Top 20 Hardest Broadway Dance Routines
video description
Date: 2023-11-20
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 30
Edwina
This is the winning Mojo for impossible comparisons. .. YOU win for showcasing some of the best in Broadway Dance. The ultimate might be to see them all. Beginning at the top! Cool, in my opinion, is the most particularly brilliant Broadway number, because it contains everything technically difficult choreography and precise execution that moves within the story realistically, seamlessly, organically, and totally believably. It carries not just magnificent dance, but plot, action, character, and narrative down to the last finger snap. Seize the Day is possibly the most totally physically difficult while also having technical brilliance. It accents a crescendo in the action, radiates spirit, and is a joy to watch. I happen to love Twyla Tharp. The Number from Moving Out, is perhaps the best dance, technically difficult and executed skillfully with dynamic, moving choreography. It fits the music beautifully, but I cant gauge it as a Broadway Dance without knowing how well it is holding the entire story. I would love to see it! I Hope I Get It, is a dancers dance because you cant help realizing that the characters have just seen those movements for the first time, learned them immediately, and done them perfectly. Is this really possible? Oh, yes. The human story is very evident in I Hope I Get It, it just isnt in Audition. The duet from An American in Paris is exceptionally beautiful and technically outstanding, but doesnt have the vibrant emotional appeal of some of the others. Even which is technically best will be personal. I do not love dance that is confined to footwork, while understanding the difficulty, I find even varied, intricate footwork repetitious to watch and limited in both expression, emotion, and story value. River Dance is the most restricted and repetitious, Anything Goes is the most full-bodied and expressive, and Taxi is the most relevant and consistent to its story. While appreciating the difficulty and style, I did not enjoy watching either the Mansion Trio or Jagged Little Pill at all.
reply
This is the winning Mojo for impossible comparisons. .. YOU win for showcasing some of the best in Broadway Dance. The ultimate might be to see them all. Beginning at the top! Cool, in my opinion, is the most particularly brilliant Broadway number, because it contains everything technically difficult choreography and precise execution that moves within the story realistically, seamlessly, organically, and totally believably. It carries not just magnificent dance, but plot, action, character, and narrative down to the last finger snap. Seize the Day is possibly the most totally physically difficult while also having technical brilliance. It accents a crescendo in the action, radiates spirit, and is a joy to watch. I happen to love Twyla Tharp. The Number from Moving Out, is perhaps the best dance, technically difficult and executed skillfully with dynamic, moving choreography. It fits the music beautifully, but I cant gauge it as a Broadway Dance without knowing how well it is holding the entire story. I would love to see it! I Hope I Get It, is a dancers dance because you cant help realizing that the characters have just seen those movements for the first time, learned them immediately, and done them perfectly. Is this really possible? Oh, yes. The human story is very evident in I Hope I Get It, it just isnt in Audition. The duet from An American in Paris is exceptionally beautiful and technically outstanding, but doesnt have the vibrant emotional appeal of some of the others. Even which is technically best will be personal. I do not love dance that is confined to footwork, while understanding the difficulty, I find even varied, intricate footwork repetitious to watch and limited in both expression, emotion, and story value. River Dance is the most restricted and repetitious, Anything Goes is the most full-bodied and expressive, and Taxi is the most relevant and consistent to its story. While appreciating the difficulty and style, I did not enjoy watching either the Mansion Trio or Jagged Little Pill at all.
reply
Jennifer
I agree with much of this. I was in a production of Hairspray and she's right. The choreography of You Can't Stop the Beat isn't difficult at all but keeping up the level of physicality while singing at top volume took some getting used to. I also agree about Newsies, I once took a dance class taught by one of the dancers who did the entire Broadway run so he's in the group shown here. He taught us the opening number. Wow! The physicality was unreal! This senior citizen former dancer had to drop out but lots of much, much younger folks didn't make it to the end of the number, either! But I disagree about Fiddler on the Roof. I choreographed a production of Fiddler many years ago. The bottle dance is a cinch. The bottles aren't really balanced on the hats (they have recesses in the top so the bottles are kept steady) so as long as the guys can crawl around on their knees, it's not complicated at all. A cool, effective dance number but it's not hard.
