Top 10 Iconic Broadway Dance Numbers
#10: Ballet Sequence “An American in Paris”
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You could hardly make a list about iconic Broadway dances without dedicating at least one entry to the work of Gene Kelly, dance extraordinaire! Not only did he star in the 1951 Best Picture-winner that inspired this stage musical, but he choreographed the film’s elegant, 17-minute long climax. The dance combines modern ballet with the classic choreography of the glamourous Hollywood golden age, retelling the story of Lise and Jerry’s tumultuous relationship set to the backdrop of 1940s Paris. Not only is this dance iconic, but without it most of our entries wouldn’t even exist - and luckily for us, it made it into the 21st century Broadway version that was adapted from the film by Christopher Wheeldon as well.
#9: “Big Spender” “Sweet Charity”
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Less is more with Bob Fosse and nothing shows that more than this number from “Sweet Charity.” This is perhaps only contested by Mein Herr in “Cabaret” where they flawlessly pull off Fosse’s intricate style half balancing on chairs and make it look easy! In this “Sweet Charity” scene, the dance hostesses are trying to entice their clients and every tiny isolation speaks volumes. The song is set to a slow beat, which is meant to give us a strip tease vibe and every tiny movement draws us in closer and closer, and after all, isn’t that the point?
#8: “The Jellicle Ball” “Cats”
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“Cats” is one of the longest-running Broadway musicals, which might come as a surprise considering it’s approximately two hours of people slinking around the stage pretending to be, well, cats. The late great Gillian Lynne definitely wasn’t kittening around when she choreographed this difficult stage routine, which is a pawsitively meowvarlous piece that comes towards the end of the first act. We’d apologize for all the puns, but we’d have been barking to miss this purrfect opportunity.
#7: “Step in Time” “Mary Poppins”
A song that uses its lyrics as choreography is practically begging you to get up and join in, but when you realize it’s actually about 10 minutes of vigorous choreography, you may want to leave it to the pros. However, it’s incredible to think that Dick Van Dyke pulled off this high stamina routine with no dance background whatsoever. It’s a lively piece that’s both magical on stage and on screen. While we’re all out of breath just watching the chimney sweeps, Mary Poppins takes center stage to show everyone how it’s done.
#6: “The Bottle Dance” “Fiddler on the Roof”
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Although some may assume this is a traditional Jewish folk dance, it actually stemmed from the mind of choreographer and director Jerome Robbins. As research for the show, he attended Jewish weddings and festivals and found the way the men danced rather fascinating. One man in particular was mimicking a drunk person with a bottle on his head. This caught Robbins’ eye, which ended up inspiring his choreography. The dance requires incredible levels of precision and perfect unison almost makes you want to try it out for yourself.
#5: “Seize the Day” “Newsies”
It’s certainly impressive watching the cast do their flips and tricks all over the stage. Fans of the show will be thrilled to know that the show’s choreographer, Christopher Gattelli, released a less acrobatic version of the routine so anyone can get up and dance - although, you’ll still need quite a bit of room. At this point in the show, the Newsies have decided to take a stand and their highly energetic routines reflect their determination to make the world realise that they’re here to stay and ready to ‘Seize the Day’.
#4: “Audition” “42nd Street”
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This is classic Broadway at its finest. The curtain only rises a little as the show begins, but it’s enough to get our attention. First, we see the dancers’ feet, then legs and so on until you get the full glitz and glamor of Broadway. Once the curtain is up, we’re whisked away to the world of auditions where everyone is dancing their hearts out. Watching these performers dance in unison is stunning and the sound of tap shoes hitting the stage in perfect precision is just so satisfying.
#3: “The Dance at the Gym” “West Side Story”
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We’re straight away introduced to the Sharks and the Jets in the Prologue, with its stunning ballet-like choreography where dance is used to represent gang rivalry. Later, however, the adults hope to end the rivalry with a dance, but the only people it brings together are Tony and Maria. It soon turns into a huge dance-off and we’re all for it. It’s colorful, it’s energetic, and if it doesn’t make you want to mambo then we suggest you go re-watch it when you’re done with this video.
#2: “All That Jazz” “Chicago”
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We simply can’t get enough Fosse. This musical number doesn’t just open the show, but sets the tone for everything to follow. Velma has turned her duo into a solo, to put it delicately, but as they say, the show must go on. Each move is very deliberate and gives the audience just enough time to soak in the glamorous performers. It’s super sexy and sultry and if she hadn’t just committed a deadly crime, we’re sure Velma could have had the great solo career she always wanted. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions. “Shall We Dance?” “The King and I” “Slap That Bass” “Crazy for You” “Electricity” “Billy Elliot” “Anything Goes” “Anything Goes” “You Can’t Stop the Beat” “Hairspray”
#1: “One” (Reprise) “A Chorus Line”
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This show-stopper finale is a singular sensation and a thrilling combination. We feel like we know these performers well by this point in the show. But now they’re all dressed alike and moving in unison as one chorus line. The director, Michael Bennett, hoped that audiences would leave feeling like these people deserved more than the chorus line.As we watch those famous high kicks as the show comes to a close, they maybe supporting actors to that audience, but to us they’ll always be the stars.
