Linda Hildebrand

Biography

An accomplished Broadway dancer and teacher, Linda Bowen-Hildebrand's foray into dance began with a strong ballet foundation from the Montgomery Ballet School in Maryland, studying under such greats as Eugene Loring and El Gabriel. She went on to graduate Cum Laude from Towson State University with a Bachelor of fine arts degree (in dance performance and choreography) where she gained a fervent work ethic and passion for artistic excellence.

Prior to Linda's Broadway career, she had the rare honor to work with Chet Walker and the infamous Gwen Verdon in "The Fosse Project." Working closely with Ms. Verdon the show developed her love of the distinct "Fosse" style. In 1997 Linda's Broadway career began in New York City when she secured the role of Annie in the Tony award-winning musical revival "Chicago." She went on to play the lead role of Roxie Hart in the production and performed with Bebe Nueworth, Brett Barrett, Alan Thicke, Jasmine Guy, and Joel Grey during her two-year run with the show.

She began teaching with a move to State College, Pennsylvania where she has served for since 2011 as a ballet and jazz instructor at the prestigious Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania, teaching students not only how to properly execute steps, but how to perform with passion.

In 2013 Linda continued her dance education attending the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Teacher's Workshop under the tutelage of classical ballet's consummate instructor, Marcia Dale Weary where she not only studied Ms. Weary's proven techniques but exchanged teaching methodologies with teachers from around the globe.

Lastly, Linda joined the musical theatre faculty in 2017 to teach Beginning and Intermediate Ballet. Where her love of performing and teaching continues to lead her to encourage students in their own gifts and abilities to affect positive change in their lives through dance. She has inspired many with her dedication to her craft and her greatest hope is that her students will develop a deep-seated love for dance and their abilities to entertain and foster change for good through dance. Her passion for excellence is always apparent and her dedication to creating the best possible environment for her students to grow in a safe caring environment is her most important aspiration.