Come for the songs, stay for the dance numbers. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the dance numbers that have come to define Broadway over the years.
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00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the dance numbers that
00:12have come to define Broadway over the years.
00:15While our focus is on stage performances, we'll also be considering dances that have
00:19been adapted from screen to stage.
00:32Number 30.
00:33Steam Heat, The Pajama Game.
00:45In this musical about labor tensions and romance at a pajama factory, Steam Heat, choreographed
00:51by then-newbie Bob Fosse, stands out as one of its most show-stopping moments.
00:56Fosse's signature style, bowler hats and all, is on full display, perfectly syncing
01:01the moves with the workers' frustrations.
01:10Sure, the dance momentarily pulls us away from the plot, yet this shift still seamlessly
01:20blends with the storyline.
01:22With each sharp, almost mechanical step, the dancers embody the workers' sense of being
01:26mere cogs in the production line.
01:36Yet the more they get into the dance, the more they become one with the rhythm, marking
01:41an important transition in the mindset of the employees.
01:44Number 29.
01:46Whipped Into Shape, Legally Blonde, The Musical.
01:57Act 2 opens on Exhibit A, Brooke Windham's exercise video.
02:02We don't think Brooke stops moving for even a second for most of the number.
02:06Still, of course, the most impressive part is the incredible synchronized jumpropography.
02:13Seriously, how do they keep up that energy level and still have enough breath to do it?
02:27Unbelievable.
02:29As we transition to the correctional facility, the steps only become more demanding.
02:33Jerry Mitchell sure whipped this cast into shape.
02:36His choreography is pure genius, pushing the cast to new heights of creativity and athleticism.
02:42In fact, we find him and the entire ensemble guilty of blowing our minds.
02:57Number 28.
02:58Born To Hand Jive, Grease.
03:13This number begins innocently enough with the high schoolers performing the titular
03:16hand jive, what would have been a viral dance in the 50s if they had social media back then.
03:26It comprises basic hand gestures anyone can do, whether front and center on the dance
03:30floor or sitting in the bleachers.
03:32However, the next portion, though still pretty iconic, looks like it was choreographed by
03:37a group of raging teenage hormones.
03:40Perhaps this number is best remembered for Sandy and Danny's dance floor takeover and
03:44how Cha-Cha abruptly commandeers it.
03:47Yes, there's plenty of drama on the dance floor.
03:55But the energy is electric, and we're here for it.
04:16Number 27.
04:17A Brand New Day, The Wiz.
04:31No stage adaptation of The Wiz can hit the mark without tipping its hat to Louis Johnson's
04:36unforgettable choreography from the 1978 movie.
04:40Seriously, that infectious, joyous beat will get you on your feet faster than Dorothy can
04:44throw a bucket of water over Eveline.
04:46Yep, that's the scene.
04:48Dorothy just knocked out the Wicked Witch, and now it's time for some celebration.
04:53With a blend of funk, soul, gospel, disco, and a dash of musical theater magic, Brand
04:58New Day captures the sheer joy and hope of our characters as they embrace a fresh start.
05:03If you're not up and dancing along by the end, are you sure you were even watching?
05:17Number 26.
05:25We'll Take a Glass Together, Grand Hotel.
05:37Welcome to the Grand Hotel, where the 1920s roar with the hustle and bustle of its wealthy
05:41patrons.
05:42In this electrifying number, Otto Kringerlein and Baron Felix von Geigern revel in Otto's
05:48newfound stock market success, thanks to the Baron's guidance.
05:52The choreography perfectly captures the whimsy of the scene.
05:55Michael Jeter's portrayal of Otto in the original 1989 Broadway cast remains iconic.
06:01The way he throws himself into the dance is nothing short of breathtaking.
06:15His legs seem to defy gravity, dancing in a way that looks almost otherworldly.
06:20While there have been numerous renditions of this dance over the years, this is the
06:24one etched into our memories.
06:37Number 25.
06:38Too Darn Hot, Kiss Me Kate.
06:48An unforgettable rendition of this number must be scorching hot.
06:52Hanya Holm's original choreography practically demands it.
06:56Warren Carlyle's 2019 choreo is also noteworthy for the amazing way it tells a whole second
07:01story just through dance moves.
07:16In most versions, the dance builds up like a pressure cooker, just heating up more and
07:21more as the music picks up.
07:23When it finally lets loose with that dance break, it's like the lid coming off and
07:27all that built-up energy bursting out.
