Journal
EK17
MUSTREADTHISWEEKSCOURSECONTENT2.docxHistory of Broadway Dance: Course Introduction
Copyright © 2010
In this course, we will explore the evolution of dance in musical theatre and on Broadway, viewing significant events and issues in American history from the vantage point of the Broadway stage. "Nothing in the American musical theater has been more inaccessible to its public than the record of its dance tradition" (Kislan, p. vii). Books documenting the history of musical theater often neglect to mention dance or to give dance its rightful credit for contributing to the success of the musical. Together, we will explore the ephemeral world of Broadway dance.
Rod McKuen, Mark Arvin, Elizabeth Parkinson and Scott Fowler in Movin' Out
Photo: Joan Marcus (n.d.)
Dance is prominent in almost every musical currently on the Broadway stage. Its role varies. In some musicals, it provides a way of, literally, moving a plot along. In others, such as In the Heights and the revival of West Side Story, dance is used as a visual heartbeat, an outward expression of internal angst, joy and grief.
In the past fifteen years, many musicals have been produced that feature dance as the central star of the show. The prominence of dance marks a high point in the evolution of the role of dance on Broadway, reflecting the values of the audience. America's fitness obsession is reflected in the lithe, athletic dancers who inhabit the stage. Broadway dance today certainly reflects America's push towards greater appreciation of cultural diversity.
Throughout history, dance has enabled the creative artists of the Broadway community to push the boundaries of social mores. On stage, performers are able to embody extremes--extreme sexuality, extreme emotional expression and extreme comments on the social order--all while being extremely entertaining! Audiences to not attend musicals to see that which is common or average. They expect to be moved in some way by the time the final curtain has closed. Dance fulfills this expectation through the universal language of movement. The success or failure of this endeavor can be immediately assessed by ticket sales.
Behind the pulse of the music and the shimmer of the costume is the Broadway dancer, a living being like no other. Dancing on Broadway requires prowess, athleticism, sweat, tears, and often physical and mental therapy.
In an interview, Tommy Tune--a Broadway dancer who later went on to direct and choreograph musicals--talked about the life of the Broadway dancer:
Broadway dancers are different from any other kind of dancer in that they have to amalgamate character, vocal prowess, and dance and they have to do it eight times a week. Broadway is blue-collar work from the star to the least working chorus member, who dances in the back. We sweat for a living. That’s just the truth of it. We put on our uniforms, we get out on that stage, and we work as a team to win every night. To get the ball in the basket every night, because it’s no good that we got one in last night--we have to do it tonight. That’s tough, because in any sport, if you pull a muscle or something then you sit that game out. That doesn’t work on Broadway. You have to show up; it’s a life commitment. It’s something that either you have inside of you or maybe you should go sell hamburgers instead, because it’s not for sissies--contrary to popular belief. It’s hard, hard work, but you do it because you have to do it otherwise you’ll implode. (Kantor, 2004, p. 370)
As we move through the course, we will study many dance videos, searching for clues to tie the dance to its current society and answer questions such as...
Why was this dance called "revolutionary"?
The Dream Ballet! -James Mitchell, Shirley Jones, Bambi Lynn
(2011)
How is this dance connected to U.S. history?
Whiteys Lindy Hoppers .. Hellzapoppin.
(2010)
And what the heck were these two doing?
Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon in Damn Yankees - Who's Got the Pain
