Broadway choreography doesn't get harder than this. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most jaw-droppingly challenging displays of physical storytelling on the Great White Way.
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00:04Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most jaw-droppingly challenging displays of physical storytelling on the Great White Way.
00:13While we think dances like Bar and Dance from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers are extraordinary,
00:18we've limited our list to choreography that began on or was created for the stage.
00:3030. Backstage Romance – Moulin Rouge
00:51This Act 2 opener goes hard, pulling audiences back into the intoxicating energy and captivating chaos of the Parisian cabaret,
00:59clocking in at roughly five and a half minutes, Backstage Romance is a frenetic display of movement that never lets up.
01:14If that's not hard enough, since it's composed of a medley of tracks, each section has its own rhythm and aesthetics.
01:21Choreographer Sonia Taya came up with moves that feel sharp and cutting, but also incredibly seductive,
01:27almost like a reflection of the love affairs taking place in the wings.
01:38It ignites with sparks of desire and explodes in a flurry of raw power, while always pushing the boundaries of physical expression.
01:4529. Everybody Say Yeah – Kinky Boots
02:07We never thought we'd see conveyor belts used as a catwalk or dance platform until we saw Kinky Boots.
02:12It's one of the show's most exciting moments as the cast incorporates this moving device into their number.
02:25It's not like they leave them stationary either.
02:28Even without the props, the Angels give us killer moves in heels that we might struggle to stand in, let alone dance.
02:34But those conveyor belts are the real showstoppers.
02:37Imagine the control and athletic stamina needed to not go flying off them.
02:41We wouldn't say yeah to give it a try ourselves, but every time we watch it, we're just as awestruck as the first time.
02:5928. We'll Take a Glass Together – Grand Hotel
03:12Legendary choreographer Tommy Toon was especially ambitious with his vision for this whole musical,
03:18but his work on We'll Take a Glass Together is on another level.
03:22The ensemble barely gets a break, performing a Charleston-style routine non-stop from start to finish.
03:33It might look simple, but try pulling that off for three minutes straight and see if you can even move the next day.
03:40Also, Michael Jeter's legs must be made of something otherworldly because his flexibility is mind-blowing.
03:46The way he throws himself around the stage like he's just taking a casual stroll is incredible.
03:52We'll Take a Glass Together
03:54And we will lift it
03:56To the sky
03:58And as we're lifting it
04:00We will hold it really straight
04:03We'll definitely take a glass to these performers, but we'll do it while sitting down and admiring the pros doing their thing.
04:0927. Nobody – Bandstand
04:22Bandstand is a beautiful musical about war veterans readjusting to civilian life through music.
04:28The performance of Nobody in the club is nothing short of spectacular.
04:32Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler blends ballet, jazz, and swing in a way that perfectly captures the era's dance styles.
04:39The stage bursts with energy, thanks to props sliding around and dancers weaving in and out with flawless precision.
04:45What really blows us away is how Blankenbuehler nails every tiny detail, from footwork to facial expressions.
04:59It's these little touches that make the routine truly stand out.
05:03This is a prime example of how meticulous attention to detail can turn a dance number into something spectacular.
05:1026. Can-Can – Can-Can
05:14While the Can-Can might look playful and carefree, Mountain View is the perfect place to take a break.
05:19That's because the city of Mountain View is the only place where you can find a place that's not overwhelmingly busy.
05:23And if you want to take a short break, you can go to the Peruvian Inn, which is the perfect place for it.
05:28There are even other places you can go, but this is the only time you can take a break.
05:32If you're looking for a relaxing and relaxing time, you'll probably want to check out the Peruvian Inn.
05:36It's a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a snack.
05:39While the can-can might look playful and carefree,
05:42mastering it demands incredible dedication, physical conditioning,
05:46and practice. Those high kicks and splits require serious limberness and core strength.
06:02But it's not just about kicking. There's intricate footwork, spins,
06:06jumps, and skirt-ography, all while keeping up with the music. Even if you're a cardio master,
06:12good luck keeping pace with this. So yes, there's a lot of specialized techniques for a can-can
06:17dancer. Now imagine being a Broadway performer who not only has extensive dance training,
06:21but who also typically sings and dances simultaneously. Only now you're expected
06:26to do all that in the eye of a hurricane. Just thinking about it makes us break into a sweat.