reply
I agree with much of this. I was in a production of Hairspray and she's right. The choreography of You Can't Stop the Beat isn't difficult at all but keeping up the level of physicality while singing at top volume took some getting used to. I also agree about Newsies, I once took a dance class taught by one of the dancers who did the entire Broadway run so he's in the group shown here. He taught us the opening number. Wow! The physicality was unreal! This senior citizen former dancer had to drop out but lots of much, much younger folks didn't make it to the end of the number, either! But I disagree about Fiddler on the Roof. I choreographed a production of Fiddler many years ago. The bottle dance is a cinch. The bottles aren't really balanced on the hats (they have recesses in the top so the bottles are kept steady) so as long as the guys can crawl around on their knees, it's not complicated at all. A cool, effective dance number but it's not hard.
reply
Red
I cant truly speak on the Uninvited piece, as Im not too familiar with the show, but my mom was obsessed with Alanis Morrisette (sp) when she was divorcing my dad, and she is a former addict. I have my criticisms of the Jagged Little Pill shows casting as a whole as someone who is non binary, but I wonder if shed findidkpeace? Comfort? Im not sure, in seeing her addiction portrayed like that. Knowing her, shed at least come to me crying and say she saw herself and her struggle, and that means a lot. I need to see the show, just for her
reply
I cant truly speak on the Uninvited piece, as Im not too familiar with the show, but my mom was obsessed with Alanis Morrisette (sp) when she was divorcing my dad, and she is a former addict. I have my criticisms of the Jagged Little Pill shows casting as a whole as someone who is non binary, but I wonder if shed findidkpeace? Comfort? Im not sure, in seeing her addiction portrayed like that. Knowing her, shed at least come to me crying and say she saw herself and her struggle, and that means a lot. I need to see the show, just for her
reply
Calvin
Are we talking about Broadway dances specifically? If so, Hairspray should be eliminated from the list as the version shown is from the movie. Lots of stops and retakes for a movie that, unlike the voice over states, is continuous. Every cut scene, and there are plenty in the snippet provided, that prove that it was not a single shot to record the number.
There are other examples of this in this presentation
reply
Are we talking about Broadway dances specifically? If so, Hairspray should be eliminated from the list as the version shown is from the movie. Lots of stops and retakes for a movie that, unlike the voice over states, is continuous. Every cut scene, and there are plenty in the snippet provided, that prove that it was not a single shot to record the number.
There are other examples of this in this presentation
reply
Bonny
CAN-CAN EN POINTE' My own teen daughter did this entire dance ENPOINTE ALL of IT! with her troupe. You have NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT! I have no idea if it was ever recorded, it was spectacular and blew everyone out of the audience every time it was performed! I could NOT keep my eyes off of those dancers as I was able to view them from all angles, including backstage!
reply
CAN-CAN EN POINTE' My own teen daughter did this entire dance ENPOINTE ALL of IT! with her troupe. You have NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT! I have no idea if it was ever recorded, it was spectacular and blew everyone out of the audience every time it was performed! I could NOT keep my eyes off of those dancers as I was able to view them from all angles, including backstage!
reply
garth
Two that should be on list: Fosses Beat Me Daddy 8 To The Bar from Big Deal - one of his last pieces, incredibly intricate and requiring stamina and a range of techniques. Stromans Simply Irresistible from Contact is also underrated. And honorable mention to Raise A Glass from Grand Hotel not just for Michael Jeter but the ensembles nonstop intricate backing.
reply
Two that should be on list: Fosses Beat Me Daddy 8 To The Bar from Big Deal - one of his last pieces, incredibly intricate and requiring stamina and a range of techniques. Stromans Simply Irresistible from Contact is also underrated. And honorable mention to Raise A Glass from Grand Hotel not just for Michael Jeter but the ensembles nonstop intricate backing.
reply
Shleaumeau
4: 30 the narrator says the dance requires two skilled partners, yet cuts to this clip.
Im curious whether this move is demonstrative of two skilled dance partners, not just the one doing the swinging around but the one being swung around? Ill never experience the latter. What are the challenges for the female dance partner in this situation?
reply
4: 30 the narrator says the dance requires two skilled partners, yet cuts to this clip.
