Internationally renowned producer/ director/choreographer and master teacher, Michèle Assaf has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional and International Theater projects and has trained dancers from NYC to LA and internationally for the past 25 years. Michèle directed and choreographed The Mariah Carey Charmbracelet World Tour. … A quote from Variety.com on: "...but the fact that she has assembled a well-designed and well-paced show that emphasizes the beauty of Mariah's voice is nothing short of remarkable." Other recording artists include: Mick Jagger Solo Tour, Michael Bolton, "Only a Woman Like You" Tour, and Matchbox Twenty. She has directed and choreographed the internationally acclaimed multimedia operas for The Houston Grand Opera; Carmen, Pagliacci and Madame Butterfly, as well as Opera Pacific’s Gala, Opera Odyssey 2001, Candide, Samson and Delilah, and Aida. She had the pleasure of Directing and choreographing Houston Grand Opera’s 50th Anniversary Gala with such notables as Renee Fleming, Bren Terfel, Patricia Racette and Marcello Giordano.
Other theatrical Projects include: Starmites (Tony Nomination), Bring In The Morning, Scenes From an Execution, Nine Armenians, It's A Bird... It's A Plane... It's Superman, Sweet Charity, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mata Hari, Bring in The Morning, Can Can, Jeanne La Pucelle, Strides, Topper, The Alchemist and the 20th anniversary production of Annie at The Goodspeed Opera House w/ Martin Charnin.
One of Michèle's most successful ventures is the creation of a production company, Tezoro Productions, LLC, founded in 2003 with Allison Ellner (Co-owner of Broadway Dance Center). The company's products, “LIVE at Broadway Dance Center" DVDs are dedicated to bringing education to dancers worldwide through instructional DVDs and videos with the best teachers the industry has to offer. Michèle has directed a total of twenty-four DVD titles and has most recently become the exclusive dance-training provider for HOPSports. HOPSports and Tezoro Productions will deliver 21st century physical education through the Tezoro dance library where MILLIONS of kids will utilize its unique multi-media, technology driven physical education system that merges media with technology! The two companies are creating for release the fall of 2008, a brand new absolute beginner thru advanced beginners DVD series.
As well, Michele’s greatest heartfelt opportunity is producing video vignettes of the gardeners and recipients of The Beanstalk Foundation that provides funding, administration and knowledge to support people’s acts of generosity. To learn more go to: www.BeanStalkFoundation.org
Her teaching background is also extensive, including master classes at universities and international schools. She has been the Artistic Director for 15 years for an International Convention in the South of Italy - "Broadway a Tropea". Visit Tezoro Productions, LLC, for more information.
She is varied in her styles choreographically. Technique definitely matters in her class. Michèle is an experienced and giving teacher whose students learn to develop and refine their personal style. Teaching her students to understand their bodies and how they have the control to create any movement asked of them is her forte. She understands the instrument and how it works for each individual. She is passionate about her teaching and tries to dig deep with her students to get to the core of their expression in relation to the given choreography. Come with an open mind and no boundaries.