06:3725. The Waiter's Gallop – Hello Dolly
06:52Waiters often have a lot on their plate as it is. Imagine if they also had to think about fast
06:57footwork, impeccable coordination, and performance levels. The Waiter's Gallop is iconic, but it's
07:02also incredibly demanding. Dancers need top-notch stamina, agility, and control as they navigate
07:19the routine, while balancing serving trays, plates, and other culinary props. Some moves
07:24are particularly ambitious, and they often have to move in perfect sync while other things are
07:29happening around them. Yet they make the whole number look joyful and effortlessly energetic.
07:34But don't be fooled, we're out of breath just watching them. Waiter,
07:37we'll take a big glass of water when you're done galloping, please.
07:4124. Our Favorite Son – The Will Rogers Follies
08:04You might be thinking, oh, a dance where everyone's sitting down. I can handle that.
08:08Think again. The dancers pull off all sorts of steps, kicks, and moves that take some serious
08:13timing and coordination. Their leg extensions and synchronized kicks are so impressive,
08:19but they require tons of core strength and flexibility.
08:33It's one thing when everyone's doing the same thing, but when they start alternating moves,
08:37it's both mind-blowing and captivating. The routine really nails the flashy side of politics,
08:43where politicians try to dazzle us with big words to distract from their real agendas.
08:58Indeed, when the whole ensemble moves together, it's absolutely hypnotic.
09:0725. Dream Ballet – Oklahoma
09:24The Oklahoma Dream Ballet is often hailed as a trailblazer in dance, and if so,
09:29it sets the bar incredibly high. Originally choreographed by Agnes DeMille, this lengthy
09:34piece explores Laurie's inner conflict through stunning movement. Putting aside the fact that
09:39this dance spans at least 15 minutes, DeMille did an exceptional job of capturing the character's
09:44relatable anxiety through the medium of dance. Anyone taking on this role needs to be an
09:59exceptional ballet dancer who can also convey deep emotional turmoil and own the stage for
10:04a long stretch. When done right, it's hauntingly beautiful, but if it's off,
10:09it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
10:1222. Electricity – Billy Elliot The Musical
10:37The angry dance is incredible.
10:42However, Billy's dance break in Electricity is just something else. Choreographer Peter Darling,
10:54who also worked on the film, demands incredible technique from his young stars. The routine
10:58contains precise and acrobatic moves that will leave you breathless, yet it must also feel raw
11:04and spontaneous. The idea is that Billy's dancing comes from the heart, and the dancer has to convey
11:09that through body language. Reportedly, the music's rhythm is sometimes adjusted depending
11:22on the performer's abilities. Still, it's a massive challenge for anyone, especially young
11:27actors. The fact that they can pull it off and still have enough breath to finish the song is
11:32truly mind-blowing.
11:3421. Cell Block Tango – Chicago
11:51Meet the seven merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail, each with her own story. In the
11:56staged version originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, these women recount their tales with some
12:01brilliant chair-ography. As anyone familiar with Fosse style knows, even the smallest moves
12:07are incredibly detailed. Every wrist flick, chair stomp, and pose is meticulously choreographed,
12:21making it all look effortless while doing the most is trickier than it seems.
12:25Fosse dancers need extraordinary control and stamina to make it look easy.
12:32Rob Marshall's film version took a different approach that his innovation likely would have
12:39made Fosse proud. And while the hot honey rag looks fun, trust us, you'll end up hot and ragged trying it.
12:4620. The River of Dreams – Keeping the Faith, Only the Good Die Young – Movin' Out
12:50This show is about as dance-heavy as any you'll find on Broadway. In fact, it's not so much a musical
13:20as a concert that's been conceptualized and choreographed by modern dance legend Twyla Tharp.
13:34The production, based on the music of Billy Joel, stars one singer who essentially impersonates Joel
13:40while accompanying himself on the piano. All the other cast members are dancers,
13:45who tell the fictional story through movement.
13:59This medley is packed with difficult, physically demanding, and relentless steps. The dancers jump,
14:06leap, stretch, and lift each other for the better part of the thrilling number,
14:10and they make it all look effortless.
14:1319. Riverdance – Riverdance
14:33You may be wondering why this international blockbuster is on our list. Well, it technically
14:45played on Broadway at Radio City Music Hall in 1996, and at the Gershwin Theatre for over a year
14:51from 2000 to 2001. The show started as interval entertainment during 1994's Eurovision Song
14:59Contest in Ireland, but it quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and recently celebrated
15:11its 25th anniversary. The title song features Irish step dancing, an extremely stylized form
15:23of traditional dance that demands precision, strength, and years of study. Combining graceful
15:35movements with strong percussive steps, the method requires unison and crystal clear execution.
