Adam Cates Dance Educator

Adam Cates is a New York City-based artist with an established career as a choreographer, director, and dance/theater educator. He is on the faculty of the highly-acclaimed commercial dance major at Pace University and teaches for prestigious dance institutions Broadway Dance Center and STEPS. His high energy and technically challenging theater dance and jazz classes, developed across 25 years of teaching experience, have led to countless guest teaching opportunities at conventions, intensives, and private studios across the United States, Canada, Spain, and Bermuda. Adam is the author of the best-selling industry book The Business of Show and has performed guest artist-in-residence positions at academic institutions including The Juilliard School, TAPS, and Texas State University to name a few, and speaking engagements with a variety of nationally accredited art institutions. Because of his ability to connect with students from a wide range of abilities and ages, Adam’s classes have proven popular with kids, teens, and adult professionals alike.

Adam has worked with Broadway legends including Tommy Tune, Sutton Foster, Joel Grey, Terrence McNally, Ahrens & Flaherty, Rosie O’Donnell, Patti LuPone, Kathleen Marshall, and more. As an associate to several directors and choreographers, Adam served on the creative teams for the Broadway hits Anastasia, Anything Goes, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best New Musical), as well as several national tours and concerts at Lincoln Center and NY City Center. TV credits include episodes of 90210 and Live from Lincoln Center. Across the U.S., Adam has staged productions for The Santa Fe Opera, Hartford Stage, Arkansas Rep, Theatre Under the Stars, Theatre Aspen, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Anchorage Opera, Music Theatre Wichita, and Gulfshore Playhouse, among others. He was also a creative consultant for Celebrity Cruise Line on their new ship APEX. Adam is the co-author of the musical The World According to Snoopy starring The Peanuts™, now available for worldwide license from Concord Theatricals.

Adam is passionate about helping you achieve your dreams as a dance artist. As someone who literally “wrote the book” on how young performers can successfully navigate a highly competitive business, Adam brings industry insight into the studio filtered through a holistic lens of dance pedagogy. His designed warm-up and progressions will challenge you to build your core strength, refine your alignment, and discover greater synchronicity between muscles and mind. Adam’s class combinations give attention to technical articulation, while also challenging you to connect the movement with the character to make bold, motivated acting choices. His specialty seminars on audition technique and business for performers will open your mind to industry expectations. Adam creates an environment that is as safe as it is challenging, allowing you to leave your inhibitions at the door, face new challenges, and grow as an artist in every class.