, is the true embodiment of a 'Broadway Gypsy.' She's worked with some of Broadway's most influential choreographers including Michael Bennett, Bob Fosse, Tommy Tune, Twyla Tharp, and Graciela Daniele. Dana currently teaches musical theater dance in New York City at Marymount Manhattan College and Steps on Broadway.
BWW Interview: Broadway Cast Members Share the Love for Best Choreography Tony Nominees
June 1, 2017
This year's crop of 'Best Choreography' Tony nominees, several of whom helped guide their show to a Best Musical nod, receive heartfelt shout-outs from cast members.
BWW Interview: Choreographer Denis Jones on Tony Nomination and MARY POPPINS at Paper Mill Playhouse
May 19, 2017
Tony-nominee Denis Jones talks HOLIDAY INN, his journey as a choreographer, and MARY POPPINS at Papermill Playhouse
BWW Interview: Choreographer Peggy Hickey on Designing the Dances for Broadway's ANASTASIA
April 5, 2017
ANASTASIA choreographer Peggy Hickey talks all things dance on her journey with the romantic and adventure-filled new musical......
BWW Interview: My Dance Selfie with Julius Sermonia of Broadway's MISS SAIGON
March 31, 2017
The revival of Miss Saigon marks the fifth Broadway show for Julius Sermonia. It's also the first time he's been hired for a swing position-- one that covers potentially nineteen roles. Considering the sheer size of the forty-plus member cast, it's no surprise he was called to suit up for two roles soon after previews began.
BWW Interview: Unmasking Shane Carrigan as Darius in Off-Broadway's iLUMINATE
December 16, 2016
Dancer and actor Shane Carrigan discusses playing Darius, the menacing antagonist of iLUMINATE at New World Stages.
BWW Interview: Director/Choreographer Dana Solimando on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
November 29, 2016
Director/Choreographer Dana Solimando discusses adapting RUDOLPH, the iconic television special, for the stage.
BWW Review: The Rockettes Shine in the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
November 18, 2016
The iconic Rockettes remain supreme with their eye-high kicks, razor-sharp precision and synchronized choreography. They prance as reindeer, dance as teddy bears, march as wooden soldiers, and tap as rag dolls, all to stunning effect.
BWW Interview: In Depth with Chita Rivera on her Upcoming Concerts CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION
November 14, 2016
Broadway icon Chita Rivera discusses her upcoming concerts, playing rooms both big and small, getting the job done, and how she discovered her voice.
BWW Review: Superb Performers Sparkle in Company XIV's PARIS
October 24, 2016
If there is one thing director/choreographer Austin McCormick can be accused of it's that he consistently puts on a titillating, atmospheric and imaginative show.
BWW Interview: Broadway Choreographer Larry Fuller Talks Career and Being Celebrated by Dancers Over 40
October 10, 2016
Choreographer Larry Fuller is responsible for the staging of some of Broadway's most iconic musicals. Whether it was his Tony Award nominated dances in Evita, or his staging for the murderous Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd, his stylized movement always held your attention. Larry has staged both the Tony Awards and the Emmy Awards and has worked numerous times with legendary Broadway director Hal Prince.
BWW Interview: My Dance Selfie with Reed Kelly of Broadway's PARAMOUR
October 5, 2016
The new Broadway production of Paramour marks dancer Reed Kelly's fourth Broadway show. No stranger to the Lyric Theatre, he last flew around that stage in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. He also took flight as a monkey in Broadway's Wicked and danced in The Addams Family. In addition to performing, Reed continues to interact with a legion of reality show fans from his stint on CBS's Survivor: San Juan Del Sur in 2014.
