Andrea was immersed in the theatre and live production business as an educator, choreographer, vocalist, expert judge, and professional dancer based in the Philadelphia, PA area for more than 30 years.
She went on to earn her MFA at Texas Woman’s University where she was awarded an academic scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship. She earned her Ed.M. in Dance Education at Rutgers University and B.A. in Dance from Stockton University where she was an Adjunct Professor. She taught Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Ballet, as well as directing and choreographing for the Dance and Theater Department.
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, she was the Director and Choreographer for the Philadelphia Soul (AFL) Dance Team. For twenty plus years, Andrea was a powerhouse female lead vocalist for “Big City”, a ten-piece horn band, that performed for thousands of venues throughout the tri-state (NJ, PA, DE) area.
Andrea was the recipient of three “Outstanding Choreography” awards at various East Coast Regional Theatres and ICCA. She was a finalist in the 2012 Jazz Dance World Congress International Choreography Competition. In October 2012, she founded her dance company the Andrea Mychaels Dance Project. AMDP has been successful in providing performance opportunities for dancers and creating an entry point into the art of dance for a diverse population of youth through the company’s Educational and Community Outreach programming.
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 will be greatly missed.
Andrea dances to "Blackbird" by The Beatles.
A sampling of Andrea's choreography throughout the years.
Andrea singing "Respect" by Aretha Franklin.