15:42It's athletic, energetic, sharp, and endlessly exciting.
15:5418. Pas De Deux – An American in Paris
16:11The classic 1951 film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron was finally turned into a Broadway
16:17show in 2014. Starring ballet dancers Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope, it was choreographed
16:23by the New York City Ballet's Christopher Wheldon. The dancing in this moment is beautiful,
16:29George Gershwin's score is timeless, and the professionals hide just how complicated the
16:34moves are. Cope and Fairchild's partner work is exquisite, as they effortlessly execute difficult
16:40lifts. Plus, the duo is about more than just fancy tricks. They show excellent technique,
16:58dance with strong and graceful conviction, and utilize musicality and emotion.
17:03Did we mention Cope is en pointe for much of the number?
17:1417. Brotherhood of Man – How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
17:19Now you may join the Elks, my friend, and I may join the Shriners,
17:25and other men may carry cards as members of the Diners.
17:30This 50th anniversary revival of the classic 1961 Frank Lesser musical featured the one
17:36and only Daniel Radcliffe.
17:38Indeed, Harry Potter himself played J. Pierpont Finch, an ambitious man trying to climb the
17:52corporate ladder. That includes assembling his co-workers, allies, and opponents alike
17:58into a big group number celebrating the brotherhood of man and one woman.
18:08This number, choreographed by Rob Ashford in the revival, is inventive and energetic,
18:18featuring lots of acrobatic ballet and jazz. Starting slowly and building up to its exciting
18:23conclusion, the performers shake hands and legs and crawl on their knees while singing.
18:29The tight formations, with members entwined and moving together,
18:33is much more complicated than it appears.
18:3816. You Can't Stop the Beat – Hairspray
19:02This exciting group number closes out the show on such a high note that it makes us want to
19:07sing and dance too. Adapted from the 1988 cult film of the same name by John Waters,
19:13Hairspray tells a story of individualism, inclusion, and acceptance.
19:24The rousing closing number takes place on a 1962 American bandstand-like television program.
19:30It's complete with retro fads and fashions, but doesn't look too hard on the surface.
19:35The movements are mostly pantomimic, but there are lots of little pieces to memorize.
19:52What makes this number deceivingly difficult is that it's non-stop. The choreography is fast,
19:58vigorous, and lengthy. Of course, the cast is also singing for much of the number.
20:04We're exhausted just watching this routine.
20:1615. Audition – 42nd Street
20:29This definitive musical tells the story of a small-town girl in a big city chorus
20:33who gets her big break after the lead suffers an injury. The exciting show opens on a huge
20:39cattle call audition, with numerous dancers learning a classic Broadway tap routine in
20:44close synchronization. Granted, it's not the only challenging routine in 42nd Street.
21:03The title number features dancers on a large staircase, and We're in the Money has tappers
21:12on coin-shaped pedestals. But Audition starts with the curtains raised just enough to see the
21:18dancers' feet, emphasizing their specific movements, crystal-clear sounds, and the unison of their
21:25taps. As the number increases in speed, it sets the stage for the exciting showcase that follows.
21:3414. Steam Heat – The Pajama Gang
21:55This early classic comes from the mind of the great Bob Fosse while he was developing his style.
22:00He thought up this numbers routine for the 1954 musical about union workers in a pajama factory.
22:13His first production as a choreographer, this trio shows glimpses of the look Fosse later
22:19became famous for. There are small, specific movements in perfect unison,
22:24in-turn knees, minimized isolations, and spread-out fingers. As a bonus,
22:30the bowler hats are also flawlessly incorporated into the routine. The dancers execute steps big
22:36and small, crawling, sliding, and jumping around. It's no wonder this was a star-making turn for
22:43Carol Haney.
23:0013. Manson Trio – Pippin
23:13Get ready for another epic trio from famed choreographer Bob Fosse.
23:27This time, his iconic style appears to be fully formed. It's much more risqué,
23:33trading in suits for spandex and high-cut leotards. The emphasis is on angular, exact movements,
23:40like tiny hip circles and thrusts, small sideways shuffling steps,
23:44and wide fingers turning to limp wrists.
23:4814. Ben Vereen – Glory
24:08With the inimitable Ben Vereen dressed all in black, this routine from the song Glory is
24:13deceptively difficult because the movements are so precise. Fosse's fascination with famed cult
24:20leader Charles Manson reportedly led to the number's name, and is reflected in the leading
24:24player's persona. And though the show was reimagined for the revival, they kept the
24:41Manson Trio largely as Fosse had choreographed it.
