Jazz-influenced theatrical dance style synonymous with Broadway musicals, characterized by clean lines, storytelling, and iconic choreographers like Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins.
Defining Characteristics
Performance quality: Big smiles, facials, selling the story to back row
Jazz technique: Turns, kicks, leaps, isolations, clean lines
Characterization: Dancing as specific character, not just executing steps
Classic jazz hands: Fingers spread, wrists flexed, quintessential Broadway gesture
Legendary Choreographers
Bob Fosse (1927-1987): Cabaret, Chicago, Sweet Charity — signature: turned-in knees, shoulder rolls, bowler hats, fishnet stockings, jazz hands, sensual isolations.
Jerome Robbins: West Side Story (1957), ballet-meets-Broadway, dramatic storytelling.
Michael Bennett: A Chorus Line (1975), meta-musical about dancers auditioning.
Susan Stroman: The Producers, Contact, tap + comedy fusion.
2010s Broadway Hits & Choreography
Andy Blankenbuehler:
- Hamilton (2015): Hip-hop + musical theater fusion, revolutionary
- In the Heights (2008): Latin dance + Broadway
Christopher Gattelli:
- Newsies (2012): Athletic tap, acrobatics, high energy
Casey Nicholaw:
- The Book of Mormon (2011): Comedy choreography
- Aladdin (2014): Disney spectacle
Training & Culture
Triple threat: Singing + acting + dancing (musical theater requires all three)
Dance styles: Jazz, tap, ballet base, contemporary influence
Competition circuit: Dance competitions have “Musical Theater” category (Broadway-style solos)
Social Media Era
- TikTok: Broadway stars performing from home (pandemic 2020)
- YouTube: “Razzle Dazzle” tutorials, Fosse-style breakdowns
- Instagram: Behind-the-scenes Broadway rehearsals, cast dance-offs
Related
- #Broadway, #BobFosse, #Hamilton, #JazzDance, #TripleThreat