Top 10 Greatest Broadway Dancers of All Time
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
Mervyn
This is the worst list EVER!
Apparently, this is supposed to be the top ten Broadway DANCERS. Their dance performances should be the only factor considered.
First, Sutton Foster has no business on this list. PERIOD!
Second, the only reason iconic, innovative, and cutting edge choreographers Fosse, Kidd, and Robbins were very good dancers. But not top ten.
Third, I don't believe that Ann Miller's Broadway work is sufficient to put her in the top ten.
Fourth, Dubose and Fairchild do not have a sufficient body of work. yet.
Five, any list without Hinton Battle, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Tommy Tune, and Ben Vereen is a travesty.
I believe that Reinking and McKechnie deserve to be on this list. Although McKechnie, Reinking, and Vereen are Tony Award winners, I believe that they represent Broadway's truly great dancers--members of the ensemble.
This is my top ten:
1) GWEN VERDON;
2) Chita Rivera;
3) Tommy Tune;
4) Savion Glover;
5) Hinton Battle;
6) Ben Vereen;
7) Gregory Hines;
8) Donna McKechnie;
9) Ann Reinking;
10) ALL of the principal dancers in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line.
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This is the worst list EVER!
Apparently, this is supposed to be the top ten Broadway DANCERS. Their dance performances should be the only factor considered.
First, Sutton Foster has no business on this list. PERIOD!
Second, the only reason iconic, innovative, and cutting edge choreographers Fosse, Kidd, and Robbins were very good dancers. But not top ten.
Third, I don't believe that Ann Miller's Broadway work is sufficient to put her in the top ten.
Fourth, Dubose and Fairchild do not have a sufficient body of work. yet.
Five, any list without Hinton Battle, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Tommy Tune, and Ben Vereen is a travesty.
I believe that Reinking and McKechnie deserve to be on this list. Although McKechnie, Reinking, and Vereen are Tony Award winners, I believe that they represent Broadway's truly great dancers--members of the ensemble.
This is my top ten:
1) GWEN VERDON;
2) Chita Rivera;
3) Tommy Tune;
4) Savion Glover;
5) Hinton Battle;
6) Ben Vereen;
7) Gregory Hines;
8) Donna McKechnie;
9) Ann Reinking;
10) ALL of the principal dancers in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line.
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Mikki
Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon are the best actors/singers/and especially dancers on the Broadway stage EVER! Ann Reinking was outstanding, but not better, Ann Miller was an amazing tap dancer, mostly in the movies, and Donna McKechnie was great in my favorite musical, but the body of her work, and that of Reiniing just can't come close to matching Rivera and Verdon. But putting Liza Minelli ahead of them, much less even in a top ten is ridiculous. She never saw the day she could dance nearly as well as any of the women on your list, not even close -- even with the extra points everyone gives her for being Judy Garland's daughter. If you're set on leaving Ann Miller on your list, you have to put Eleanor Powell on the list ahead of her. Her tap was astounding, so much so that Fred Astaire was too intimidated to dance with her. Too bad the Nicholas Brothers didn't get Broadway gigs (wrong color. If they had been, they'd have to be #1. Now, get Minelli off the list and replace her with a real dancer.
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Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon are the best actors/singers/and especially dancers on the Broadway stage EVER! Ann Reinking was outstanding, but not better, Ann Miller was an amazing tap dancer, mostly in the movies, and Donna McKechnie was great in my favorite musical, but the body of her work, and that of Reiniing just can't come close to matching Rivera and Verdon. But putting Liza Minelli ahead of them, much less even in a top ten is ridiculous. She never saw the day she could dance nearly as well as any of the women on your list, not even close -- even with the extra points everyone gives her for being Judy Garland's daughter. If you're set on leaving Ann Miller on your list, you have to put Eleanor Powell on the list ahead of her. Her tap was astounding, so much so that Fred Astaire was too intimidated to dance with her. Too bad the Nicholas Brothers didn't get Broadway gigs (wrong color. If they had been, they'd have to be #1. Now, get Minelli off the list and replace her with a real dancer.