Im curious whether this move is demonstrative of two skilled dance partners, not just the one doing the swinging around but the one being swung around? Ill never experience the latter. What are the challenges for the female dance partner in this situation?
reply
Charie
I think you missed big time. First of all = Starlight Express. Second - Another Hundred People from Company - toughest routines ever. For Another Hundred People they had oxygen off stage for Donna to take a puff now and then. I think they had the same for Music and the Mirror in Chorus Line. And Starlight Express - 100 percent on roller skates. Wow.
reply
I think you missed big time. First of all = Starlight Express. Second - Another Hundred People from Company - toughest routines ever. For Another Hundred People they had oxygen off stage for Donna to take a puff now and then. I think they had the same for Music and the Mirror in Chorus Line. And Starlight Express - 100 percent on roller skates. Wow.
reply
Tim
I think forgotten was I Wanna Be a Dancin Man from Dancin 1978. The intricacies throughout, different groups doing different moves and numbers and singing for much of it with Very little to No music is about enough but add the hand clapping actions near the finish throws it up at Least in the top 5. Look for it on YT for Fosse and then agree with me.
reply
I think forgotten was I Wanna Be a Dancin Man from Dancin 1978. The intricacies throughout, different groups doing different moves and numbers and singing for much of it with Very little to No music is about enough but add the hand clapping actions near the finish throws it up at Least in the top 5. Look for it on YT for Fosse and then agree with me.
reply
Jonna
For everyone asking aboutSeven Brides for Seven Brothers choreography and Michel Kidd, I believe this production was a movie first. It may have been performed on Broadway I am not an expert to know every. It is a fabulous stance but I would consider it to be in the category of dance and film. Similar to any dance numbers from singing in the rain.
reply
For everyone asking aboutSeven Brides for Seven Brothers choreography and Michel Kidd, I believe this production was a movie first. It may have been performed on Broadway I am not an expert to know every. It is a fabulous stance but I would consider it to be in the category of dance and film. Similar to any dance numbers from singing in the rain.
reply
Jonna
Overall you did a fabulous job and thank you for the video. I would rank cool from West side story is number one and I would put the promises number way down the list. Also even though Billy Elliot involves a youngster dancing it should be on the list. And what about cabaret? Again these are simply suggestions I thought the video was terrific.
reply
Overall you did a fabulous job and thank you for the video. I would rank cool from West side story is number one and I would put the promises number way down the list. Also even though Billy Elliot involves a youngster dancing it should be on the list. And what about cabaret? Again these are simply suggestions I thought the video was terrific.
reply
fanjoy
I can't believe you left out Bring it On. It didn't stay on B-way for long, but the dance/athletic routines (music by Lin Manuel Miranda) were, by my lights, dangerous. I'm never glad to see a show close early, but in this case, I was. Someone was bound to get hurt had they kept on.
reply
I can't believe you left out Bring it On. It didn't stay on B-way for long, but the dance/athletic routines (music by Lin Manuel Miranda) were, by my lights, dangerous. I'm never glad to see a show close early, but in this case, I was. Someone was bound to get hurt had they kept on.
reply
marie
Glad to see the jump rope tapping on here. but it's really not that hard. We performed such tap / rope numbers in junior hi and high school at our dance studio many years. Just takes listening to the beat of the music.
Looking fwd to more videos like this one, tho'
reply
Glad to see the jump rope tapping on here. but it's really not that hard. We performed such tap / rope numbers in junior hi and high school at our dance studio many years. Just takes listening to the beat of the music.
Looking fwd to more videos like this one, tho'
reply
Holly
Ive done many of these. Was lucky to have a teacher and choreographer who trained with Fosse. From the list Ive done Steam Heat, I hope I get it, bring in da noise, Jellical ball, Anything goes, and Pippin. The hardest one not on the list was Will Rodgers Folloes.
reply
Ive done many of these. Was lucky to have a teacher and choreographer who trained with Fosse. From the list Ive done Steam Heat, I hope I get it, bring in da noise, Jellical ball, Anything goes, and Pippin. The hardest one not on the list was Will Rodgers Folloes.
reply
Gabi
Fun fact: Queen Letifah only rehearsed for TWO DAYS before filming You Can't Stop The Beat, while the other actors struggled to fit the many words in the right timing, Queen Latifah said it was easy for her since she is a rapper. Absolute legend
reply
Fun fact: Queen Letifah only rehearsed for TWO DAYS before filming You Can't Stop The Beat, while the other actors struggled to fit the many words in the right timing, Queen Latifah said it was easy for her since she is a rapper. Absolute legend
reply
1953lili
When our Gilbert & Sullivan group did the Chorus Line, the alto next to me wasnt wearing charactershoes (dance pumps with an ankle strap) The last kick of the number her pump flew off and hit the snare drum with perfect timing!
reply
When our Gilbert & Sullivan group did the Chorus Line, the alto next to me wasnt wearing charactershoes (dance pumps with an ankle strap) The last kick of the number her pump flew off and hit the snare drum with perfect timing!
