Unraveling the Tapestry of Artistic Expression
As an avid dancer, I’ve always been captivated by the intricate interplay between musical theater and contemporary dance. These two art forms, seemingly worlds apart, have a rich history of cross-pollination and synergistic evolution. Like a tapestry woven with threads of different hues, the integration of these disciplines has created a mesmerizing masterpiece, one that I’m thrilled to unravel for you today.
Let’s start by exploring the ancient roots of Chinese Kunqu opera, a living testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage. As Lucy XC Liu, a multidisciplinary artist and former intern at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, eloquently explains, Kunqu “refracts through my work into many intriguing topics concerning humanity and engaging in essential global dialogues in the arts and humanities.” By bridging the divide between traditional and contemporary art forms, Liu’s work reminds us that great art about the human condition is truly universal.
Tracing the Footsteps of Pioneering Practitioners
But the story of integrating musical theater and contemporary dance doesn’t begin and end with the ancient East. Across the pond, in the heart of America, a remarkable array of choreographers and dancers have left an indelible mark on this evolving landscape.
Take, for instance, the legendary Katherine Dunham, a true pioneer in the field of modern dance. Dunham’s groundbreaking work, rooted in anthropological studies of Caribbean and African cultures, not only exposed white America and Europe to the beauty of the African diaspora but also paved the way for the integration of diverse cultural influences into the realm of musical theater. As dance historian Corbett notes, Dunham’s “performed ethnographies” allowed her to “expose her audience to hundreds of years worth of cultural memory,” bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
Fast forward a few decades, and we encounter the dynamic duo of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. These Hollywood legends, with their distinct yet complementary styles, captivated audiences with their seamless fusion of tap, ballet, and jazz aesthetics. Their work not only popularized these dance forms but also demonstrated the power of using movement to advance the narrative in movie musicals. As I reminisce about their timeless performances, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the way they managed to create a veritable dialogue through their dancing, effortlessly weaving together the realms of entertainment and storytelling.
Pushing the Boundaries of Theatrical Jazz
But the integration of musical theater and contemporary dance didn’t stop there. In the mid-20th century, a new generation of choreographers emerged, each with their own unique vision for the future of the art form.
Enter Jack Cole, the self-proclaimed “father of theatrical jazz dance.” Cole’s work, a captivating fusion of modern dance, ballet, and influences from Indian classical dance, pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the stage. As dance historian Darkenwald notes, Cole’s “seamlessly fused his movement-vocabulary with world forms” to create a style that “honored the inspiration whilst creating a new and exciting dance technique.”
And let’s not forget the inimitable Jerome Robbins, whose choreographic genius transformed the Broadway musical landscape. Robbins’ groundbreaking work in shows like “West Side Story” and “Fiddler on the Roof” demonstrated the power of dance to not only entertain but also to advance character development and thematic exploration. By masterfully blending ballet, jazz, and Latin dance vocabularies, Robbins created a new language of movement that seamlessly integrated with the dramatic elements of musical theater.
Codifying the Techniques
As the integration of musical theater and contemporary dance evolved, the need for codified techniques became increasingly apparent. Enter the likes of Gus Giordano, Luigi, and Matt Mattox, each of whom developed their own distinctive approaches to the teaching and practice of theatrical jazz dance.
Giordano, for instance, believed that “physicality produced from within transforms the external” and that “the soul of the dancer must transcend technique to ensure that feeling and intention are more important than artificiality or mechanical execution.” His technique, with its emphasis on a grounded, rhythmic approach and a focus on individual expression, has become a cornerstone of contemporary jazz training.
In contrast, Luigi’s technique, with its clear ballet influence and lyrical quality, offered dancers a more fluid and expressive path to mastering the art of theatrical jazz. As dance historian Cohen notes, Luigi’s “emphasis on a vertically held and lengthened torso, expanded chest, and arm placement” created a distinctive style that was both technically demanding and artistically captivating.
And then there’s the inimitable Matt Mattox, whose “freestyle” approach to jazz dance challenged the very notion of what the art form could be. Mattox’s technique, with its dizzying array of polycentric and polyrhythmic complexities, required dancers to possess an exceptional level of coordination and body control. Yet, as dance historian Boross points out, Mattox firmly believed that the “dancer must be free to express what is in his soul,” transcending the boundaries of any single style or technique.
Embracing the Diversity of Contemporary Jazz
As the 21st century dawned, the integration of musical theater and contemporary dance continued to evolve, giving rise to a dazzling array of styles and sub-genres. From the groundbreaking work of BalaSole Dance Company to the ever-changing landscape of “commercial jazz” and “contemporary jazz,” the possibilities for artistic expression seemed limitless.
BalaSole, founded by the visionary Roberto Villanueva, has been at the forefront of this movement, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the dance world. As Villanueva explains, “I created BalaSole in 2010 because I believed it was time for a multi-ethnic organization that would open its doors to dance artists of all genres, styles, artistic expressions, shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds.” By providing a platform for underrepresented and underemployed dancers, BalaSole has become a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of artists to find their voice and share their unique perspectives with the world.
Meanwhile, the rise of “commercial jazz” and “contemporary jazz” has brought a whole new level of dynamism and versatility to the art form. These styles, often seen in dance competitions, TV shows, and the world of advertising, have embraced the fusion of classical ballet, modern dance, and a wide range of vernacular and street-based influences. From the infectious groove of “pop jazz” to the lyrical elegance of “contemporary jazz,” these genres have captivated audiences and challenged the boundaries of what is possible on the stage and screen.
Embracing the Future of Theatrical Dance
As I reflect on the rich tapestry of integration between musical theater and contemporary dance, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement for the future. The art form has come a long way, from the ancient roots of Kunqu opera to the dazzling spectacles of Broadway and beyond. And with visionary artists like Lucy XC Liu, Roberto Villanueva, and the countless others who have left their mark, I know that the possibilities for innovation and exploration are truly limitless.
So, as you explore the Musical Theater Center and immerse yourself in the world of theatrical dance, remember that you are not just witnessing a performance – you are bearing witness to the culmination of centuries of artistic evolution, a testament to the power of creativity to bridge the gaps between traditions and push the boundaries of what is possible. Let the rhythms and movements captivate you, and let the stories they tell become a part of your own personal journey through the ever-expanding landscape of the performing arts.
