Michelle Barber

Dance Instructor

Choreographer

Based in New York City for over 28 years.

For 30+ years, Michelle’s passion has been teaching and choreographing. Nurturing growth and ensuring that each student's unique potential is realized and celebrated. Her commitment to the dance world has stood the test of time. The community she has built and her dedication to her classes is what brings students back to learn from her class after class.

Michelle’s dance training began in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio with the incomparable Dee Hillier, of The Dee Hillier Dancers.  At an early age, Michelle began teaching and choreographing in the Northeast area and performing for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Matrix, Kirby Vacuum, Francois Girbaud Fashion, local television shows and industrials.

In 1995, Michelle moved to NYC to continue pursuing her dancing career after touring the United States with Guys & Dolls 2nd National Tour. She continued working in industrials, television and teaching and choreographing in the Tri-State area. While studying at the Broadway Dance Center, Michelle became a part of the legendary Frank Hatchett (co-founder of BDC) teaching faculty. She soon earned her own classes at Broadway Dance Center and for the past 28 years has been one of the studio’s most in-demand teachers. 

Michelle’s professional credits are proof of her talent and versatility as a choreographer. Michelle choreographed the Solid Gold Dance Party Tour featuring The Village People, France Joli, Peaches & Herb, and Anita Ward. Michelle was also chosen to honor Director/Choreographer Rob Marshall with her choreography at The Elan Awards in New York City and showcase her work at the Choreographer’s Canvas. Michelle has choreographed for Dance Spirit Magazine, and her work has been featured in musical theatre productions, college performances and concerts worldwide.

Michelle has been a guest artist at a variety of studios and colleges throughout the United States. Internationally, she has also been a guest artist in Mexico, Japan, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. As a testament to Michelle’s abilities, many of her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, National Tours, Regional Theater, as well as in commercial work. Students and teachers around the US and the world seek Michelle as a master instructor, choreographer and adjudicator.

"Michelle Barber’s class was the first one I took at BDC, and I knew that my intuition was right—I was in love from the very first routine! Her class is the full package: a well-structured technical warm-up (which I’m absolutely the biggest fan), across-the-floor progressions, and an expressive routine.

Michelle’s movement seamlessly blends jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles, combining beautiful fluidity with strong classical jazz technique. Beyond the choreography, her warm and welcoming approach creates an environment where every dancer feels inspired and supported.

If you’re in NYC and looking to train, I highly recommend taking her class—you won’t regret it!"

-Brian Poniatowski

Movement Director/Choreographer/Founder of Broadway Beasts

“If you are looking for a class that just feels good to the soul, look no further than Michelle Barber's class. Her choreography is a blend of strong jazz technique mixed with lyrical and contemporary elements that leaves your soul inspired. Whenever I had a good or bad day living in NYC, I knew I could come to this class to “dance it out”. Beyond the classroom, Michelle is an exceptional caring person who wants to see the best come out of all her students personally and professionally.”

-Tina Oleff

MSA Talent Agent

“Michelle Barber has been a colleague of mine for many years.   I have seen her at work and I am in awe of her grace and power. Michelle is demanding and expects discipline and focus from her students, all with an underlying thread of love for her craft and the process.  She instills in her students an understanding of their bodies and the art form on many levels. Her students have such respect for her. 

I have sent many of my vocal students her way for private coaching and they all come away having a confidence and skill they didn't come in with.  She is an old world teacher, she cares and goes out of her way for her students, but is relevant and contemporary in her skills. A beautiful teacher and human being.”

-Celeste Simone

Vocal Teacher/Coach

In-Person Classes

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