24:5812. Taxi – Bringin' Da Noise, Bringin' Da Funk
25:0112. Taxi – Bringin' Da Noise, Bringin' Da Funk
25:11Choreographer Savion Glover brought hip-hop and funk,
25:14combined with hard-hitting rhythmic tap, to Broadway.
25:1712. Taxi – Bringin' Da Noise, Bringin' Da Funk
25:29This type of tapping uses every part of the shoe in a slapping,
25:33hitting, toe-standing style that's fierce and low to the ground.
25:38Glover first dipped his toes in the Broadway pool by participating in classic tap shows.
25:43These included The Tap Dance Kid and Black and Blue. Who's That Rhythm Man was another contender
25:49for this list. With Taxi, he put together a dynamic, fast-paced, and stylized number that
25:55entertains, while also providing important social commentary.
25:5811. Uninvited – Jagged Little Pill
26:2812. Uninvited – Jagged Little Pill
26:35This devastating number in this Alanis Morissette musical painfully illustrates
26:40the all-is-lost moment of the play. Choreographer Sidi Larbi-Chargawi's
26:45routine exemplifies how dance can be used to tell a story.
26:59In this case, it's that of a woman in the throes of addiction.
27:19It's reminiscent of the unforgettable Mia Michaels choreography on So You Think You Can Dance.
27:24Uninvited is an unconventional pas de deux that's physically demanding
27:28and emotionally raw for both the character singing and her dance doppelganger.
27:33The latter acts as a sort of ragdoll, moving with vulnerability.
27:37The routine powerfully personifies the struggle at the heart of the story.
27:4110. Anything Goes – Anything Goes
28:06This 1934 musical is a favorite on Broadway and among school productions.
28:11It's easy to see why when you consider its eccentric story of romance aboard an ocean
28:16liner and the fun and memorable Cole Porter score. The production is full of hits,
28:21including Blow Gabriel Blow, another number full of complex moves.
28:26But it's the title song's choreography that blows us away.
28:4111. The 2011 Revival – The 2011 Revival
28:47featured an exciting show-style tap routine from the mind of Kathleen Marshall.
28:51It was executed perfectly by Sutton Foster, with timeless
28:55time-steps and inventive formations that travel across the whole stage.
29:00The number is lengthy, demanding energy, stamina, precision, and crisp, clean sounds.
29:129. I Hope I Get It – A Chorus Line
29:31Choosing only one routine from this seminal Michael Bennett musical is nearly impossible,
29:37as there are many extremely difficult numbers in the show.
29:40There's the deceptively complex one, which demands uniform movements in close proximity.
29:46Or the solo showcase The Music and the Mirror,
29:49with its repeated turns and layouts across the line.
29:52But we had to go with the iconic and technically demanding opening number.
30:10It's the audition that puts all the Broadway hopefuls through their paces,
30:14setting the story in motion. With its relentless pace and exacting precision,
30:19it requires huge flexibility, extraordinary technique, boundless energy, and endless stamina.
30:26Paired with the singing and acting, this is nearly as good as it gets.
30:328. Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats – Cats
30:50Cats may be widely ridiculed now, but it was groundbreaking at the time.
30:55Andrew Lloyd Webber's massive musical based on the famous Jellicle Cats
30:59and Lloyd Webber's massive musical based on the feline poetry of T.S. Eliot
31:03had dancers crawling around costumed and acting like ballerina cats.
31:21It was like nothing seen on stage before, and people could not get enough of it.
31:27Gillian Lynn's choreography for Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
31:30involves lots of stalking and prancing, with the ribs and back contracting and releasing.
31:42It requires excellent technique, balance, grace, and flexibility.
31:57We see these skills at play through the big kicks and leaps, partnering work,
32:04tumbling and flipping. And the cast did all of this while singing, requiring tremendous
32:10breath support. What's more, this opening number also kicks off a fully formed dance show.
32:197. Seize the Day – Newsies
32:27Adapted and expanded for Broadway in 2012, this star vehicle for Jeremy Jordan saw new life on
32:35the stage after the 1992 film's initial flop. The flashy king of New York gave this routine
32:41a run for its money, with its detailed tapping and jumping on furniture. But ultimately,
32:46we had to choose the show-stopping Seize the Day.
