Christopher Pollak
(HERO BOY)
Christopher Pollak ( Hero Boy) is so excited to make his Axelrod debut! Previously seen performing in The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet and Earle Mosley’s Diversity of Dance. He would like to thank all his family, friends, and teachers who have believed in him and helped him along his journey.
Emma Lightbody-McAllan
(HERO GIRL)
Emma Lightbody-McAllan plays one of The Polar Express' HERO GIRLS.
JAKE
WARD
(HERO BOY)
Jake Ward (Hero Boy) is thrilled to be making his Axelrod debut in The Polar Express! Previous credits include The Who's Tommy (Young Tommy), A Christmas Story (Tap Dance Soloist/Classmate), and Peter Pan (Lost Boy). Jake was a 2023 title winner for his jazz solo at the Backstage Nationals dance competition. He is so grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank his family, friends and Dance For Joy for their constant love and encouragement on this exciting journey!
Julia
Westby
(HERO GIRL)
Julia Westby plays one of The Polar Express' HERO GIRLS.
Robert
Taylor Jr.
(THE CONDUCTOR)
Robert Taylor Jr. received a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College. He was in the top 16 contestants of So You Think You Can Dance Season 8, Hairspray national tour (2008), CBS Network Rundown at Carnegie Hall for L.L. Cool J (choreographed by Geo Hubela), Sweden's Peace and Love festival with Rihanna (2012), Rihanna's Budweiser commercial (2015), and America's Got Talent (finalist, The Mothmen). Robert made his Broadway debut in SpongeBob SquarePants, Has appeared on "Law and Order: Organized Crime," and “And Just Like That," with his latest television appearance being with Queen Latifah for “The Equalizer” portraying the role of “Young Marlon”.
Oliviannah Cesario
(HERO GIRL)
Oliviannah Cesario is delighted to return to the Axelrod Stage with this amazing cast in The Polar Express! Oliviannah attends Monmouth Beach Elementary School where she is in 7th grade. Recent credits include The Addams Family, Nutcracker Rocks, The Descendants Musical, Sponge-Bob Musical, & Annie Jr.
AXCBT's LIVE Virtual Classes
Initial workshops are Free of Charge at this time,
due to the generosity of our professional staff and artists.
MON.
Modern-Contemporary Mondays
Intermediate – 3 - 4 pm
with Olivia Miranda
This class encourages dancers to free their bodies and dive into modern and contemporary movement. The class incorporates a warm-up rooted in ballet, Horton and Graham-based modern, and then invites students to build upon their technique by learning contemporary choreography. A great opportunity to explore a new style of movement!
AXCBT's Tuesday MASTERCLASSES
All Levels – 5 - 6 pm
Each week, AXCBT will offer a MASTERCLASS with top professionals in the field of concert dance. Past instructors have been from Paul Taylor Dance, Radio City Musical Hall, Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, and the Jose Limon Dance Company. These classes are ceratin to take your talents to the next level.
TUES.
WEDS.
WEDS.
THURS.
THURS.
Triple Threat – Musical Theater Jazz
Beginner to Intermediate
5:15 – 6:15 pm
with Wendy Roman
Musical theater students can sometimes lack confidence in their dance training and may worry about how this will affect their chances for success down the road on Broadway. This class is for teens interested in honing their dance technique in a supportive, encouraging, and fun environment. This is a dynamic, high-energy class to get a leg up for your auditions!
FRI.
Dance Performance Workshop
Intermediate to Advanced
4 – 5 pm
with Gabriel Chajnik
Excellent for ballet and contemporary dancers, this workshop is designed to maintain and improve a classical technique that supports and enhances each dancer’s objectives.
Challenging and enjoyable, relaxed but focused, this class keeps the bar high in a supportive and encouraging environment.