Actor, singer and ballet dancer Leanne Cope is a genuine triple threat. A Broadway star plucked from the corps de ballet, she’s also something of a ‘rags to riches’ story following acclaimed runs in Craig Lucas and Christopher Wheeldon’s adaptation of the classic Gershwin movie An American in Paris. The production won her awards and plaudits galore, the opportunity to be dressed by Anna Wintour and lunch with the film’s original Lise, legendary French actress Leslie Carron. As Australians get the chance to see screenings of the London production, Limelight caught up Leanne at her home in the UK where she’s in the process of filming the show for posterity.

Robert Fairchild & Leanne Cope in An American in Paris. Photo © Johan Persson

Not many ballet dancers get to star in a Broadway musical – how did you land the lead in An American in Paris?

Christopher Wheeldon was making Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at The Royal Ballet – which was where I used to work – and he sent me a message on social media, saying I’ve heard you used to be in a choir and I’d like to hear you sing –...