ampaf.org

BIO

Andrea Mychaels was deeply immersed in the theater and live production scene for over thirty years. As an educator, choreographer, vocalist, expert judge, and professional dancer, she built a respected career, shaped the lives of performers, and contributed to the arts community with her diverse talents and extensive experience.

A 1989 graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, Andrea earned her bachelor’s in dance (BFA) from Stockton University, where she also served as an Adjunct Professor for many years. Throughout her tenure at Stockton, Andrea taught a wide range of dance styles—including Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Ballet. She also directed and choreographed for the university's Dance and Theater Department. Andrea received a master’s in dance (Ed.M) from Rutgers University, where she was among a small group of women to receive the state of New Jersey’s first master’s in dance degree. She went on to earn a master’s in fine arts (MFA) from Texas Woman’s University (TWU) where she received both an academic scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship.

Andrea performed throughout the country as a dancer, vocalist, and choreographer in places such as: Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New York and Branson, MO. She has worked with Shawn T. (Hip-Hop Abs/Insanity), International Award-winning Neo-Burlesque Troop "The Peek-A-Boo Revue" (seen on America's Got Talent), the New Jersey Nets Dance Team, Kathy Sledge, Taylor Dayne, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and The Trammps.

In 2011, Andrea was the Director and Choreographer for the Philadelphia Soul (AFL) Dance Team. She was the recipient of three “Outstanding Choreography” awards at various East Coast Regional Theatres and ICCA. She was also a finalist in the 2012 Jazz Dance World Congress International Choreography Competition.

In 2012, Andrea founded the Andrea Mychaels Dance Project (AMDP). AMDP promoted Andrea's artistic vision through creative, innovative, accessible dance works that provoked, challenged, and entertained the broadest audiences. AMDP bridged the gap between commercial and concert dance by performing contemporary dance works that fused jazz, ballet, and modern dance styles with everyday movement. AMDP believed in advocating for dance as a universally accessible art form, educating all levels in the art of dance through community outreach programming and by providing performance opportunities for both professional and aspiring dancers.

A multifaceted performer, Andrea was the powerhouse lead vocalist of Big City, a dynamic ten-piece horn band that captivated audiences across the tri-state area for over twenty years. Performing at thousands of venues, she helped define the band’s high-energy sound and became a fixture in the local music scene.

Andrea was full of pure passion and unbridled talent. She loved fiercely and lived unapologetically. Her infectious spirit and contagious energy touched many lives. Andrea leaves behind a legacy of inspiration that has profoundly impacted her students and the broader performing arts community. She is greatly missed.

Choreography:

Philadelphia Mummer's Parade

Director/Choreographer - Philadelphia Soul (AFL) Soulmates

New Jersey Nets Dance Team - E. Rutherford, NJ

The Garden State Dance Festival -Featured Choreographer

Jazz Dance World Congress International Choreography Competition

Peek-A-Boo Revue – Internationally Award Winning Burlesque Troop

Fusion Dance Company

Andrea Mychaels Dance Project (AMDP)

Educator:

Texas Woman's University - Denton, TX

Stockton University-Pomona, NJ