32:578. Christopher Gattelli – The Ringer
33:00Like Kenny Ortega's original choreography, Christopher Gattelli puts his dancers through
33:05The Ringer. There's extremely energetic movements, leaps, jumps, tricks, flips,
33:14and people practically flying across the stage. Adding a bit more danger,
33:27they then dance on sheets of newspaper. Needless to say, this number demands perfect balance,
33:33coordination, precision, and timing.
33:376. Satisfied – Hamilton
34:07We'd be totally remiss if we left this worldwide phenomenon off our list.
34:15After all, Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography is the epitome of excitement. Combining lots of
34:21different dance styles like jazz, musical theater, hip-hop, and ballet, it was difficult to choose
34:27the hardest routine. Though Yorktown The World Turned Upside Down made a big impression with
34:45its relentless pace, hip-hop moves in quick succession, and slides across the floor,
34:50we chose Satisfied. Its clever staging takes the same motions from A Winter's Ball and Helpless to
34:57make us feel like we're moving back in time. With the added difficulty of the spinning turntable,
35:03this number uses movement to tell a poignant story.
35:075. Cool – West Side Story
35:29This Jerome Robbins blockbuster is full of so many outstanding, complicated routines that
35:35it's almost impossible to choose just one. The dance at the gym's energetic moves to a Latin rhythm
35:41and the prologue's iconic leaps both had us mesmerized. But at the end of the day,
35:47nothing beats Cool's elaborate and iconic movements. This athletic and vigorous dance
35:52combines exquisite ballet technique with pedestrian street movements and is set
35:57against an emotional backdrop. By playing with levels and formations, Robbins juxtaposes moments
36:14of stillness with bursts of adrenaline, mirroring the gang's intense feelings.
36:194. Too Darn Hot – Kiss Me Kate
36:37This classic musical was composed by the great Cole Porter. The original 1948 production starred
36:43Alfred Drake and Patricia Morrison in the play within a play retelling of Shakespeare's The
36:48Taming of the Shrew. The Roundabout Theatre's limited engagement 2019 revival starred Kelly O'Hara,
36:55Will Chase, and High School Musical's Corbin Bleu.
37:06Warren Carlyle provided the exciting choreography, and he didn't disappoint.
37:19Too Darn Hot features big acrobatic jazz and ballet tricks, lightning-fast tapping,
37:27sliding, jumping, and classic swing dance steps.
37:31It's a dynamic, super memorable, and technically intricate number that we cannot get enough of.
37:493. Bottle Dance – Fiddler on the Roof
38:02This is arguably one of the most iconic dances in musical theatre history.
38:07Though he was inspired by men's dancing at Orthodox Jewish festivals and weddings,
38:12this show-stopping number came from Jerome Robbins' imagination,
38:16and it's incredibly difficult to master.
38:27Much of the routine involves crawling on your knees in a truncated chorus line
38:32while intertwined with other dancers and sliding across the floor.
38:36As if that wasn't complicated enough on its own, you also have to balance a glass bottle on your hat.
38:43Taking place during the wedding celebration that closes Act 1,
38:46the Bottle Dance's breathtaking choreography is further brought to life by Jerry Bok's exhilarating music.
39:062. Shaking the Blues Away – Holiday Inn
39:24The coordination and timing required for this amazing Dennis Jones routine is mind-boggling.
39:36As if Taff wasn't already intricate enough, these dancers have to do it while jumping rope.
39:47Unlike Legally Blonde's cardio-heavy Whipped Into Shape, this routine's moves are quite precise.
39:53More than that, they require impeccable timing and synchronization
39:57to match the turning of the ropes with the landings.
40:06The dancers also leap incredibly high before each tap step,
40:12bringing their knees up before reaching the ground in perfect rhythm.
40:16This only begins to cover how involved the show-stopping routine is,
40:20yet we never see the company sweat.
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40:431. Turkey Lurkey Time – Promises, Promises
40:57Michael Bennett choreographed this Burt Bacharach musical
41:00based on the Billy Wilder film The Apartment.
41:02Turkey Lurkey Time, featuring Donna McKechnie and her extremely flexible back,
41:07is deceptive because it initially looks like 1960s-flavored fluff.
41:25But as it takes off, and gets faster,
41:27the deep back bends and crisp head flips make it downright dangerous,
41:32especially at that relentless pace.
41:34There's no doubt that the moves put real physical strain on the dancers' bodies.
41:46Which Broadway dance routine wouldn't you dare attempt? Let us know in the comments.
41:50Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
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