Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical: Broadway Legacies

: The Master of Movement

In the annals of dance and theater, Bob Fosse stands as a towering figure. His unique and groundbreaking style, characterized by jagged isolations, accented syncopations, and a raw, almost visceral energy, transformed the landscape of Broadway musicals and left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical (Broadway Legacies)

by Kevin Winkler

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Early Years: From Vaudeville to Broadway

Born in Chicago in 1927, Fosse began his career as a child performer in vaudeville. His innate talent and natural stage presence were evident from a young age. In the 1950s, he made his Broadway debut as a dancer in the musical "The Pajama Game." It was there that he met choreographer Jerome Robbins, who became his mentor and significantly influenced his artistic development.

Defining a New Style: The Fosse Lexicon of Movement

Fosse's signature dance style emerged as a bold departure from the prevailing norms of musical theater. His choreography drew inspiration from elements of jazz, vaudeville, and even elements of the burlesque. He developed a distinct vocabulary of movements, including the iconic "Fosse roll," where dancers' pelvises and spines ripple in an undulating motion, and the "Fosbury Flop," a high-energy jump with arched arms and legs.

Masterpieces of Broadway and Beyond

Fosse's unparalleled talent as a choreographer and director found full expression in a series of groundbreaking Broadway musicals. "Chicago" (1975),a satirical exploration of corruption and celebrity, showcased his sharp wit and innovative staging. "All That Jazz" (1979),a semi-autobiographical work, laid bare the complexities of his personal life and creative process.

Fosse's Legacy: Enduring Impact and Influence

Bob Fosse's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His distinctive dance style continues to be studied and imitated by performers and choreographers worldwide. His influence can be seen in numerous Broadway productions, films, and television shows, from "West Side Story" to "Moulin Rouge!"

In addition to his artistic contributions, Fosse also played a significant role in advancing the status of dancers and choreographers. His success helped pave the way for future generations of artists to achieve recognition and respect for their craft.

: A Dance Icon Forever

Bob Fosse's revolutionary approach to dance and theater left an indelible mark on the American musical. His signature style, characterized by its raw energy, jagged isolations, and distinctive vocabulary of movements, continues to captivate audiences and inspire performers. Through his groundbreaking Broadway masterpieces and his enduring legacy, Fosse remains an icon in the world of dance and a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision.

Big Deal: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical (Broadway Legacies)

by Kevin Winkler

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9287 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE