Top 20 Iconic Broadway Dance Numbers
#20: “The Room Where It Happens”
Top 10 Iconic Broadway Dance Numbers
“Hamilton” Every generation has its groundbreaking musical. In the 2010s, that was “Hamilton.” A significant part of its legacy is owed to choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. When he reinterpreted Lin-Manuel Miranda’s words as movement, the results were magnetic. If you watch the ensemble during “Yorktown,” you’ll see that their actions narrate the story and the lyrics (xref). Blankenbuehler also divulged that “The Room Where It Happens” was one of the more challenging numbers. However it was his favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. It's one of the show's jazzier numbers and a total showstopper that sets the tone for the remainder of the story and Burr’s mindset. Watching these dances in “The Room Where It Happens” is an unrivaled experience.
#19: “Turkey Lurkey Time”
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“Promises, Promises” Originally choreographed by Michael Bennett, this underrated gem takes place at the office holiday party where three employees perform for their colleagues. It was a late addition to the production after their initial act one finale flopped during the out-of-town tryouts in Boston. Bennett reworked the number into this fun, high-energy routine that really keeps its performers and the audience on their toes. Apparently, it was quite challenging to learn, thanks partly to its ever-quickening pace. But the performers dance with such vigor and joy that you’d never be able to tell how difficult it was. It was fun, silly, cheeky, and jaw-dropping all at once. The number more than earned its status as an iconic Broadway dance.
#18: “You Can't Stop the Beat”
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“Hairspray” “You Can’t Stop the Beat” is undoubtedly among musical theater’s most joy-inducing, uplifting, and rambunctious finales. It marks the time where the whole cast comes together to celebrate a new era, togetherness, and acceptance. Strong messages like that certainly deserve cheerful choreography that goes harder than many other finales. As more people join the dance, the scene becomes bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful. Seeing the ensemble unite to bring the number home is so satisfying and utterly thrilling. You know a dance is extraordinary if even the Von Tussles can’t resist joining in. We can’t make it through this scene without grinning from ear to ear. Now, that’s how you end a show.
#17: “Electricity”
“Billy Elliot” This coming-of-age musical about a young kid who discovers his love of dance more than delivers on unforgettable dance sequences. Billy’s “Angry Dance” (xref) is incredibly powerful. Additionally, his “Expressing Yourself” duet with Michael is joyous (xref). However, the elegant, graceful, and gravity-defying “Electricity” is in a league of its own. Billy combines ballet with gymnastics to relay just how much dancing means to him. That sentiment bursts out of each step and every backflip. Throughout the daring routine, the performer is pushed both physically and emotionally. Billy’s passion for the art form leaves us with chills and a desire to pick up a pair of dance shoes and experience that "Electricity" for ourselves.
#16: “Slap That Bass”
“Crazy For You” Is there anything better than a dance number inspired by the treasured golden age of musicals? That’s exactly what choreographers like Susan Stroman give us whenever shows like “Crazy For You” come back into our lives. While we could name several favorites, “Slap That Bass” is arguably one of the most astonishing and impressive numbers of them all. The title refers to a popular style of music from the early 20th century. However, the performers take things a step further by embodying the instruments. The playfulness and the commitment to the movement puts us in a good mood every time. This creative and high energy choreography truly slaps!
#15: “Shall We Dance”
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“The King and I” Pop quiz: what are the counts for a Polka? If you said one, two, three, you’d be correct! For many musical theater fans, this number is why we know that by heart. “Shall We Dance” marks a new step in Anna’s relationship with the King. Each of them explains exactly what romance means to them. As Anna teaches the King to dance, you can feel the sense that they’re growing closer to each other than ever. It seems like they cover every millimeter of the stage as they glide around together. The upbeat melody, fast-paced steps, and the rising romantic tension make this one of musical theatre’s most recognizable dance moments.
#14: “Big Spender”
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“Sweet Charity” Less is more with Bob Fosse and nothing shows that more than this number from “Sweet Charity.” 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? There are also moments where everything speeds up and our hearts race even faster. By the end of the song, you just might feel like a million bucks.