07:29Trust us, it is one fiery performance.
07:43Can someone turn up the AC?
07:44Or better yet, get us a fire extinguisher because this dance is just too darn hot.
07:50Number 24.
07:52Singin' in the Rain, Singin' in the Rain.
08:06Gene Kelly's iconic choreography from the classic 1952 film sets the bar high.
08:12So naturally, any stage adaptation will want to pay homage to it.
08:16Just because it's live theater, don't think there won't be any thrashing about in puddles
08:20or plenty of singin' and dancin' in the rain.
08:37Like Kelly's Don, the stage actors exude childlike joy, blending jazzy and balletic moves.
08:43It's almost like seeing the film scene come to life on stage.
08:46The ensemble then floods the stage with a joyous routine, complete with more umbrella-ography.
08:59You'll want a front row seat to soak up all its glory.
09:02Just don't forget your raincoat.
09:04You'll thank us later.
09:06Number 23.
09:08Matilda the Musical.
09:18Once Miss Trunchbull has been run out of school, all eyes turn to revolting children.
09:23The choreography brilliantly captures the song's rebellious spirit as the kids reclaim
09:27their power and declare war on anyone who dares cross them again.
09:31Peter Darling's choreography, full of sharp and snappy moves with a hint of Broadway flair,
09:36fits the lyrics like pieces of a puzzle.
09:53The performance's energy is so infectious, it feels like it's calling out to us to join
09:58the revolt.
09:59It's no wonder Darling's talent got him noticed by multiple award academics and earned him
10:03an Olivier Award.
10:05He also choreographed the film adaptation, which sparked a viral TikTok trend.
10:18Number 22.
10:19Hot Honey Rag, Chicago.
10:33Hot Honey Rag closes Chicago with a bang.
10:36The choreography screams Bob Fosse with its sharp angles, intricate isolations, and smooth
10:42transitions, all wrapped up in that classic flapper style.
10:45Visually, it's just stunning and instantly recognizable.
10:52Plus, the playful, flirtatious vibe between the characters really adds to the charm.
11:02Hot Honey Rag has been performed countless times both on stage and in the 2002 film adaptation.
11:08Each rendition brings its own edge, but the core remains the same.
11:20It's feisty, sexy, graceful, and just a joy to watch.
11:24The dancers make it look so effortless that we want to grab a friend and jump right in.
11:42Number 21.
11:44Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show.
11:57If we said, it's just a jump to the left, you'd probably respond,
12:01Yep, few show tunes achieve the status of a cultural phenomenon quite like this one.
12:08While mastering most routines on this list seems like a far off dream,
12:12this one demands nothing more than knowing your left from your right.
12:15Plus, the lyrics provide all the instructions you need.
12:33In fact, during film screenings and live performances, audiences are encouraged to get up and dance
12:39along.
12:40It's all just a quirky, playful, and over-the-top bit of fun,
12:43and a hilarious send-up of similarly themed tracks.
12:46We don't think we'll ever tire of doing the Time Warp again.
12:58Number 20.
12:59Room Where It Happens, Hamilton.
13:15Every generation has its groundbreaking musical.
13:18In the 2010s, that was Hamilton.
13:20A significant part of its legacy is owed to choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.
13:25When he reinterpreted Lin-Manuel Miranda's words as movement, the results were magnetic.
13:41If you watch the ensemble during Yorktown, you'll see that their actions narrate the
13:45story and the lyrics.
13:47Blankenbuehler also divulged that the Room Where It Happens was one of the more challenging
13:51numbers.
13:52However, it was his favorite, and it's not hard to see why.
13:55It's one of the show's jazzier numbers, and a total showstopper that sets the tone for
13:59the remainder of the story and Burr's mindset.
14:03Watching these dances in the Room Where It Happens is an unrivaled experience.
14:17Number 19.
14:18Turkey Lurkey Time, Promises Promises.
14:33Originally choreographed by Michael Bennett, this underrated gem takes place at the office
14:37holiday party where three employees perform for their colleagues.
14:41It was a late addition to the production after their initial Act 1 finale flopped during
14:45the out-of-town tryouts in Boston.
14:47Bennett reworked the number into this fun, high-energy routine that really keeps its
14:52performers and the audience on their toes.
14:55Especially Michael Bennett's work was, in this piece, was really breaking ground, because
15:02he really started doing that seamless thing, you know, the musical interludes.
