Top 10 Broadway Shows with the Best Choreography

You might not expect a show based entirely on Sufjan Stevens songs to be known for its choreography – but this is proof that not all jukebox musicals should be judged by their artists. The story seems simple, following a group of friends as they share tales around a campfire. However, the execution is anything but simple. The director made the bold choice to not have the cast sing their respective songs – instead, he had them act out the lyrics through dance as someone else provided the vocals. The result is a series of captivating and intricate sequences that manage to perfectly convey the lyrics. It was a breath of fresh air amongst other classic performances, proving that the artform still has plenty to offer.

At its best, dance will do much more than simply provide entertainment in a musical. It has the power to set the mood, establish characters, and even help move the story along. “Anything Goes” is a masterclass in all three. The dancing isn’t simply something to go with the lyrics – it helps convey them. Each move has intention behind it, whether they’re simply displaying technical talent or using the artform to explore emotional depth. The seven-minute titular tap-sequence alone is enough to keep audiences at the edge of their seats, closing out the first act in a truly unforgettable way. Although it originally opened in the 1930s, the choreography is still highly acclaimed, with each new iteration having honored it in some way.

Although many forms of dance are represented on stage, ballet is one that usually doesn’t get the spotlight. Many theatrical performances utilize high-energy numbers and moves to keep the audience engaged, but “An American in Paris” went in the opposite direction. Even pieces that seemed purely theatrical are infused with graceful and slightly more subdued dancing, all while still remaining fun for those in the crowd. The juxtaposition of the typically jazzy instrumental alongside the traditional ballet leaves an immediate impression. The choreographer was unafraid of the potential risks, even including multiple dream ballet sequences where the characters perform to wordless songs. The result was something never-before-seen on the stage, maintaining the film’s legacy while also setting itself apart.

Choreography is sometimes used as a vehicle for the character’s emotions. No musical portrays that better than the adaptation of “Billy Elliot.” The stage production builds off the foundation laid down by the original work, elevating the routines and increasing their importance to the overall story. Several different forms of dance were utilized throughout, from tap, to ballet, to gymnastics. The various types help keep the audience on their toes, while showing how important the artform is to the protagonist. The dancing not only allows the viewer into Billy’s psyche, it also works as a contrast to the strike happening alongside it. The interpretation was wildly successful, sweeping that year’s Tonys with ease. And after watching just one performance, it’s clear to see why.

While dance is an extremely beloved and important art form, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. One production where the positives and negatives are equally embraced is “A Chorus Line.” The story centers around a group of dancers auditioning for a musical and completely hinges on the choreography, as it represents not just the plot, but each character as well. Each song allows them to individually describe both their passion for the stage, and the pain it has caused them as a result. The ensemble numbers are quintessential theater, with an underlying competitive vibe and complex moves fit for a real audition. It’s the ultimate example of a show making movement integral to the plot, rather than just including it for visual effect.

By this point, tap dancing is essentially a staple of classic Broadway performances. Some of the most iconic ones incorporate it in some fashion, and “42nd Street” is no exception. The technical aspects of the steps are uncontested, with “Audition” and the title track in particular serving timeless and seemingly effortless moves. However, even more important than the mastery is the emotion behind it. It’s set during the Great Depression, meaning the dancing also had to serve as a form of escapism for the characters. It does that perfectly, injecting the sad circumstances of the story with pure joy. The energetic dances perfectly showcase the importance of the arts in hard times, making it one of the most pertinent shows in theater history.

A show based around a strike requires a certain level of energy to pull off, and this one has it in spades. “Newsies” is centered around a group of newspaper-selling teens protesting their poor working conditions. What better way to portray this than with seemingly gravity-defying moves? With constant leaps, acrobatics, and partner-based work, it is a masterclass in pairing intense choreography with impeccable vocals. The dancing perfectly reflects the plot, firing up the audience and making them root even harder for the heroes. However, it doesn’t overpower the actual story, striking a balance that helped it become a critical and commercial success. It’s perfectly clear why it’s won every dance-based award it’s been nominated for since premiering in 2011.

When thinking of masterfully choreographed shows, this is often one of the first to come to mind. Taking from multiple different cultures, the dancing in “West Side Story” becomes a perfect theatrical melting pot. The larger ensemble numbers are the true standout, where the two groups get to express their intense rivalry through dance alone. What sets it apart from its contemporaries is the method in which dance is utilized. The actors were given more freedom in their movements, adding a sense of realism to the production while allowing them to show off more of their natural talent. This comes through both on the stage and screen, creating an atmosphere that immediately draws the audience in and leaves them wanting more.

It doesn’t get much more iconic than this. Bob Fosse was known as one of the most accomplished choreographers in theater, and for good reason. Seemingly everything he touched turned to gold. Whether he was focusing on a dancer’s allure, like in “Sweet Charity,” or their theatricality, he had a way of infusing magic into each routine. His style comes through best in “Chicago.” The 1920s-inspired sequences had a perfect blend of intricate steps and classic jazzier moves, creating a truly timeless experience that has only gotten better with age. Newer iterations of the show keep the original routines in mind, maintaining Fosse’s legacy while also modernizing it. It’s no wonder it’s become the second-longest running musical in Broadway history.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“MJ the Musical”
The Routines Were Infused with Some of the Legend’s Most Iconic Dance Moves

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical”
The Pop-laden Production Combined Multiple Styles of Dance

“Movin’ Out”
The Unconventional Display Used Choreography to Convey What Words Couldn’t

“Pippin”
Fosse Used Dance to Transform the Traditionally Cute Show into Something Much Darker

“Stomp”
The Intricate Choreography Leaves No Room for Error

While the general reactions to the show are mixed, something that can never be questioned is its choreography. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” is regarded as one of the most technically difficult to hit the stage, and for good reason. There’s a perfect blend of several different movement styles, ranging from jazz to modern. It wasn't enough to just learn the moves, however – the actors also had to be trained in the art of moving like the animal. The effect paid off in spades, creating an illusion that has yet to be matched in contemporary theater. It ended up defying all expectations, becoming England’s first real dance-centered production and changing the way it was viewed in the theater world for good.

Which Broadway show do you think has the most impressive choreography? Let us know in the comments below.