Discovering the Hidden Gems of Choreography
As a self-proclaimed movie musical enthusiast, I’ll never forget the day I was sitting in a dark theater, engrossed in the vibrant, toe-tapping numbers of the Mamma Mia! sequel. I remember the moment vividly – just as the cast broke into the iconic “Dancing Queen,” I found myself unable to resist the urge to whip out my phone and dive into the credits. I needed to know – who was the mastermind behind all those captivating dance moves?
After scrolling past the director, writers, and what felt like a never-ending list of ensemble members, I finally landed on the name I was searching for: Anthony Van Laast, the choreographer. It struck me then that in the world of commercial dance, the people making the magic happen are often the ones who receive the least recognition.
That realization sparked a deeper curiosity within me. Why is it that choreographers, the unsung heroes responsible for bringing some of the most beloved musical performances to life, tend to toil in the shadows? From the Emmys to the Tonys, their contributions are often overshadowed, with accolades going to the more visible roles on stage and behind the camera.
Shining a Spotlight on the Unseen Artistry
As I delved deeper into this topic, I discovered a fascinating truth: the art of choreography is a hidden gem, a craft that deserves far more celebration and acclaim than it typically receives. After all, what would La La Land be without those dreamy dance sequences between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone? Imagine Keala Settle’s powerful rendition of “This Is Me” in The Greatest Showman without the perfectly synchronized ensemble marching and stomping behind her. And let’s not forget the sheer choreographic mastery that brought the feline world of Cats to life, from the classical ballet to the sassy jazz and the furious tap of Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat.
These mesmerizing moments don’t just happen by chance – they are the result of the tireless work and creative vision of choreographers. Yet, their names are often buried in the credits, overshadowed by the more prominent roles. It’s a travesty, in my opinion, that there is no Academy Award for Best Choreography, despite the undeniable impact these unsung heroes have on the films and performances we cherish.
Honoring the Unsung Heroes
Fortunately, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon. Some artists, dancers, and even brands are making a concerted effort to shine a brighter light on the choreographers behind the scenes. When Justin Bieber released his “Purpose” visual album, for instance, the YouTube descriptions proudly credited the likes of Parris Goebel, Keone and Mari Madrid, and Taja Riley for their choreographic contributions. And when HAIM’s “Want You Back” music video, with its mesmerizing dance sequences, hit the airwaves, the credits rightfully acknowledged choreographers Ian Eastwood, HAIM, and Francis and the Lights.
Shows like So You Think You Can Dance have also played a pivotal role in elevating the status of choreographers, giving them ample screen time and helping to transform them into household names. Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Tyce Diorio, and Mia Michaels were all well-known within the industry long before the show, but SYTYCD propelled them to new heights of recognition and fame.
The Choreographer’s Journey: From the Studio to the Spotlight
As I delved deeper into the world of choreography, I couldn’t help but wonder about the journey these unsung heroes undertake to bring their visions to life. What does it take to conceive and craft the mesmerizing dance numbers that captivate audiences around the world?
To find out, I decided to venture into the heart of a thriving musical theater education and performance center, The Musical Theater Center. Here, I had the privilege of speaking with some of the most talented and innovative choreographers in the industry, each with their own unique story to tell.
The Art of Crafting Captivating Choreography
One such choreographer, the enigmatic Lily Simmons, shared her insights into the creative process. “Choreography is like weaving a tapestry,” she explained, her eyes sparkling with passion. “You start with a blank canvas, a series of empty movements, and you gradually layer in the rhythm, the emotion, the technicality – until the entire piece comes alive, vibrant and captivating.”
Lily’s words resonated with me, conjuring images of a choreographer’s studio bustling with energy and creativity. I could almost see the dancers moving in perfect synchronicity, their bodies flowing seamlessly from one intricate step to the next, as Lily stood at the helm, guiding them with a keen eye and a deft touch.
The Choreographer’s Toolkit
As Lily delved deeper into her creative process, I was struck by the sheer breadth of knowledge and skill required to excel as a choreographer. It’s not just about designing eye-catching moves; it’s about having a deep understanding of music, movement, and the human body.
“A great choreographer needs to be part musician, part anatomist, part storyteller,” Lily explained, her hands gesturing animatedly. “We have to intimately understand the rhythmic structure of the music, the way different movements complement or contrast with the score. And we have to know the capabilities and limitations of the human body, how to push dancers to their fullest potential while keeping them safe and injury-free.”
But the choreographer’s toolkit extends beyond technical mastery. Lily emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with performers on a deeper level. “Choreography isn’t just about the steps; it’s about capturing the essence of the story, the characters, the emotions. We have to be able to tap into the hearts and minds of our dancers, to inspire and empower them to bring the piece to life in a way that resonates with the audience.”
The Dancer’s Perspective
As I continued my exploration, I had the opportunity to speak with a talented young dancer, Emily, who shared her insights into the choreographer-dancer dynamic. “Working with a great choreographer is like a dance in itself,” she mused. “There’s a delicate balance of trust, communication, and mutual respect that has to be cultivated.”
Emily recounted the process of bringing one of Lily’s intricate numbers to life, describing the choreographer’s keen eye for detail and her ability to push the dancers to new heights. “Lily would come in with this vision, this fully formed piece of art in her mind. But she was always open to our input, to our interpretations. She’d watch us, offer guidance, and together, we’d refine and reshape the movements until the whole thing clicked into place.”
The respect and admiration in Emily’s voice were palpable, and I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of appreciation for the unsung heroes behind the scenes. These choreographers, like Lily, were not just technical wizards; they were artists, collaborators, and mentors, weaving their magic to create unforgettable performances.
The Choreographer’s Legacy
As my time at The Musical Theater Center drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the far-reaching impact of these choreographers. Their work may not always receive the accolades it deserves, but it lives on, etched into the collective memory of audiences and performers alike.
“Choreography is a legacy,” Lily told me, her voice tinged with both pride and a touch of wistfulness. “We may not get the same level of recognition as the stars on stage, but our fingerprints are all over the performances that captivate and inspire people. And that, to me, is the greatest reward.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, a reminder that true artistry often lies in the unseen, the unsung. And as I left The Musical Theater Center, I made a silent vow to do my part in shining a brighter light on the choreographers who bring the magic of dance to life, one mesmerizing performance at a time.
