10 Iconic Musical Theater Dance Moments
There’s nothing quite like a great Broadway performance. We rounded up 10 especially fabulous musical theater dance moments (some even from Tony ceremonies past!).
1. “I Hope I Get It/One” – A Chorus Line
In this clip from the 2007 Tony Awards, the revival cast of A Chorus Line— one of Broadway’s all-time danciest shows—performs both the opening number, “I Hope I Get It,” AND the closing number, “One.” Talk about stamina!
2. “Bottle Dance” – Fiddler on the Roof
The 2004 Tony Awards featured Fiddler on the Roof‘s legendary “Bottle Dance,” in which the dancers literally perform with bottles on their heads. The Jerome Robbins choreo takes good balance and posture to a whole new level.
3. “Shaking the Blues Away” – Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn
‘s “Shaking the Blues Away” has the cast doing a high-intensity tap number—while jumping rope! Somehow, nobody seems to break a sweat.
4. “Manson Trio” – Pippin
You’re not a true musical theater diehard if you don’t love Bob Fosse. His “Manson Trio” from Pippin epitomizes his signature style, which involves smooth yet intricate movements. Something as small as the flick of a wrist can change the whole dance.
5. “Rich Man’s Frug” – Sweet Charity
Speaking of Fosse: “Rich Man’s Frug,” from Sweet Charity, is another perfect representation of his subtle genius.
6. “Cell Block Tango” – Chicago
Though this clip is from the film version of Chicago, choreographed by Rob Marshall, the dancing is held to the same standards as that of the original Broadway musical, another Fosse production. The classic “Cell Block Tango” is especially sultry and seductive. (Fun fact: the Broadway revival of Chicago holds the record as the longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.)
7. “Seize the Day/Once and For All” – Newsies
The cast of Newsies performed a medley of “Seize the Day” and “Once and For All” at the 2012 Tony Awards. The dancers toss off its leaps, turns (done on newspapers!), and flips with infectious energy.
8. “Mr. Mistoffelees” – CATS
What would a Broadway dance roundup be without CATS? The “Mr. Mistoffelees” number is one of the dance highlights of a seriously dance-y show. (In the current revival, our friend Ricky Ubeda plays MIstoffelees!)
9. “Prologue” – West Side Story
Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story, which began on Broadway and achieved international fame through its film version, is a singular masterpiece. “Prologue,” here from the movie, is simultaneously athletic and graceful in its portrayal of the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks.
10. “42nd Street/We’re In the Money” – 42nd Street
The revival cast of 42nd Street performed a medley of “42nd Street” and “We’re In the Money”—a true celebration of tap dancing—at the 2012 Tony Awards.
