Presenting July’s Woman of the Month:
Rosanne Hopkins Brauntz
Here’s a little bit about her:
Since her first season of performing as a ballet dancer in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Rosanne has choreographed for nightclubs, television series and 28 book musicals for high schools and colleges: Sweet Charity West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Pajama Game You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Boy Friend, Divorce me Darling & many more.
Her skills as an actor and singer kept her headed to music theatre roles such as iGypsy, West Side Story, Chicago, Sweet Charity, (Desert Theatre Star Award).
For two seasons she sang and tap danced for the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies including a specialty roller skating piece for the Follies Holiday Show. She’s performed on stage with Howard Keel and the Mills Brothers.
Rosanne enjoys teaching Music Theatre and Ballet, Jazz! Tap and Voice, sharing her passion & knowledge of theatre skills.
And here’s how she answered my 6 questions about creativity:
What does it mean to you to be creative?
I always start mulling over the day’s possibilities as I wake up at 6am, then start with my coffee and oatmeal with blueberries. Next there’s always some food preparations as I need to think ahead to cover my late dinner. This creates a healthy food plan to keep me fired up for the day. I think of the class ahead and get my lyrics printed for all the students. I also take props such as umbrellas & 6 foot long chiffon scarves for class.
What triggers your creativity?
My talented and enthusiastic students! I have one male actor whom I have been coaching for his Nunsense A-men audition. He’s an absolute joy! My other students are girls of about 10-12. and one great boy singer.They all give love!
What hinders your creativity?
It’s when I feel opportunity is passing me by as a performer! I get into a mode of non-ego, loss of ambition. This is a different mindset from the self-employed seeker I have been.
What’s the wildest journey your venturesome spirit has taken you on?
In 1993 I heard of a show in California, the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies which used 55-85 year old performers.
I set out to audition, was chosen then had to get my Green Card to work in the show. I wore fabulous costumes and huge show hats wider then my arm span. I called myself the Snowbird Showbird. I sang, tapped and kicked up my heels for 3 seasons.
I fell in love with the sunny blue skies of Palm Springs!
What does being bold and provocative mean to you?
My life has been bold in that I got married, had a son and daughter plus kept working my gifts throughout. When they skated, I took up skating, when they were in Handsworth school, I choreographed the musicals. I am proud to say we gave our son and daughter all the best opportunities and on an artists budget. I have 3 darling grandsons and we have a ritual of making grama’s cookies when we all get together.
What’s next for you?
Summer travels to visit family in Cool Green Vancouver. Then in September, I’ll teach voice and acting at Sacred Heart School & Beyond the Beat Studio as well as work with my vocal students. November will be about choreographing a ladies dance line in a Mamma Mia routine.
And here’s a link to a cable show that inspires Rosanne’s creativity:
Thank you Rosanne, for dancin’ into our hearts!
To hear about the next Woman of the Month, follow DollyFaye on Twitter!
I have one update,I missed the mention of my over 60′s Jazz and Tap class at the Joslyn Center returning in October. They love to take my class which gives a mix of holistic breath and relaxation, then the dance technique.
amazing! Roseanne was my dance teacher when I was a child. She was such an inspiration to me that her name and personna has stuck with me all these years. I’m now 28 and I still remember her!