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Lenard Foust is a performing artist, educator, and Fulbright Scholar whose work bridges the worlds of professional performance and higher education....Read more
Lenard Foust is a performing artist, educator, and Fulbright Scholar whose work bridges the worlds of professional performance and higher education. A graduate of the University of Michigan with an MFA in Dance Performance and a certificate in World Performance Studies, Lenard has taught at universities across the United States and abroad, including Capital Normal University, Beijing Dance Academy, Shanghai Theatre Academy, the University of Michigan, and Alabama State University, where he served as Assistant Professor of Dance.
At the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Lenard worked closely with BFA Musical Theatre majors, teaching Jazz, Hip Hop, and Theatre Dance. His teaching emphasizes versatility and prepares students for the demands of professional performance careers. Many of his former students are now working on Broadway, national tours, television, and film.
As a versatile performer, Lenard’s style is deeply rooted in African diasporic traditions, blending the energy and storytelling of Hip Hop with the technique and musicality of Jazz. He has worked with renowned choreographers such as JaQuel Knight, collaborated with actors including Famke Janssen as a movement coach, and performed in Kanye West’s Donda. His choreography credits also include Sheila E.’s performance at the World Games. Currently active in the Broadway scene, Lenard continues to expand his work both as a performer and educator. He is represented by Resolute Artists Agency.
Based in New York City, Lenard teaches Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, Street Jazz, and Theatre Dance at Broadway Dance Center while pursuing his doctorate in Dance Education at Columbia University Teachers College. His research explores how formal training in higher education can better align with professional industry needs and enhance career preparedness for dancers.
Lenard’s teaching emphasizes both technique and cultural context, encouraging dancers to explore the fluidity between personal and cultural identity through movement. He creates spaces where dancers can embody history, push creative boundaries, and cultivate confidence both in the studio and on stage. Whether working with beginners or seasoned professionals, Lenard’s classes focus on joy, authenticity, and professional readiness.
Read lessClass Descriptions
Lenard’s Jazz Funk class blends commercial jazz technique with the grooves and textures of hip hop. Class begins with a full-body warm-up emphasizing strength, precision, and musicality, followed by across-the-floor progressions that develop style and performance quality. Dancers will explore dynamic choreography that emphasizes confidence, character, and individuality.
Lenard’s Hip Hop class explores the foundations and grooves of the style, blending old-school and commercial influences. Dancers will engage in rhythm-driven movement, isolations, and freestyle-based exercises to strengthen individuality and musical interpretation. The class emphasizes performance quality, confidence, and authentic expression while honoring the cultural roots of hip hop.
This class draws from street styles fused with jazz technique to create sharp, fluid choreography. Lenard guides dancers through grooves, isolations, and storytelling while challenging musical interpretation. Students will leave class with tools to enhance versatility, stage presence, and performance quality.
Theatre Dance emphasizes storytelling through movement, drawing from Broadway and jazz traditions. Dancers will focus on style, character, and acting through choreography while developing a strong technical base. The class prepares students to connect emotionally with choreography and bring authenticity to the stage.