Bob Rizzo

Michelle Benash introduced me to Bob Rizzo in my early years of high school. I already knew Bob as a master teacher, and the creator of instructional dance videos. Over the years, Bob has become a great mentor and friend.

Bob is tall with a striking appearance, but inside he is a big softy, with a big heart. The love he showed for my wife Lisa and I will never be forgotten. Throughout high school and the Juilliard years, I assisted Bob with his master classes. He would also give me little jobs to do in the summers. I loved it. Once my dancing improved, I even got to be a part of one of his famous videos! It was called “Phunky Jazz” and it was with Tiler Peck! What a fun time! Tiler was amazing! I have many great memories with Bob.

Bob Rizzo has received the artistic achievement award from Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. He also received a lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts. His Company, Riz-Biz Productions is one of the leading producers of educational dance videos in America. With a catalog boasting over 75 titles, Bob’s DVDS and CDS are a favorite in dance studios and schools across the nation and abroad.

As an instructor, Bob has taught professional dance classes in New York City for over 25 years at such studios as Broadway Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway and Peridance. He’s also taught for the undergraduate Musical Theatre program at New York University, served on the faculty of the Jazz Dance World Congress, and has worked internationally.

He successfully juggles the roles of Producer, Director, Choreographer, Teacher, and Entrepreneur. His products have been featured in national publications such as Glamour, ELLE, In Touch, & OK magazines. As a director and choreographer his credits include over 200 Musicals for the New York Stage, national tours, summer stock and dinner theatre. For television his work has been seen in national commercials and he’s choreographed for three popular Soap Operas; All My Children, The Guiding Light and As The World Turns.

Bob was featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine which hailed him as the “teacher’s teacher”, and is now happy to serve on the Advisory Board of Dance Spirit Magazine.

Now that I am teaching a lot of jazz courses, I can’t help but look back to my days with Bob. Most of my early jazz training came from Bob. He was my first major jazz influence. I loved to watch him teach. I sucked everything in. I can see he loves what he does. He was tough, and straight forward, and it worked. You could see the students light up before your eyes. Very inspiring. A master. I enjoyed working with Bob. Sometimes Juilliard was intense. There is a freeness in Jazz that I enjoy. It was nice to do something else.

Over the years I got to know Bob more and more. Since I have moved to Europe, unfortunately I am not able to see him as much, but I do think of him often and his lessons help me everyday. Thank you Bob for your inspiration.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be when i grew up, but I knew that I liked to be creative and theatrical. I was always putting on shows in the living room and garage, but I was rarely the performer. I was the director. My three younger brothers and friends were my “actors” and I’d teach them how to perform the part they’d play. Whether I rigged them up to fly like Peter Pan ( with wires attached to their stomachs), or perform “Three Stooges” comedy type parodies in front of my 8mm camera, they were always game.

Bob’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

The Good: Salmon & Broccoli
The Bad: Chocolates & Cakes
The Ugly: Original Buffalo Chicken Wings ( but only during visits to my hometown of Buffalo, NY)

Favorite Books?

The Catcher In The Rye, Great Expectations, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference

Favorite Movies?

The Godfather, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Alien

Favorite Dance Piece or Show/Musical or both?

West Side Story, as well as several of the Cirque du Soleil productions.

I like dancers who…

…are fearless.

A dance piece should…

depending on the genre; be entertaining, be stimulating, be thought- provoking.

I am afraid of…

telling you what I’m afraid of.

Something you like to do other than your current job?

I volunteer for some wonderful organizations in NYC, including Career Transitions For Dancers, Gods Love We Deliver, and SAGE.

 One of the happiest moments in your life?

As a young choreographer one of my first big jobs was choreographing a touring production of My Fair Lady that starred Jane Powell. For you younger readers, Ms. Powell was an MGM movie star and starred in such musical film classics as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and more distinctly, she danced as Fred Astaire’s partner in Royal Wedding. You know, the movie that had Fred dancing on the walls and ceiling of the room? Well, before my first private rehearsal with her, I was nervously waiting in the rehearsal hall of the theatre. Then I heard over the loud speaker, “Bob Rizzo and Jane Powell, onstage please.” At that very moment I felt that I’d arrived.

One of your most unusual or coolest experiences?

Performing in the musical, A Chorus Line. I’ll never forget the excitement of opening night, especially the rush of dancing that finale.

One of the most embarrassing moments in your professional career?

Being told that I selected the worst possible audition song at one of my first auditions in NYC.

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career? and why?

Norma Ferrara-Gelose, who was my first Ballet teacher in Buffalo, NY. She told me even though I started dancing late, that studying Ballet would teach me discipline, give me a strong technical foundation and would enhance my jazz dance training. Through her, I landed a scholarship to study dance in Chicago, where I met Lou Conte ( Founding Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago) , who was my most influential teacher. His jazz classes had a strong Ballet base, and his background as a Broadway dancer helped to add a very musical and theatrical flare to his movement and choreography. It was his training that gave me the confidence to leave Chicago and pursue a musical theatre career in New York City.

One of the hardest things about your job?

Having to reject so many terrific dancers at an audition as there are only so many spots to fill.

Do you have any goals you still wish to achieve?

I actually prefer to keep things simple. I like to focus on the daily process and stick to a schedule rather than concerning myself with big, life-changing goals. It’s much less stressful and I’m able to enjoy the present moment.

A question you want to know the answer to?

I’m good, thanks to Siri.

Dear aspiring artists,

Never stop being a student. There is always something more to learn if you keep an open mind. Listen. Be humble.

Bob Rizzo

Photo Journal

To find out more information on Bob, check out his website at www.bobrizzo.com. Have you worked with Bob? Help me say thank you by sharing your stories in the comments below. Thank YOU for reading!