2/20/2025
Education and Outreach
Kimberly Akimbo Dance Captain Bailey Ryon Leads Foothill High Students Through a Master Class
Inspiring Broadway show Kimberly Akimbo played The Smith Center for the Performing Arts from February 4-9, and for a group of lucky students at Foothill High, the show’s Las Vegas run brought with it an extra special benefit.
On February 5, the school hosted a master class by Bailey Ryon, a Broadway veteran and dance captain for the touring production. Ryon taught fifty students in teacher Greg Gaskill’s theater class an excerpt of choreography from “How to Wash a Check,” a memorably cheeky number from Kimberly Akimbo, winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Musical.
By the end of the class, the students looked like naturals performing the song – sashaying, sliding and leaping into the air in unison.
“Working with these kids was such a joy!” Ryon said afterward. “Their high-spirited energy and willingness to let loose and take risks were evident in the class. It was clear that they deeply cared, and it showed through.”
The students also heard about Ryon’s experience as a Broadway professional. She shared useful advice about college and professional audition processes, along with anecdotes about her favorite musicals.
Foothill is a participant in the 2024-2025 Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards program and received this master class, along with tickets to attend the show, as a benefit of their participation.
The nonprofit Smith Center offers these opportunities to participating schools in order to provide inspiring learning opportunities, which they can apply to their own musical performances.