Broadway
Carly Carlos - Cron PE AAII Fall 2 2014
History
George Balanchine was one of the earliest recognized choreographers of Broadway dance history, having created the 1936 edition of Ziegfeld Follies. While Balanchine handled the ballet aspects of the production, it was another choreographer - Robert Alton - who brought forth the first modern dances, which still closely resemble many pieces performed by New York stage dancers today.
After Balanchine, those trained in theatrical art dance began to try their hand at choreography. Gower Champion is one notable choreographer who won a Tony Award for his impressive dance theatre contributions in 1949. These more unconventional creators of musical art were known as "gypsies" within the theatre world, and soon they were dominating the market with their imaginative ideas and successful productions.
Many consider the greatest gypsy of all to be Bob Fosse, who developed a new style of Broadway dance that is still cherished and upheld today by many theatre troupes around the world. He revolutionized Broadway dance history by creating unconventional movements and creatively using body parts in ways never attempted before. Today the Fosse style is most easily recognized by his immortal usage of props, - canes, top hats, and gloves - and is also noted for its provocative approach to the arts. Fosse didn't shy away from incorporating sexuality into his routines, and this is especially noted in famous pieces found in plays such as Sweet Charity and The Pajama Game."
Warta, Tamara. "Broadway Dance History." LoveToKnow. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2015. <http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Broadway_Dance_History>.