reply
Kathryn
It may not have been the hardest by a long stretch, but my favourite is still the final closing dance of You never had a friend like me, from Aladdin the movie. I have looked at that thing probably 30+ times. LOVE IT
reply
It may not have been the hardest by a long stretch, but my favourite is still the final closing dance of You never had a friend like me, from Aladdin the movie. I have looked at that thing probably 30+ times. LOVE IT
reply
Megan
I never really looked much into How to Succeed in Business with Radcliffe but I'm amazed that he's not just planted while other dance around him, he's really going for it! I just never thought about him dancing before!
reply
I never really looked much into How to Succeed in Business with Radcliffe but I'm amazed that he's not just planted while other dance around him, he's really going for it! I just never thought about him dancing before!
reply
Karen
The movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers had the most amazing choreography. The lumberjack dance was only one of the many fantastic numbers. It did become a Broadway production, but closed after only 5 performances.
reply
The movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers had the most amazing choreography. The lumberjack dance was only one of the many fantastic numbers. It did become a Broadway production, but closed after only 5 performances.
reply
Joyeve
I danced and learned many of these numbers. Focus and passion is essential. When the audience sees a very fast number many times to the dancer it feels much slower. Because a dancer is actually flying
reply
I danced and learned many of these numbers. Focus and passion is essential. When the audience sees a very fast number many times to the dancer it feels much slower. Because a dancer is actually flying
reply
John
Left out Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which has some of the most amazing and athletic numbers. But, of course, the storyline got it cancelled because some cannot remember its only a musical.
reply
Left out Seven Brides for Seven Brothers which has some of the most amazing and athletic numbers. But, of course, the storyline got it cancelled because some cannot remember its only a musical.
reply
birdie
i feel like El Tango De Roxanne from moulin rouge the musical should be included here somewhere, i mean, the ladies are being thrown around and dragged on the floor throughout the whole song
reply
i feel like El Tango De Roxanne from moulin rouge the musical should be included here somewhere, i mean, the ladies are being thrown around and dragged on the floor throughout the whole song
reply
Susan
I saw Cats in London many years ago. There is nothing ridiculous about it. I was in the second row and could see the complex steps each of the cats must accomplish. It is not the movie.
reply
I saw Cats in London many years ago. There is nothing ridiculous about it. I was in the second row and could see the complex steps each of the cats must accomplish. It is not the movie.
reply
KayDubs77
I saw the Broadway version of Cats on a cruise ship. Basically any dance show done on a moving rolling ship makes it 10x more difficult, and the dancers were still amazing.
reply
I saw the Broadway version of Cats on a cruise ship. Basically any dance show done on a moving rolling ship makes it 10x more difficult, and the dancers were still amazing.
reply
Okie
The fact that Cool from West Side Story is in the top 5 here is EXACTLY why I was so heartbroken that they restaged it for the 2021 movie. Such a brilliant dance number cut.
reply
The fact that Cool from West Side Story is in the top 5 here is EXACTLY why I was so heartbroken that they restaged it for the 2021 movie. Such a brilliant dance number cut.
reply
Sophia
As someone who saw how rigorous Rogers and Hammerstein Cinderella was I think that the prince is giving a ball or ten minutes ago reprise should have been on the list
reply
As someone who saw how rigorous Rogers and Hammerstein Cinderella was I think that the prince is giving a ball or ten minutes ago reprise should have been on the list
reply
Buzz
My is currently rehearsing a solo jazz number for the upcoming competitive dance season doing Steamed Heat, and was super excited to see it on this list! He is 8.
reply
My is currently rehearsing a solo jazz number for the upcoming competitive dance season doing Steamed Heat, and was super excited to see it on this list! He is 8.
reply
Alyssa_Ramos_2003
I had to sing You can't stop the beat in choir, those vocals are so hard it's so fast bro! I was exhausted and I didn't even dance I was just singing
reply
I had to sing You can't stop the beat in choir, those vocals are so hard it's so fast bro! I was exhausted and I didn't even dance I was just singing
reply
iTechCaptain
As someone who's performed in Newsies, I feel like Something Rotten's A Musical should be on this list. One of the hardest songs I've done dance wise.
reply
As someone who's performed in Newsies, I feel like Something Rotten's A Musical should be on this list. One of the hardest songs I've done dance wise.
reply
Gummy
Im not even huge into musical theater, but I was already skeptical of this video after reading some comments. I was done after seeing Hairspray on the list.
reply
Im not even huge into musical theater, but I was already skeptical of this video after reading some comments. I was done after seeing Hairspray on the list.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
