Top 10 Greatest Broadway Dancers of All Time
#10: Robert Fairchild
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An apprentice and later principal dancer of the “New York City Ballet,” Robbie Fairchild was approached by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon following a tap dancing performance and asked if he could sing. Roughly a year later, he was following in his idol Gene Kelly’s footsteps and starring as Jerry Mulligan in a musical adaptation of “An American in Paris” that focused on ballet more than any other dance styles. The role earned him a Tony nomination. His hypnotic talents and those of his co-star Leanne Cope, helped bridge the gap between the two genres and bring audiences something fresh and exciting. Evidently, Fairchild got bitten by the musical theater bug, going on to star in shows like “A Chorus Line, ” “Oklahoma!” and “Brigadoon.”
#9: Ariana DeBose
From “So You Think You Can Dance” to the Great White Way, DeBose made her Broadway debut in the impressively energetic “Bring It On: The Musical” in 2011. Perhaps you were lucky enough to see her strut her stuff in “Motown: The Musical,” “Pippin,” or “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” However, for many of us, her role as The Bullet in “Hamilton” cemented her as one to watch. Her ability to deliver such a deep and intricate narrative through movement alone is next level. If that isn’t talent, we don’t know what is! Of course, it paved the way for more dance-centric roles on stage and screen.
#8: Michael Kidd
Kidd is probably best known for choreographing numbers that could leave even the most athletic dancer gasping for air — “Barn Dance” from “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” anyone? However, he also had quite an extensive career on the stage. Kidd danced ballet with the “Lincoln Kirstein’s Ballet Caravan,” later becoming a soloist for what’s now known as the “American Ballet Theatre.” Some notable titles include “Fancy Free,” “Interplay,” and the title role in “Billy the Kid.” As a choreographer, he was typically drawn to shows where movement is integral to storytelling, as in ballet. Look, we’re just saying you don’t become the first choreographer to win five Tony Awards for nothing!
#7: Sutton Foster
This star of stage and screen is one of the most impressive triple threats of the modern era. And it’s not just that she’s a skillful dancer, which of course she is; it’s that she often seems to opt for roles with the most ambitious choreography. Apparently, even Jonathan Groff was blown away by her turn in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” And we can’t be the only ones still trying to catch our breaths after seeing her play Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes,” right? Then there’s “Sweet Charity,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Music Man,” and more! Sutton might not want to “Show Off,” but she’s a powerhouse performer and a force to be reckoned with.
#6: Chita Rivera
“West Side Story”’, “Chicago” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” are just three Broadway musicals in which this actress originated roles, making Chita Rivera rightly deserving of celebration! This legend knows how to work the spotlight, captivate audiences and elevate all her roles into a league of their own. After all, countless incredible actresses have followed in her footsteps, yet Rivera's portrayals still shine as brightly as always. She cemented herself as one of Broadway’s best entertainers thanks to her skills, confidence, and charm. The passion and unique flair she brings to the stage is practically unrivaled. We imagine her name will be "on everybody's lips" for generations to come.
#5: Jerome Robbins
We know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Jerome Robbins the guy behind “ West Side Story,” “The King and I,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and others? Yes! But like Michael Kidd, he started his dance career in ballet and spent several years as a soloist for what’s now called the “American Ballet Theatre.” During that time, he played Hermes in “Helen of Troy,” Petrouchka in the ballet of the same name, Benvolio in “Romeo and Juliet,” and more. “Fancy Free,” a comedy ballet incorporating social dances, was his brainchild and loosely inspired his first Broadway show, “On the Town.” Robbins was often acclaimed for his contemporary and pioneering approach to the classical dance genre.
#4: Ann Reinking
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When Bob Fosse considers someone his muse, you know they’re something special! Starting her career in the ensemble, Reinking’s gripping stage presence piqued the dance giant’s attention, launching her career as an all-singing, all-dancing leading lady. The chance to take on Gwen Verdon’s role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago” brought her to public attention, after which she amassed stage credits in shows like “Sweet Charity,” “Fosse,” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” Reinking was so charming that she could effortlessly draw audiences in with a simple shoulder shimmy. She held our attention with intricate isolations, striking angular shaping, and impressive high kicks. In the late 90s and early 00s, she choreographed revivals of “Chicago” and “Fosse,” winning a Tony and Olivier Award, respectively. Now that’s a satisfying full-circle moment!
#3: Ann Miller
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Miller became well-known for her speedy tap dancing. In fact, it was widely believed that she could do 500 taps per minute. While that was seemingly just a PR spin, her mark on the dance world is indelible. Miller started her career as a showgirl aged 13 and was reportedly spotted by Lucille Ball and Benny Rubin. This encounter led to her signing on with RKO. Her performances in “Easter Parade” and “Kiss Me, Kate” are indeed iconic. She also brought her magnetic skills to the stage in shows like “Can-Can,” “Hello, Dolly!”, “Anything Goes” and “Sugar Babies.” All of Miller’s performances overflow with talent, charm, and class.
#2: Gwen Verdon
It was Bob Fosse who said. And who are we to argue with him? Indeed, Verdon is considered by many as the GOAT of Broadway dance. She effortlessly enchanted audiences in her breakthrough role in Cole Porter’s “Can-Can” in 1953— reportedly much to the frustration of the show’s star, Lilo, a French Prima Donna. Verdon’s also the OG Lola from “Damn Yankees,” Charity Hope Valentine in “Sweet Charity,” and Roxie Hart in “Chicago.” Apparently, she would also creatively collaborate with Fosse on occasion. Their daughter Nicole even stated that her mother’s extensive dance background may have influenced her father’s choreography. They were an iconic duo. Still, Verdon’s allure, sparkle, and skill are hard to come by today.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Jack Cole
The Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance Appeared in “Kismet,” “Man of la Mancha” & More
Liza Minnelli
This Triple Threat Won Her 1st Tony at 19 for “Flora the Red Menace”
Ephraim Sykes
“Newsies,” “Hamilton,” “Ain’t Too Proud”: This Actor Is One to Watch
Tony Yazbeck
Bringing All the Razzle Dazzle in “On the Town,” “Chicago,” “Oklahoma!” Etc.
Donna McKechnie
The Tony Winner Performed in “A Chorus Line,” “Sweet Charity,” “Annie Get Your Gun” & Others
#1: Bob Fosse
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Bob Fosse, the director, and choreographer, has been honored endlessly— deservedly of course! But, we’re here to celebrate Bob Fosse, the performer. He started his professional career aged 13, touring as part of the Vaudevillian duo “The Riff Brothers.” He signed on with MGM in 1953 and appeared in several movies, but his heart was seemingly in the theater. Fosse amassed theater credits in shows like “Call Me Mister,” “Make Mine Manhattan,” and “Billion Dollar Baby.” In 1952 he was the understudy for Joey in “Pal Joey,” and in 1963, he returned to the role, this time as the star. If we could travel back in time, we’d definitely want to see this dancing giant bring his magic to life!
