A short interview with Danny Daniels...
Feb. 23, 1999

Q. How did you get started in dance instruction and choreography? Who were you trained by?
A. I became interested in choreography through teaching at the school I mentioned when I was teaching the Walken brothers. Also, prior to my teaching, I was in two Bdwy musicals and had played featured roles in shows choreographed by Jerome Robbins (Billion Dollar Baby...1945) and Anna Sokolow (Street Scene.....1947). I was influenced by these two greats and Anna actually pushed me into that direction.

Q. Other than your videos, [he has a series of instructional videos] do you still teach? Do choreography?
A. I still teach, but very little.....just to help me keep in shape. Yes I still choreograph....I recently did a big benefit at Carnegie Hall, with director Herb Ross (Pennies From Heaven) However, I don't seek jobs anymore, but I do get called from time to time and am particular [on] what I decide to do.

Q. Were the three boys, Ken, Glenn and Ronnie eager students? Is Chris the oldest out of his brothers? Did their mother drop them off, or stay and watch?
A. The three boys were very enthusiastic about their dance training. Chris is the middle brother. Ken is the oldest and Glenn is the youngest. I honestly don't remember if their mom watched, but I suspect she did on occasion.

Q. I have heard a recording of "Best Foot Forward." What kind of choreography was required in this show?
A. The choreography was a kind of jazz---with some tap. I developed the dances according to the ability of the performers. It was a very talented cast.

Q. Did Chris really "jump" up on a pool table and then later on the bar in "Pennies From Heaven?" It seems so high and looks like such an amazing, almost impossible, move on screen. Is there anything else we may not know about that dance sequence?
A. Chris did indeed jump on the bar (not the pool table), but there was a mini trampoline behind the bar to give him a boost. Chris was able to do the whole number without a stop, just as a stage number, but to get the proper camera shots, we did it in about four or five "takes".

Q. When was the last time you saw or spoke to Chris?
A. I spoke to Chris on the phone in the spring of '97 when I was in New York directing a play. I was sounding him out on a stage musical idea I had. I'm still working on it.

--conducted via email by Candy Rosenbaum

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