15:08And all of this was justifiable.
15:10Apparently it was quite challenging to learn, thanks partly to its ever-quickening pace.
15:16But the performers danced with such vigor and joy that you'd never be able to tell
15:20how difficult it was.
15:22It was fun, silly, cheeky, and jaw-dropping all at once.
15:26The number more than earned its status as an iconic Broadway dance.
15:41Number 18.
15:42You Can't Stop the Beat – Hairspray
15:56You Can't Stop the Beat is undoubtedly among musical theater's most joy-inducing, uplifting,
16:01and rambunctious finales.
16:03It marks the time where the whole cast comes together to celebrate a new era, togetherness,
16:08and acceptance.
16:16Strong messages like that certainly deserve cheerful choreography that goes harder than
16:20many other finales.
16:22As more people join the dance, the scene becomes bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful.
16:27Seeing the ensemble unite to bring the number home is so satisfying and utterly thrilling.
16:32You know a dance is extraordinary if even the von Tussles can't resist joining in.
16:46We can't make it through this scene without grinning from ear to ear.
16:49Now THAT is how you end a show.
17:05Number 17.
17:06Electricity – Billy Elliot
17:20This coming-of-age musical about a young kid who discovers his love of dance more than
17:24delivers on unforgettable dance sequences.
17:26Billy's angry dance is incredibly powerful.
17:34Additionally, his expressing-yourself duet with Michael is joyous.
17:43However, the elegant, graceful, and gravity-defying electricity is in a league of its own.
17:49Billy combines ballet with gymnastics to relay just how much dancing means to him.
17:54That sentiment bursts out of each step and every backflip.
17:58Throughout the daring routine, the performer is pushed both physically and emotionally.
18:14Billy's passion for the art form leaves us with chills and a desire to pick up a pair
18:18of dance shoes and experience that electricity for ourselves.
18:23Number 16.
18:24Slap That Bass – Crazy For You
18:39Is there anything better than a dance number inspired by the treasured golden age of musicals?
18:44That's exactly what choreographers like Susan Stroman give us whenever shows like
18:48Crazy For You come back into our lives.
18:50While we could name several favorites, Slap That Bass is arguably one of the most astonishing
18:55and impressive numbers of them all.
18:57The title refers to a popular style of music from the early 20th century.
19:09However, the performers take things a step further by embodying the instruments.
19:18The playfulness and the commitment to the movement puts us in a good mood every time.
19:22This creative and high-energy choreography truly slaps.
19:36Number 15.
19:37Shall We Dance – The King and I
19:39Pop quiz.
19:40What are the counts for a polka?
19:41If you said 1-2-3-and, you're probably a big fan of this show.
19:57For many musical theater fans, we can't hear this song without filling in those counts.
20:02Shall We Dance marks a new step in Anna's relationship with the king.
20:06They both explain exactly what romance means to them.
20:09As Anna teaches the king to dance, you can feel the sense that they're growing closer
20:13to each other than ever.
20:24It seems like they cover every square inch of the stage as they glide around together.
20:28The upbeat melody, fast-paced steps, and the rising romantic tension make this one of musical
20:34theater's most recognizable dance moments.
20:49Number 14.
20:50Big Spender – Sweet Charity
20:59This is more with Bob Fosse, and nothing shows that more than this number from Sweet
21:04Charity.
21:05In this scene, the dance hostesses are trying to entice their clients, and every tiny isolation
21:10speaks volumes.
21:23The song is set to a slow beat, which is meant to give us a striptease vibe.
21:27And every tiny movement draws us in closer and closer.
21:31And after all, isn't that the point?
21:34There are also moments where everything speeds up and our hearts race even faster.
21:38By the end of the song, you just might feel like a million bucks, just in time to enjoy
21:43Rich Man's Frug with New York's Elite at the Pompeii Club.
21:56Number 13.
21:57Lori Makes Up Her Mind, aka Dream Ballet – Oklahoma
22:14Did you know that this number may have inspired the Dream Ballet motif itself?
22:18Talk about setting the bar high.
22:20Dreams of anxiety are not like a circus, they're full of horror and ominous doom and
22:30so forth.
22:31In Oklahoma, this extended sequence follows Lori as she grapples with being caught in
22:35a complicated love triangle.
22:37It's a visual masterpiece that highlights the incredible talents of its performers while
22:42taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.