BWW Interview: Dancer Ryan Steele on His Dual Roles in the Tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
September 20, 2016
You may know him as Broadway's bespectacled 'Newsie' who whipped off multiple ballet turns atop a sheet of newspaper. Maybe you spotted him as a lost boy in NBC's Peter Pan Live!, or caught his sensitive portrayal of Baby John in the revival of West Side Story. But Ryan Steele has graduated from adolescent roles and is ready to take on leading man status this fall in the national tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
BWW Interview: Eloise Kropp Taps Against the Clock as Jennyanydots in Broadway's CATS
August 9, 2016
After her breakout performance as Ruby in last season's toe-tapping revival of Dames At Sea, Eloise Kropp joins a cast of exceptional dancers and singers in the new Broadway revival of CATS. CATS marks Eloise's third Broadway show in just two years, having also danced in the ensemble of the hit revival of On The Town. But it was her expert tap dancing skills in Dames that really put her on the map. In her big number 'Star Tar,' she executed lightning fast and intricate tap rhythms worthy of Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller from MGM's musical heyday.
BWW Review: iLUMINATE Does Much More Than Just Light Up
July 26, 2016
In iLuminate you're transported on a thrill seeking yet mind-boggling ride. The energetic nine-member troupe is full of expert dancers who dance full-throttle the entire show. Their unified razor-sharp work is worthy of the precision of the Radio City Rockettes.
BWW Interview: Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo on LISA AND LEONARDO at NYMF
July 19, 2016
Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo returns to the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) with the new musical, Lisa and Leonardo. His mentor, acclaimed choreographer Patricia Birch, first introduced him to the festival in its inaugural season. Cerullo had been assisting Birch for thirteen years, and moved into the role of executive producer with her NYMF production of Orphan Train. Subsequently, he went on to stage two other musicals at the festival and also became an evaluator reading new scripts.
June 18, 2020
While sheltering in place since March, Brooklyn-based artist Warren Wright (aka Warrencito) took full advantage of his quarantine downtime. Combining his fascination with Barbie Dolls, iconic dance sequences, and stop-motion, he creates some astonishing videos. If you're a fan of Madonna, Bob Fosse, or even Lucy Ricardo—you're bound to find something joyful in the recreations Wright refers to as “Dollmation.”
BWW Interview: Director Sam Scalamoni on ELF THE MUSICAL at Madison Square Garden
November 27, 2017
Madison Square Garden ushers in the holiday season with the New York return of Elf The Musical. Director Sam Scalamoni oversees a cast of 28 including George Wendt (Cheers) starring as Santa Claus. The show is playing a limited engagement at The Theater at Madison Square Garden from December 13th through December 29th.
BWW Interview: Marilyn D'Honau on Dancing in the Original WEST SIDE STORY
September 25, 2017
Marilyn D'Honau is not only the youngest surviving cast member of the original production of West Side Story, she was also the youngest when the show opened in 1957. D'Honau was a sixteen- year-old high school senior when she was cast as Clarice, one of the Jet girls. Though she'd been performing professionally since she was twelve, she credits having good ballet training for her successful audition.
BWW Interview: Broadway's Dana Moore: A Keeper of the Fosse Flame!
June 27, 2017
Dana Moore, having appeared in twelve Broadway musicals, is the true embodiment of a 'Broadway Gypsy.' She's worked with some of Broadway's most influential choreographers including Michael Bennett, Bob Fosse, Tommy Tune, Twyla Tharp, and Graciela Daniele. Dana currently teaches musical theater dance in New York City at Marymount Manhattan College and Steps on Broadway.
BWW Interview: Broadway Cast Members Share the Love for Best Choreography Tony Nominees
June 1, 2017
This year's crop of 'Best Choreography' Tony nominees, several of whom helped guide their show to a Best Musical nod, receive heartfelt shout-outs from cast members.
BWW Interview: Choreographer Denis Jones on Tony Nomination and MARY POPPINS at Paper Mill Playhouse
May 19, 2017
Tony-nominee Denis Jones talks HOLIDAY INN, his journey as a choreographer, and MARY POPPINS at Papermill Playhouse
BWW Interview: Choreographer Peggy Hickey on Designing the Dances for Broadway's ANASTASIA
April 5, 2017
ANASTASIA choreographer Peggy Hickey talks all things dance on her journey with the romantic and adventure-filled new musical......
BWW Interview: My Dance Selfie with Julius Sermonia of Broadway's MISS SAIGON
March 31, 2017
The revival of Miss Saigon marks the fifth Broadway show for Julius Sermonia. It's also the first time he's been hired for a swing position-- one that covers potentially nineteen roles. Considering the sheer size of the forty-plus member cast, it's no surprise he was called to suit up for two roles soon after previews began.