#13: “Laurey Makes Up Her Mind” [AKA The Dream Ballet]
“Oklahoma!” Did you know that this number may have inspired the Dream Ballet motif itself? Talk about setting the bar high! In “Oklahoma!”, this extended sequence follows Laurey as she grapples with being caught in a complicated love triangle. It’s a visual masterpiece that highlights the incredible talents of its performers while taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. The provocative piece is visually stunning and tragically heartbreaking. Even during its darkest moments, we can’t help but lean forward to ensure we don’t miss any of it. It’s one of the genre’s most affecting moments. Who knew that something so haunting and nightmarish could also be so beautiful?
#12: “Mein Herr”
“Cabaret” Since Bob Fosse is a bonafide dance legend, narrowing down his most iconic routines is nearly impossible. But “Mein Herr” from “Cabaret” is arguably one of his most striking masterpieces. The isolations are breathtaking, the use of chairs is ingenious, and the way he plays with the tempo is stunning. Plus, the core strength required for some of those more awkward positions is insane. The dance celebrates female empowerment by having every single performer own the sensual number with confidence. Fosse was never afraid to experiment or push the envelope when it came to crafting his now world-renowned choreography. Years later, we’re still blown away by the results! It’s so hypnotic, and we’re definitely not “better off without [it].”
#11: The Barn Dance
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“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” Anyone with a penchant for golden age musicals is probably a huge fan of this dance.The spectacular version from the movie is definitely worth highlighting. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like seeing this dance battle play out live on stage. This is partner dancing at its finest! The explosive choreography is ambitious and requires the utmost trust between the pairs. To make things more complicated, the female dancers switch partners throughout. Not only do you have to be a stellar dancer, but the stamina, athleticism, and flexibility required are next level. This timeless number still continues to stun today.
#10: Ballet Sequence
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“An American in Paris” 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: “Anything Goes”
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“Anything Goes” Imagine if all of high society shared gossip with a side of energetic tap dance. This number playfully pokes fun at various scandals from the Depression era. Since it has such a catchy melody, we’re practically compelled to tap our toes. The ensemble, led by Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, launches into an animated dance break that rocks harder than a ship on a stormy night. The leading actress is also expected to still have enough breath to keep dancing and belt out those money notes. While you’ll need to be in top form to pull this one off, success means you’re part of a total showstopper that has rightfully gone down in Broadway history.
#8: The Jellicle Ball
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#7:“Step in Time”
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#6:“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’.
#5: “Audition”
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“42nd Street” 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
#4:“The Bottle Dance”
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“Fiddler on the Roof” 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.
#3: “Cell Block Tango”
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“Chicago” “All That Jazz” perfectly sets up the musical’s tone (xref). However, “Chicago’s” big showstopper is hands down “Cell Block Tango.” During the number, the six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail recount the events that landed them behind bars. They do so with some of the most sultry and powerful choreography to ever hit the stage. While every woman gets her chance to shine, the moment they all come together is the embodiment of empowerment. Of course, thanks to the magic of cinema, the 2002 film version took this to a class of its own. But, without its stage predecessors and Fosse’s one-of-a-kind choreography, that would’ve never been possible. We can’t be the only ones who dreamt of appearing in this number, right?
#2: “The Dance at the Gym”
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“West Side Story” 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. But that isn’t the only high energy number we love from the show. The sharks and their friends more than deliver in the iconic “America” dance scene too. (xref) Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Shaking the Blues Away,” “Holiday Inn”
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“Everybody Say Yeah,” “Kinky Boots”
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“Too Darn Hot,” “Kiss Me, Kate”
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“Whipped Into Shape,” “Legally Blonde: The Musical”
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“Time Warp,” “The Rocky Horror Show”
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#1:“One” (Reprise)
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“A Chorus Line” From the opening scene, “A Chorus Line” promises the finest dance sequences filled with passion, vigor and ambitious choreography we’d never dare to try. And, the show-stopper finale is indeed a singular sensation and a thrilling combination too. 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 may be supporting actors to that audience, but to us they’ll always be the stars.
