DANCING OUT OF THE CLOSET: TOTALLY TRUE STORIES (hardback)
ISBN 9781629334554
Hidden in all of us is a metaphorical closet where we have hoarded our darkest secrets, irrational fears, and unresolved traumas. In, Dancing Out of the Closet, Matthew Shaffer exposes his outlandish childhood dramas, zany coming of age––while coming out of the closet––young adult debacles, and the “pinch me” moments that come from working alongside superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Amy Poehler on his quest for fame, fortune, and a size thirty waistline. Hilariously self-deprecating, addictively charming, and packed with pop culture commentary, Shaffer will have you crying with laughter, blushing with relatable embarrassment, and your heart exploding from shock that comes from an honest look inward.
Dancing Out of the Closet is the perfect book for everyone who has survived childhood with a dream in their heart, those still seeking a stage to release their inner dancer, and anyone ready to laugh their way through the trials and triumphs of this journey we call life.
About the author:
You may already know author, actor, and choreographer, Matthew Shaffer from his television work on the top Netflix original series, Wet Hot American Summer, or from his notable advice on Dance Moms, or perhaps you recognize him from his short-lived role as a Pottery Barn sales associate. Matthew’s debut book, So You Want To Be A Dancer launched as an Amazon #1 New Release in Performing Arts and continues to dominate the charts.
After attending the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, Matthew continued his professional career as a principal dancer for the world- renowned company, Giordano Dance Chicago. Highlighted credits include: Cold Case, Jackass Number Two, The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, Hansel & Gretel at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Earth to America with Jason Alexander, Broadway Cares with Rosie O’Donnell, Disney XD’s Kickin’ It, Bunheads, he appears along side Adam Levine on Broad City, and most recently you can catch Matthew on the fabulous show Crazy Ex Girlfriend.
Matthew is the co-founder of A Group Production, where he serves as executive producer alongside his husband, Jeff Payton. Together, they have performed in, choreographed, directed and produced over 40 projects between Broadway, Film and Television. As a choreographer, Shaffer’s work has been performed by A-Lister’s like Ben Stiller, Rachel Platten (Fight Song), Megan Mullally, Armie Hammer, and Rebel Wilson. For the past 20 years, Matthew has worked as a dance educator at leading performing arts conservatories and conventions across the United States and Europe including the Broadway Dance Center and Giordano Dance Center, and is currently an adjunct teacher at Studio School in Los Angeles, CA.
If you insist on knowing more, Matthew encourages you to Google him, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @funnyshaffer.