Andrew N. Jannetti, Artistic Director

Andrew Jannetti, was born and raised in South Philadelphia and began his informal dance training at 7 years old by winning twist contests at the local bar. His formal dance training started at Montclair State University where he received a BA in Speech and Theater (Dance Specialization). Upon graduating in 1976 he headed straight for New York City, where he has been dancing, choreographing, and teaching ever since.

He formed his own company, Andrew Jannetti & Dancers in 1982 and recently celebrated 20 years of surviving in the New York City dance jungle. His work has been presented at the The Duke on 42nd Street, Joyce SoHo, DTW, DIA, 92nd St Y, Danspace at St. Mark's, Evolving Arts, P.S. 122, Cunningham, Choreospace, ADE at Pace, CSC, and the Brooklyn Arts Exchange, as well as various venues throughout the U.S. and Europe, including the Edinburgh festival. He was recently nominated for the first ever Time Out /NY Dance Audience Award at the Bessies. He has received grants from NYSCA, MCAF, NJSCA, NYFA, and Meet the Composers Fund.

Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times says that "he clearly inspires loyalty and affection, and his approach to making dances is one of a lifelong devotee." Jack Anderson, of the New York Times has called him "neo-romantic" and "sweet-tempered," and his work is "theatrically persuasive." Burt Supree of the Village Voice had this to say: "Astonishingly traditional in its sense of uplift and formal design ... people working near each other in harmonious unison, responding with a sequential symmetry, and echoing each other in close canon." Phyllis Goldman of Back Stage said the choreography was "illuminated by flashes of imagination" and "inspired enough to warrant a celebratory drink after the curtain call."

In addition to performing with his own company, he has performed with Claire Porter, Claudia Gittleman, Alan Danielson, Mimi Garrard, Phyllis Rose, Mary Spalding, Loretta DiBianca, Judy Levine, Plath/Taucher Productions and was stage manager for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay between New York and New Jersey. He was an Artist in Residence for four seasons at the Fort Wayne Dance Collective in Fort Wayne, Indiana and a guest choreographer at the College of Staten Island, CUNY and with the Island Moving Company of Newport, Rhode Island.

He was the Education Director at BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange for 14 years. He currently teaches dance at Staten Island Academy to1st - 12th graders. He also teaches modern dance, modern jazz, super stretch, Aqua Aerobics, Total Body Workout, and his own special brand of Aerobics (Rhythmic Fitness) throughout the NY/NJ metropolitan area.

Company Biography

Andrew Jannetti & Dancers has been in existence since 1981 and was incorporated in 1985. Since that time Mr. Jannetti has choreographed over 30 pieces for his company, which has performed throughout the NY/NJ metropolitan area. In addition, Mr. Jannetti has had his choreography commissioned by the American Ballet Russe of Long Island, The Fort Wayne Dance Collective of Indiana, Dance Designs, American Dance Ensemble, Island Dancing of Newport, RI, and various summer festivals throughout the metropolitan area.The company recently peromed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the International American Choreographers Showcase.

Dedicated to ever expanding the scope of his company, Mr. Jannetti has commissioned choreography by Brazilian choreographer, Marcello Moacyr, Loretta DiBianca, Plath/Taucher Productions and Claire Porter.

The current company is composed of a core group of seven dancers. Several guest dancers are added to every concert expanding the company to as many as ten dancers. Having worked together for some time now, the core company has developed a strong ensemble rapport while maintaining their individual approaches and nuances within the movement vocabulary.

The choreography is best described as "a sculpture of emotional experience, that incorporates pure form and movement to create an atmosphere in which specific personal images are evoked." The dances range from the fanciful, playful and rhythmical to the introspective and emotionally motivated.

The company is available for performances, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, master classes and open rehearsals.