The Timeless Power of Jerome Robbins
As I stepped into the rehearsal space of the Musical Theater Center, the energy was palpable. Students of all ages and skill levels were immersed in the iconic choreography of Jerome Robbins, the visionary behind the stunning dance numbers of West Side Story. Watching them channel the raw physicality and unbridled emotion of the Jets and the Sharks, I couldn’t help but be transported to the gritty streets of 1950s New York.
Robbins’ choreographic genius was rooted in his ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of ballet, musical theater, and the human experience. His approach, as he once described, was not about having “a school of dance as much as an approach to theater and presence on the stage and what it is I want to evoke on stage and in the audience.” For Robbins, dance was a vessel to capture the raw essence of the human condition, to translate the complexities of emotion into a physical language that could captivate and move the audience.
Embracing the Awkward and the Effortless
As I watched the students rehearse the iconic “Cool” number from West Side Story, I was struck by the duality of Robbins’ choreographic style. On one hand, the dancers launched themselves into the air with a ferocious energy, their limbs seemingly defying gravity. Yet, in the next moment, they would collapse into sweaty, panting piles, unafraid to show the audience the sheer effort required to execute these physically demanding movements.
“Robbins purposefully made the choreography awkward to execute in order to frustrate the dancers,” the article explains. “Many of the movements feel physically uncomfortable, even impossible.” This conscious decision to embrace the awkward and the effortful was a reflection of Robbins’ belief that dance should not merely be a display of technical perfection, but a raw, authentic expression of the human experience.
At the same time, Robbins also valued the art of making the difficult appear effortless. “He wanted movement to seem informal and spontaneous, claiming classical steps should appear as easy as breathing,” the article notes. This juxtaposition of the labored and the effortless created a mesmerizing tension, one that drew the audience in and made them feel the visceral emotions of the characters.
Choreographing for Community and Conflict
One of the most striking aspects of Robbins’ choreography in West Side Story was his focus on relationships and community. In the “Cool” number, for example, the dancers alternate between facing the audience and facing each other, reflecting the duality of their desire to present a united front and their underlying tensions and rivalries.
“The staging of ‘Cool’ highlights Robbins’ trademark focus on community and relationships,” the article explains. “At the beginning of the number, the dancers are facing Ice as he sings, with their backs to the camera. This broke from traditional staging with dancers who watched each other instead of always presenting to the audience, something Robbins did frequently in his stage productions.”
Throughout the number, the dancers continually shift their focus, sometimes appearing to recollect themselves, and other times engaging in a fierce, almost tribal interaction with one another. This choreographic exploration of community and conflict was a hallmark of Robbins’ approach, as he sought to capture the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for belonging.
Authenticity and Relevance in a Changing World
As I continued to observe the rehearsals, I couldn’t help but reflect on the enduring relevance of West Side Story and the choreographic genius of Jerome Robbins. Despite the passage of time, the themes of the show – identity, prejudice, and the universal human desire for love and acceptance – continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
“Time has passed and the world has changed, but the core issues of the show are still found in our society,” the article notes. “West Side Story asks us, ‘What makes someone an outsider, an other? What are we willing to sacrifice for love? How does loss change who and what we are?'”
Robbins’ insistence on authenticity and relevance was a driving force behind his choreographic approach. As the article explains, “To promote authenticity, Robbins kept the cast members for the Jets and the Sharks separated from each other during rehearsals and continuously posted news stories about gang violence on the bulletin board backstage. He was known for quizzing dancers about details such as what their characters had eaten for dinner the night before.”
This unwavering commitment to capturing the true essence of the human experience is what has made Robbins’ choreographic work so enduring and impactful. By blending the physicality of dance with the raw emotion of the human condition, he created a timeless art form that continues to captivate and inspire audiences, even decades after its creation.
Embracing the Challenges, Celebrating the Triumphs
As I spoke with the Musical Theater Center‘s choreographer, Leslie Beauchamp, I was struck by her passion and dedication to honoring the legacy of Jerome Robbins. Despite the challenges of working with a diverse group of students, Beauchamp and the team embraced the opportunity to push their boundaries and bring the iconic choreography to life.
“I believe everyone should be challenged,” Beauchamp said. “I think when we ask people to step up, especially these eager, hard-working young performers, they step up. I have been so pleasantly surprised and incredibly proud of how diligently they are working.”
This commitment to excellence and growth is at the heart of the Musical Theater Center‘s mission. By providing a nurturing environment for students to hone their craft, the center is empowering the next generation of musical theater artists to push the boundaries of what is possible.
As I watched the students rehearse the “Somewhere” ballet sequence, a unique and innovative interpretation of this iconic moment, I was reminded of the timeless power of dance to transcend boundaries and touch the human spirit. In that moment, the students weren’t just executing steps; they were embodying the very essence of Robbins’ choreographic vision – a blend of physicality, emotion, and the universal language of the human experience.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jerome Robbins
As I left the rehearsal space, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of appreciation for the artistry and vision of Jerome Robbins. His choreographic work, rooted in a deep understanding of the human condition, has left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater, inspiring generations of performers and audiences alike.
Through the dedicated efforts of the Musical Theater Center and choreographers like Leslie Beauchamp, the legacy of Robbins’ work continues to thrive, inspiring and empowering young artists to push the boundaries of what is possible. By blending the physical and the emotional, the awkward and the effortless, Robbins’ choreography has become a timeless testament to the power of dance to capture the very essence of the human experience.
As I look back on my time at the Musical Theater Center, I am left with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the art form that is musical theater. The seamless integration of music, movement, and storytelling, as exemplified by the work of Jerome Robbins, is a testament to the transformative power of the performing arts. And as the next generation of artists continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, I can’t wait to see how they will carry forward the legacy of this true master of the choreographic arts.
