What Styles of Dance Are in Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Musical theatre is a form of theatre that combines song, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. It is a popular genre of theatre that can be seen in many different countries around the world. The styles of dance used in musical theatre vary greatly depending on the type of show.

Tap Dancing: Tap dancing is a style of dance that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It involves rhythmically tapping out patterns with the feet to create music. This type of dance is often used in musicals to create a lighthearted and fun atmosphere.

Ballet: Ballet is a style of classical dance that has been around since the 16th century. It requires grace, poise and control as dancers move about the stage executing intricate steps and formations set to music. In musicals, ballet is used to convey emotion and romanticism, as well as provide comic relief or even spectacle.

Jazz: Jazz is a style of dance that was developed in the early 20th century in America. It consists of quick footwork and sharp body isolations set to upbeat music. Jazz dancing usually has an energetic feel to it and can be used to liven up scenes or add some comic relief to musicals.

Contemporary: Contemporary dance is a style which developed during the mid-20th century combining elements from various other styles such as jazz and ballet. Contemporary dancers often use improvisation techniques which can help them create unique movements on their own rather than following strict choreography like other styles do. In musicals this style can be used to express strong emotions or tell stories without words.

Conclusion: Musical theatre incorporates many different styles of dance into its shows including tap dancing, ballet, jazz and contemporary dance among others. Each style has its own unique qualities which make them ideal for conveying different emotions or creating comedic moments on stage within musicals.