The Stage Directors and Choroegraphers Foundation will hold a master class in vocal choreography with Cholly Atkins 10 AM-3 PM April 17 at Collaborative Arts Project 21 in Manhattan. Atkins' seminar is a part of SDCF's continuing "Lost Treasures of Dance" series.

Atkins created the idea of "vocal choreography," the name for the rhythmical steps, turns and gestures he taught rock-and-roll singers as the staff choreographer for Motown Records from 1965 to 1971. He drew these steps from American vernacular dance, teaching pop groups from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties moves updated from versions in the Forties, Thirties and Twenties.

SDCF's "Lost Treasures of Dance" series aims to preserve social and theatrical dance forms. All sessions are videotaped for the Foundation's archives to serve as resource materials for directors and choreographers.

The master class is open to the public. Registration fees are $35 for Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and $45 for all others. For reservations, call the Foundation at (212) 302-5359.

-- By Christine Ehren