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Ellen
Ariana Debose and Sutton Foster made the list, but not Carol Haney, Shirley McClaine, or Debbie Allen. Male dancers were missed too. Ben Vereen and Tommy Tune (who was in one of the clips shown) didnt even get a mention. On your picks, i give you a 4 out of ten. You got Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Ann Miller and Bob Fosse right
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Ariana Debose and Sutton Foster made the list, but not Carol Haney, Shirley McClaine, or Debbie Allen. Male dancers were missed too. Ben Vereen and Tommy Tune (who was in one of the clips shown) didnt even get a mention. On your picks, i give you a 4 out of ten. You got Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Ann Miller and Bob Fosse right
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Vanessa
Thank you for this list, so many younger generation maybe unaware of a lot of these iconic performers. Some they only seen in movies and not known they been on the stage - in some cases a VERY long time! The first time I saw Gwen Verdon was in the movie The Cotton Club and that was like 1980? -81? So that just one example
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Thank you for this list, so many younger generation maybe unaware of a lot of these iconic performers. Some they only seen in movies and not known they been on the stage - in some cases a VERY long time! The first time I saw Gwen Verdon was in the movie The Cotton Club and that was like 1980? -81? So that just one example
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Diana
In Mojo. only. put the recent artists. But they couldnt forget Chita Ann Miller Gwen Verdon Ann Reiking Jerome Robbins Michael Kidd and of course Bob Fosse. But were are Tommy Tunne Debbie Allen Tommy Rall Ben Vereen Gene Nelson Harold Lang Donald O Connor and of course Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly who were also on Broadway
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In Mojo. only. put the recent artists. But they couldnt forget Chita Ann Miller Gwen Verdon Ann Reiking Jerome Robbins Michael Kidd and of course Bob Fosse. But were are Tommy Tunne Debbie Allen Tommy Rall Ben Vereen Gene Nelson Harold Lang Donald O Connor and of course Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly who were also on Broadway
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suebob16
I want to throw in at least an Honorable Mention for Harry Groener. He was in Crazy For You, Oklahoma, and an early Pacific Conservatory Theater production of Brigadoon which was the first time I ever saw him on the stage. He literally fell off a cliff as the tragic Harry Beaton and he blew me away.
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I want to throw in at least an Honorable Mention for Harry Groener. He was in Crazy For You, Oklahoma, and an early Pacific Conservatory Theater production of Brigadoon which was the first time I ever saw him on the stage. He literally fell off a cliff as the tragic Harry Beaton and he blew me away.
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Frederick
I agree with your number one pic. But i'd really like to know. I mean, answer me seriously PLEASE! What do you have against Sammy Davis, Jr. Golden boy, stop the world I want to get off. Mr, wonderful, according to Frank Sinatra, the greatest triple threat of all time, and you never mentioned him
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I agree with your number one pic. But i'd really like to know. I mean, answer me seriously PLEASE! What do you have against Sammy Davis, Jr. Golden boy, stop the world I want to get off. Mr, wonderful, according to Frank Sinatra, the greatest triple threat of all time, and you never mentioned him
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Bryant
Lovely, but note that these are dancer/singers. And Fosse was one of the greatest choreographers, not dancers, though he was lovely. And no mention of Elizabeth Parkinson, one of the greatest dancers (if not greatest) to grace a broadway stage. Super fun list though.
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Lovely, but note that these are dancer/singers. And Fosse was one of the greatest choreographers, not dancers, though he was lovely. And no mention of Elizabeth Parkinson, one of the greatest dancers (if not greatest) to grace a broadway stage. Super fun list though.
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Sicilia928
This is a hard one because Broadway is known for musicals. But to not include GREGORY HINES, not even in the Honorable Mentions, when you mention Liza Minelli is ridiculous. I like Liza, but she was never a GREAT dancer. Not ever. Gregory was!
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This is a hard one because Broadway is known for musicals. But to not include GREGORY HINES, not even in the Honorable Mentions, when you mention Liza Minelli is ridiculous. I like Liza, but she was never a GREAT dancer. Not ever. Gregory was!
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Thomas
I saw Chita Rivera on tour in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She was older then, than I am now, and she moved like someone half her age. And this was after she was hit by a car and many thought she would never walk, let alone dance, again
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I saw Chita Rivera on tour in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She was older then, than I am now, and she moved like someone half her age. And this was after she was hit by a car and many thought she would never walk, let alone dance, again
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teddy
The fact that Debbie Allen didnt make it to this list is a shame! most kids, especially in the black community got into Broadway cos of Debbie. she was beyond FABULOUS. Also, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers deserve a seat at this table
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The fact that Debbie Allen didnt make it to this list is a shame! most kids, especially in the black community got into Broadway cos of Debbie. she was beyond FABULOUS. Also, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers deserve a seat at this table
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Toni
There are so many amazing stars over the years in the world of broadway, of course she could not name everyone. It does not mean certain artists are favored over others. Or genres favored over others. I love watching the old clips.
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There are so many amazing stars over the years in the world of broadway, of course she could not name everyone. It does not mean certain artists are favored over others. Or genres favored over others. I love watching the old clips.
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morgandancer123
I'm surprised Jared Grimes wasn't on here too. He's a tap power house and has done some amazing work on Bway with Tap Dance Kid and Funny Girl. There are quite a few other names that could have definitely made this list
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I'm surprised Jared Grimes wasn't on here too. He's a tap power house and has done some amazing work on Bway with Tap Dance Kid and Funny Girl. There are quite a few other names that could have definitely made this list
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divab63
Thank you for actually acknowledging some of the greats of Broadway dancers. Fosse, Verdin, Reinking, Robbins, Kidd, Foster, Tivera! Wow what a list of amazing performers who went on to make amazing contributions to dance.
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Thank you for actually acknowledging some of the greats of Broadway dancers. Fosse, Verdin, Reinking, Robbins, Kidd, Foster, Tivera! Wow what a list of amazing performers who went on to make amazing contributions to dance.