22:45The provocative piece is visually stunning and tragically heartbreaking.
22:54Even during its darkest moments, we can't help but lean forward to ensure we don't
22:58miss any of it.
22:59It's one of the genre's most affecting moments.
23:02Who knew that something so haunting and nightmarish could also be so beautiful?
23:08Number 12.
23:09Mine Hair – Cabaret
23:21Since Bob Fosse is a bonafide dance legend, narrowing down his most iconic routines is
23:26nearly impossible.
23:28But Mine Hair from Cabaret is arguably one of his most striking masterpieces.
23:44The isolations are breathtaking, the use of chairs is ingenious, and the way he plays
23:49with the tempo is stunning.
23:51Plus, the core strength required for some of those more awkward positions is insane.
23:56The dance celebrates female empowerment by having every single performer own the sensual
24:01number with confidence.
24:02Fosse was never afraid to experiment or push the envelope when it came to crafting his
24:06now world-renowned choreography.
24:09Years later, we're still blown away by the results.
24:12It's so hypnotic and we're definitely not better off without it.
24:24Number 11.
24:25The Barn Dance – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
24:35Anyone with a penchant for golden age musicals is probably a huge fan of this dance.
24:53The spectacular version from the movie is definitely worth highlighting.
24:57But at the end of the day, there's nothing quite like seeing this dance battle play out
25:01live on stage.
25:03This is partner dancing at its finest.
25:11The explosive choreography is ambitious and requires the utmost trust between the pairs.
25:17To make things more complicated, the female dancers switch partners throughout.
25:21Not only do you have to be a stellar dancer, but the stamina, athleticism, and flexibility
25:26required are next level.
25:29This timeless number still continues to stun today.
25:40Number 10.
25:41Play Sequence – An American in Paris
25:57You could hardly make a list about iconic Broadway dances without dedicating at least
26:01one entry to the work of Gene Kelly, Dance Extraordinaire.
26:05Not only did he star in the 1951 Best Picture winner that inspired this stage musical, but
26:10he choreographed the film's elegant, 17-minute long climax.
26:14The dance combines modern ballet with the classic choreography of the glamorous Hollywood
26:18Golden Age, retelling the story of Lisa and Jerry's tumultuous relationship set to the
26:23backdrop of 1940s Paris.
26:37Not only is this dance iconic, but without it, most of our entries wouldn't even exist.
26:43And luckily for us, it made it into the 21st century Broadway version that was adapted
26:47from the film by Christopher Wheldon as well.
27:00Number 9.
27:01Anything Goes – Anything Goes
27:16Imagine if all of high society shared gossip with a side of energetic tap dance.
27:21This number playfully pokes fun at various scandals from the Depression era.
27:25Since it has such a catchy melody, we're practically compelled to tap our toes.
27:29The ensemble, led by nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, launch into an animated dance break
27:34that rocks harder than a ship on a stormy night.
27:46The leading actress is also expected to still have enough breath to keep dancing and belt
27:50out those money notes.
27:52While you'll need to be in top form to pull this one off, success means you're part of
27:57a total showstopper that has rightfully gone down in Broadway history.
28:12Number 8.
28:13The Jellicle Ball – Cats
28:25This is one of the longest-running Broadway musicals, which might come as a surprise considering
28:30it's approximately two hours of people slinking around the stage pretending to be, well, cats.
28:41The late, great Gillian Lynn definitely wasn't kittening around when she choreographed this
28:46difficult stage routine, which is a positively marvelous piece that comes towards the end
28:51of the first act.
28:52We'd apologize for all the puns, but we'd have been barking to miss this perfect opportunity.
29:08Number 7.
29:09Step In Time – Mary Poppins
29:21A song that uses its lyrics as choreography is practically begging you to get up and join
29:25in.
29:26But when you realize it's actually about ten minutes of vigorous choreography, you
29:30may want to leave it to the pros.
29:32However, it's incredible to think that Dick Van Dyke pulled off this high-stamina routine
29:37with no dance background whatsoever.
29:40It's a lively piece that's both magical on screen and on stage.
29:52While we're all out of breath just watching the chimney sweeps, Mary Poppins takes center
29:56stage to show everyone how it's done.
30:05Number 6.
30:07Seize the Day – Newsies
30:14It's certainly impressive watching the cast do their flips and tricks all over the stage.