BWW Interview: Unmasking Shane Carrigan as Darius in Off-Broadway's iLUMINATE
December 16, 2016
Dancer and actor Shane Carrigan discusses playing Darius, the menacing antagonist of iLUMINATE at New World Stages.
BWW Interview: Director/Choreographer Dana Solimando on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
November 29, 2016
Director/Choreographer Dana Solimando discusses adapting RUDOLPH, the iconic television special, for the stage.
BWW Review: The Rockettes Shine in the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
November 18, 2016
The iconic Rockettes remain supreme with their eye-high kicks, razor-sharp precision and synchronized choreography. They prance as reindeer, dance as teddy bears, march as wooden soldiers, and tap as rag dolls, all to stunning effect.
BWW Interview: In Depth with Chita Rivera on her Upcoming Concerts CHITA: A LEGENDARY CELEBRATION
November 14, 2016
Broadway icon Chita Rivera discusses her upcoming concerts, playing rooms both big and small, getting the job done, and how she discovered her voice.
BWW Review: Superb Performers Sparkle in Company XIV's PARIS
October 24, 2016
If there is one thing director/choreographer Austin McCormick can be accused of it's that he consistently puts on a titillating, atmospheric and imaginative show.
BWW Interview: Broadway Choreographer Larry Fuller Talks Career and Being Celebrated by Dancers Over 40
October 10, 2016
Choreographer Larry Fuller is responsible for the staging of some of Broadway's most iconic musicals. Whether it was his Tony Award nominated dances in Evita, or his staging for the murderous Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd, his stylized movement always held your attention. Larry has staged both the Tony Awards and the Emmy Awards and has worked numerous times with legendary Broadway director Hal Prince.
BWW Interview: My Dance Selfie with Reed Kelly of Broadway's PARAMOUR
October 5, 2016
The new Broadway production of Paramour marks dancer Reed Kelly's fourth Broadway show. No stranger to the Lyric Theatre, he last flew around that stage in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. He also took flight as a monkey in Broadway's Wicked and danced in The Addams Family. In addition to performing, Reed continues to interact with a legion of reality show fans from his stint on CBS's Survivor: San Juan Del Sur in 2014.
BWW Interview: Dancer Ryan Steele on His Dual Roles in the Tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
September 20, 2016
You may know him as Broadway's bespectacled 'Newsie' who whipped off multiple ballet turns atop a sheet of newspaper. Maybe you spotted him as a lost boy in NBC's Peter Pan Live!, or caught his sensitive portrayal of Baby John in the revival of West Side Story. But Ryan Steele has graduated from adolescent roles and is ready to take on leading man status this fall in the national tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
BWW Interview: Eloise Kropp Taps Against the Clock as Jennyanydots in Broadway's CATS
August 9, 2016
After her breakout performance as Ruby in last season's toe-tapping revival of Dames At Sea, Eloise Kropp joins a cast of exceptional dancers and singers in the new Broadway revival of CATS. CATS marks Eloise's third Broadway show in just two years, having also danced in the ensemble of the hit revival of On The Town. But it was her expert tap dancing skills in Dames that really put her on the map. In her big number 'Star Tar,' she executed lightning fast and intricate tap rhythms worthy of Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller from MGM's musical heyday.
BWW Review: iLUMINATE Does Much More Than Just Light Up
July 26, 2016
In iLuminate you're transported on a thrill seeking yet mind-boggling ride. The energetic nine-member troupe is full of expert dancers who dance full-throttle the entire show. Their unified razor-sharp work is worthy of the precision of the Radio City Rockettes.
BWW Interview: Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo on LISA AND LEONARDO at NYMF
July 19, 2016
Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo returns to the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) with the new musical, Lisa and Leonardo. His mentor, acclaimed choreographer Patricia Birch, first introduced him to the festival in its inaugural season. Cerullo had been assisting Birch for thirteen years, and moved into the role of executive producer with her NYMF production of Orphan Train. Subsequently, he went on to stage two other musicals at the festival and also became an evaluator reading new scripts.
