Ann Reinking

Ann Reinking was born on November 10, 1949, in Seattle, Washington. She began her dance training in ballet as a child, studying with former Ballets Russes dancers and later at the San Francisco Ballet on scholarship during the summers. Her professional performing career began at age 12 with a role in a production of Giselle with The Royal Ballet. After graduating from Bellevue High School, she continued her training at the Joffrey Ballet. At 18, Reinking moved to New York City, joining the corps de ballet at Radio City Music Hall, performing in the ensemble of a national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof,” and making her Broadway debut in “Cabaret.” She also performed in the chorus of “Coco” (1969), “Wild and Wonderful” (1971), and “Pippin” (1972).

Reinking gained critical attention for her role as Maggie in “Over Here!” in 1974, earning a Theatre World Award. She received Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Joan of Arc in “Goodtime Charley” in 1975. In 1977, she replaced Gwen Verdon in the lead role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” a musical directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Her professional and personal relationship with Fosse led her to a role in his film “All That Jazz” (1979) as Katie Jagger, a character based on her own experiences. She also appeared in films such as “Annie” (1982) as Grace Farrell and “Micki & Maude” (1984) as Micki Salinger. Reinking returned to Broadway in 1986, succeeding Debbie Allen in a revival of Fosse’s “Sweet Charity”.

Her career continued to evolve with a focus on choreography. In 1991, she founded the Broadway Theatre Project, a training program connecting students with theater professionals. In 1996, Reinking choreographed and reprised her role as Roxie Hart in a successful revival of “Chicago” for City Center’s Encores! Concert Series, which later transferred to Broadway. For this work, she received the Tony Award for Best Choreography. She also co-created, co-directed, and co-choreographed the revue “Fosse” (1998), earning a Tony Award co-nomination for Best Direction of a Musical and an Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for the 2000 West End production. Reinking continued to contribute to new ballets and served on the advising committee for the American Theatre Wing. She received an honorary doctorate from Florida State University in 2001 for her contributions to the arts.