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Brad
Carol Haney should have been on this list, Donna should been more than a mention, and sorry fosse but gwen verdon is hands down the best ever. if you watch the two of them dance side by side, she is superior and the best
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Carol Haney should have been on this list, Donna should been more than a mention, and sorry fosse but gwen verdon is hands down the best ever. if you watch the two of them dance side by side, she is superior and the best
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Joan
Donna McKechnie's dance number in Company on broadway was extraordinary. Unfortunately I've been unable to find any recordings of that number. Dancing over, under, around, and through a jungle gym. Just phenomenal.
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Donna McKechnie's dance number in Company on broadway was extraordinary. Unfortunately I've been unable to find any recordings of that number. Dancing over, under, around, and through a jungle gym. Just phenomenal.
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Annie
Youll find Bob Fosse in a obscure movie in the 70s called the Little Prince. In the number, you can see his amazing influence on Michael Jackson from the white Sox and black pants right down to the moonwalk
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Youll find Bob Fosse in a obscure movie in the 70s called the Little Prince. In the number, you can see his amazing influence on Michael Jackson from the white Sox and black pants right down to the moonwalk
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Trini
Would have put Reinking as #2 since this is about dance. Except for Fosse, I haven't seen anyone move as fluidly as she did. The quality of her movement just catches your eye every single time.
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Would have put Reinking as #2 since this is about dance. Except for Fosse, I haven't seen anyone move as fluidly as she did. The quality of her movement just catches your eye every single time.
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Happy
It was weird and confusing that you led off with Donna when she was an honorable mention. However, this ranking lists are generally a little bit ridiculous, although entertaining.
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It was weird and confusing that you led off with Donna when she was an honorable mention. However, this ranking lists are generally a little bit ridiculous, although entertaining.
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Jayjen35
I AM SORRY - but to have such a list as best dancers on Broadway and not bother with people like Gregory Hines, Ben Vereen, Debbie Allen, and Savion Glover is just inexcusable.
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I AM SORRY - but to have such a list as best dancers on Broadway and not bother with people like Gregory Hines, Ben Vereen, Debbie Allen, and Savion Glover is just inexcusable.
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fanjoy
Where is Vera Ellen on this list? These lists are so selective and honestly - ridiculous. Ben Vereen, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Andre Deshields, Debbie Allen, Cyd Charisse?
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Where is Vera Ellen on this list? These lists are so selective and honestly - ridiculous. Ben Vereen, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Andre Deshields, Debbie Allen, Cyd Charisse?
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AwkwardNecro
So no Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Donald O'Connor? Sutton should have been an honorable mention. Bob Fosse was a better choreographer than dancer, he was not #1.
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So no Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Donald O'Connor? Sutton should have been an honorable mention. Bob Fosse was a better choreographer than dancer, he was not #1.
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Jennifer
The fact that Donna McKechnie wasn't on the list was idiotic. Robert Fairchild's a great dancer but he's had nowhere near the legendary impact of Donna McKechnie.
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The fact that Donna McKechnie wasn't on the list was idiotic. Robert Fairchild's a great dancer but he's had nowhere near the legendary impact of Donna McKechnie.
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Alex
How the hell is there no mention of Tommy Tune? His 10 Tony Awards alone for his work as a choreographer, director, dancer, and actor deserve him a spot on this list!
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How the hell is there no mention of Tommy Tune? His 10 Tony Awards alone for his work as a choreographer, director, dancer, and actor deserve him a spot on this list!
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thebrothaj
debbie allen, gregory hines, ben vereen and savion glover have entered the chat.
ariana dubose is an awesome talent, but of all time! umm, too soon.
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debbie allen, gregory hines, ben vereen and savion glover have entered the chat.
ariana dubose is an awesome talent, but of all time! umm, too soon.
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Harry
When you limit yourself to ten, there are always going to be some whose absence is striking. Bebe Neuwirth and Tommy Tune immediately come to mind.
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When you limit yourself to ten, there are always going to be some whose absence is striking. Bebe Neuwirth and Tommy Tune immediately come to mind.
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Robert
Jack Cole DID NOT appear in Kismet. He choreographed both the original 1953 stage production AND the film, as well as the Lincoln Center revival.
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Jack Cole DID NOT appear in Kismet. He choreographed both the original 1953 stage production AND the film, as well as the Lincoln Center revival.
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Dan_Gaming_Fan
Ariana DeBose is an absolute rising star. I loved her in _West Side Story (2021)_ I can't wait to see what more she brings in the future.
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Ariana DeBose is an absolute rising star. I loved her in _West Side Story (2021)_ I can't wait to see what more she brings in the future.
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Gi
Bob Fosse was a legendary and utterly brilliant & prolific choreographer and stage director, but a rather a mediocre dancer/performer.
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Bob Fosse was a legendary and utterly brilliant & prolific choreographer and stage director, but a rather a mediocre dancer/performer.
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Bruce
HOW is Fred Astaire not on this list? He started out on Broadway and then went on to be THE BEST MALE DANCER IN THE MOVIES!
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HOW is Fred Astaire not on this list? He started out on Broadway and then went on to be THE BEST MALE DANCER IN THE MOVIES!
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