Dance in Musical Theatre Overview

A style of dance where the steps are performed together by a group, but each individual dancer brings their own unique character and physicality to the movement.

The use of movement and body language to convey emotions, characters, and events.

The opening song in Come From Away, which introduces the characters, the setting, and the historical event of 9/11.

The small town in Newfoundland that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers after the 9/11 attacks.

The use of dance to reflect the values and spirit of a community.

Musical Theatre Dance is a distinct genre with its own recognizable characteristics and role. It is a unique blend of movement, storytelling, and expression.

The body in motion—through dance—creates a powerful emotional connection between performers and audiences. This connection adds new layers of meaning to the overall performance.

Musical Theatre Dance is not just for entertainment; it serves as a reflection of current social and political issues, helping us better understand our place in the world.

Musical Theatre Dance often gets overlooked in reviews. The focus tends to be on the script, score, singing, and acting, with dance being mentioned briefly or not at all.

This book encourages readers to learn how to analyze and understand the meaning of the body's movements in musical theatre. It aims to empower individuals to see and appreciate the essential role of dance within this genre.

The way dance integrates different styles and influences, creating a unique blend of movement, for example, combining tap dance elements with folk dance rhythms.

The use of minimal movements, like shoulder rolls or foot stomps, that occur repeatedly in time with the music, building in intensity as the song progresses.

The use of movement and bodily posture to express the character's identity, emotions, and connection to their environment, without relying on dialogue.

Dance that reflects the values, culture, and spirit of a specific community, like the islanders of Newfoundland.

A dance style that emphasizes a sense of heaviness and groundedness, often with bent knees and weight distributed evenly across the foot.

The use of dance to build excitement, tension, or emotional impact within a musical theatre piece.

A dance that involves multiple performers moving together in a coordinated way, often forming specific patterns or shapes.

The art of analyzing and understanding the meaning and purpose of dance within a musical theatre production.

Looking for the connections between the dance and other elements of a musical, like the script, music, and costumes, to deepen your understanding of the story.

The use of dance as a way to transition from a solo performance to a larger ensemble, often accompanied by musical changes like additional voices or harmonies.

When dancers start a movement phrase a few counts after one another, creating a staggered effect.

The practice of reviving musicals, particularly popular on Broadway, leading to interesting changes and interpretations.

Revivals often feature different choreography due to changing times and social context, making it a flexible element of production.

Analyzing choreography in revivals can reveal societal shifts and the challenges new choreographers face when adapting a classic production.

The influence of past choreographers' work casts a shadow on new productions, sometimes creating a contrast between old and new styles.

Broadway dance, especially jazz dance, can be a powerful tool for expressing emotions and telling stories.

The choice of having dancers enter one after another can show their similarities while highlighting individual differences.

Analyzing the choreography in revivals can lead to a deeper understanding of what movement can achieve in theatre.

Different interpretations of revivals can provide insights into social changes, cultural influences, and the challenges of adapting classic productions.

Recognizing the historical roots of familiar dance moves can help us understand their meaning and cultural context in musical theatre.

Dance in musical theatre is more than just entertainment; it reflects social and political issues, offering a powerful way for audiences to connect with the stories and characters.

The way dance is used, the steps, and the body language can create meaning and communicate emotions, even without words.

Rudolf Laban's movement notation system allows for analyzing the quality of movement, even when the specific steps are unknown.

Stereotypes and conventions often influence choices made in musical theatre choreography, sometimes in problematic ways.

A movement's meaning can be shaped by its cultural context and history, making it important to explore these factors when analyzing dance.

Traditional ways of portraying gender roles in dance are changing in musical theatre, reflecting a shift towards representing diverse communities.

By understanding the meaning behind dance in musical theatre, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the storytelling power and cultural impact of this art form.

Musical theatre dance is a unique art form that requires careful analysis and interpretation to fully appreciate its complexity and impact.