30:18Fans of the show will be thrilled to know that the show's choreographer, Christopher
30:22Gattelli, released a less acrobatic version of the routine so anyone can get up and dance.
30:27Although you'll still need quite a bit of room.
30:40At this point in the show, the Newsies have decided to take a stand, and their highly
30:44energetic routines reflect their determination to make the world realize that they're here
30:48to stay and ready to seize the day.
30:58Number 5.
30:59Audition – 42nd Street
31:10This is classic Broadway at its finest.
31:13The curtain only rises a little as the show begins, but it's enough to get our attention.
31:18First, we see the dancers' feet, then legs, and so on until you get the full glitz and
31:23glamour of Broadway.
31:35Once the curtain is up, we're whisked away to the world of auditions where everyone is
31:39dancing their hearts out.
31:41Watching these performers dance in unison is stunning, and the sound of tap shoes hitting
31:45the stage in perfect precision is just so satisfying.
31:59Number 4.
32:00The Bottle Dance – Fiddler on the Roof
32:13Although some may assume this is a traditional Jewish folk dance, it actually stemmed from
32:18the mind of choreographer and director Jerome Robbins.
32:21As research for the show, he attended Jewish weddings and festivals and found the way the
32:25men danced rather fascinating.
32:38One man in particular was mimicking a drunk person with a bottle on his head.
32:42This caught Robbins' eye, which ended up inspiring his choreography.
32:46The dance requires incredible levels of precision and perfect unison, and almost makes you want
32:53to try it out for yourself.
33:01Number 3.
33:02Cell Block Tango – Chicago
33:15All that jazz perfectly sets up the musical's tone.
33:22However, Chicago's big showstopper is hands-down Cell Block Tango.
33:32During the number, the six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail recount the events
33:36that landed them behind bars.
33:50They do so with some of the most sultry and powerful choreography to ever hit the stage.
33:56While every woman gets her chance to shine, the moment they all come together is the embodiment
34:01of empowerment.
34:02Of course, thanks to the magic of cinema, the 2002 film version took this to a class
34:07of its own.
34:08But without its stage predecessors and Fosse's one-of-a-kind choreography, that would have
34:13never been possible.
34:15We can't be the only ones who dreamt of appearing in this number, right?
34:28Number 2.
34:29The Dance at the Gym – West Side Story
34:40We're straight away introduced to the Sharks and the Jets in the prologue, with its stunning
34:44ballet-like choreography where dance is used to represent gang rivalry.
34:56Later however, the adults hope to end the rivalry with a dance, but the only people
35:00it brings together are Tony and Maria.
35:11It soon turns into a huge dance-off, and we're all for it.
35:15It's colorful, it's energetic, and if it doesn't make you want to mambo, then we suggest
35:19you go re-watch it when you're done with this video.
35:30But that isn't the only high-energy number we love from the show.
35:33The Sharks and their friends more than deliver in the iconic America Dance scene, too.
35:47Indeed, Jerome Robbins did a phenomenal job with every number, making each moment look
35:54effortlessly cool.
36:07Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
36:11Friend Like Me – Aladdin Director-choreographer Casey Nichola put plenty
36:15of punch, pizzazz, you-who and how into this dance.
36:33Brotherhood of Man – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying A dynamic display of
36:38movements that brilliantly capture the spirit of the lyrics.
36:56The Waiter's Gallop – Hello Dolly Everyone from the choreographers to the dancers
37:00deserves a generous tip for this magnetic dance.
37:19Everybody Say Yeah – Kinky Boots Let us hear you say yeah to how impressive
37:24this number is.
37:37Magic To Do – Pippin A magical way to open a show.
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38:11One Reprise – A Chorus Line From the opening scene, A Chorus Line promises
38:16the finest dance sequences filled with passion, vigor, and ambitious choreography we'd never
38:22dare to try.
38:33And the Showstopper finale is indeed a singular sensation and a thrilling combination, too.
38:46We feel like we know these performers well by this point in the show, but now they're
38:50all dressed alike and moving in unison as one chorus line.
38:54The director, Michael Bennett, hoped that audiences would leave feeling like these people
38:57deserved more than the chorus line.
39:12As we watch those famous high kicks as the show comes to a close, they may be supporting
39:17actors to that audience, but to us, they'll always be the stars.
39:28Which Broadway dance number would you love to perform?
39:30Let us know in the comments.
39:41Do you agree with our picks?
39:43Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
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