Top 20 Iconic Broadway Dance Numbers

[@foxpokemonforever4775]

I was NOT expecting to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on this list!! It's one of my favourite musicals and no one ever seems to talk about it! The number you listed in particular brings a big smile to my face EVERY single time.

[@rachael3979]

Same!

[@dobermommartha]

I adore that movie too. So much fun packed into that film 🎥

[@imateakettle]

Most people I know call it Stockholm Syndrome the Musical lol

[@DanGamingFan2406]

"You Can't Stop The Beat", "Mein Herr", "Step In Time", and "The Dance At The Gym" are all some of my personal favorite numbers, but "Cell Block Tango" is definitely the winner for me. I love the rhythm of it. The song gets stuck in my head everytime it's brought up (not that that's a problem,) and the visuals and choreography just make it that much better.

[@JennyGreen-ed4kp]

I agree seven bides for seven brothers is a fantastic example of broadway and film dance and for it time still holds up. But I also agree Cell block tango is tops and I also enjoy Elvis Presley’s Jail house rock for the same reason. There is nothing like a Dance Entourage to capture the attention of of music lovers. I think that is also why MJ Thriller was such a success.

[@maeganbyerley]

Every time Bob Fosse was mention I kept thinking of Robin Williams saying "And Fosse Fosse Fosse" 😂 Also couldn't help buy sing along to a lot of the songs.

[@sandrasharby8405]

Then Madonna Madonna but keep it all inside.

[@brucetidwell7715]

I know right? Me, too.

[@aalflyguy1184]

Can we get a “top 10 Bob Fosse dances” please?!?!

[@goawayleavemealone2880]

It's all of them.

[@teijaflink2226]

Right, I want to see that.

[@bernardachour614]

@@goawayleavemealone2880 Fabulous answer, GoAway, just fabulous !

[@diane8937]

No kidding. More dancing, less talking please.

[@Lise-ds1zb]

Sweet Charity

[@brucetidwell7715]

I wont argue with any of your picks and while "One" is not the most impressive choreography on it's own, as the finale to Chorus Line, there is nothing like it. It really does pull the whole plot together into one gold plated triumph. After watching those characters bare their hearts one after the other, it's almost impossible to watch the joy of their success without a lump in your throat. I have to say, though, that "Electricity" is probably the most impressive dance number I've ever seen. Watching that boy live on Broadway, with no cuts, was literally breathtaking magic. I sat there the whole time just thinking, "How?! This isn't even possible! A grown man could hardly do this, and he's just a little kid!" And he has the whole rest of the musical to get through afterwards.

[@cristagalli96]

"The Jellicle Ball" hits so hard when it's live. God it's incredible.

[@GoddessNeith]

you should see the anniversary performance of "one". EVERY gypsy was invited back, put into costume and went on stage. it was AMAZING. I saw it in 1979 on Broadway. I was entranced.

[@martaromerodetejadasagarra3785]

I think "Brotherhood of man" from How to succed in business without really trying, deserve at least an honorific mention ❤

[@tamarak9393]

I knew Chorus Line would be number one. I saw it live and it was amazing.

[@lisadavis501]

I cry every time 🤍

[@memehuang993]

It is still my favorite musical no matter what.

[@brucetidwell7715]

YES!

[@sburris65]

42nd Street was my Broadway show at 19. 41 years later, I have been to dozens of shows multiple times. I have been to shows all over the country, including NYC. I've also been to Londons West End and saw the Phantom in Copenhagen in a 300 yo theater, and it was sung in Danish. There is simply nothing like a night at the theater. And the show stopping dance numbers get me up clapping every day.

[@beaconnell27]

i remember when i was in my high school's performance of a chorus line. "one" was no joke! we had 10 hour rehearsals just for "one"! that choreo will forever stick with me.

[@amylynn3821]

Can’t argue with this list. Just so glad to see the opening of 42nd Street there. There is nothing more thrilling than that moment when the curtain stops at knee level and you just see all of the feet tapping together.

[@Phelie315]

It's such a great moment! I think for this list I would've gone with the finale, because that number always made me tear up with his impressive it was, but the whole show from a dance standpoint is just incredible.

[@lindseyhudson1274]

My little brother was cast as one of the bottle dancers in Fiddler on the Roof for SJCMT (San Jose Childrens musical theater) and I was so proud of him because that is such a difficult dance. He also was Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady and he was sensational. I wish he had kept performing because he amazing.

[@kathleenwyatt563]

Wow, such incredible dance numbers! My 15-year old daughter played Val in “A Chorus Line” in her performing arts school’s production. She was fantastic! A little disturbing for her dad to watch since Val is supposed to be 23 and has her own number, “Tits and Ass”, but our daughter was outstanding! So, that show will always have a special place in my heart. Chicago is one of my all-time favorites…I love every number!

[@leapintothewild]

And so wonderful to know there are still schools where you can perform (and read, paint, sing, etc) at all, much less without some organization or person objecting to something like Tits and Ass! I am proud to have played clarinet in the pit in high school, and still can quote lines from many musicals. Break a leg, everyone!

[@brucetidwell7715]

How lucky for them. My drama club went to see the Broadway touring company in the original run. Aftereward, I begged our director to get it for us. He said, "I want it too, but Mr. Americk (the principle) would die! He would literally fall out in the aisle with a heart attack before the end of the first act."

[@kristashafer93098]

I’m a simple woman. I see “Broadway” in a Mojo video title, I click!! Very fun list!!!

[@luckylady7542]

A local theater troupe performed " A Chorus Line". To this day it is one of the highlights of my life. ❤ The cast was so professional.

[@kiradattei]

I was not expecting Seven Brides for Seven Brothers to show up! 😍😍😍

[@bethanyauble7934]

20: "The Room Where It Happens" - Hamilton 19: "Turkey Lurkey Time" - Promises, Promises 18: "You Can't Stop the Beat" - Hairspray 17: "Electricity" - Billy Elliot the Musical 16: "Slap That Bass" - Crazy For You 15: "Shall We Dance?" - The King and I 14: "Big Spender" - Sweet Charity 13: "Lauren Makes Up Her Mind" - Oklahoma! 12: "Mein Herr" - Cabaret 11: "Barn Dance" - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 10: "Ballet Sequence" - An American in Paris 9: "Anything Goes" - Anything Goes 8: "The Jellicle Ball" - Cats 7: "Step in Time" - Mary Poppins 6: "Seize the Day" - Newsies 5: "Audition" - 42nd Street 4: "The Bottle Dance" - Fiddler on the Roof 3: "Cell Block Tango" - Chicago 2: "The Dance at the Gym" - West Side Story 1: "One (Reprise)" - A Chorus Line

[@trinaq]

All of Billy Elliot is infectiously catchy, especially "Electricity."

[@kershabeaver3312]

Did tom Holland play him in that musical at some point

[@trinaq]

@@kershabeaver3312 Yep, he was one of the original Billys in the Westend!

[@kershabeaver3312]

@@trinaq okay thank yoh

[@urnotl0r0s]

omg it’s you again

[@damemarthafalker6738]

"One" from A Chorus Line is nourishment for the spirit. Just thrilling!

[@judithortiz-velazquez4992]

“I got a lot of Livin’ to do from Bye Bye Birdie. I’ve only seen the film version with Ann Margaret and Bobby Rydell but is is energetic and wonderfully challenging.

[@annek1226]

I am sorry, absolutely no one does Shall we dance better than Yul Brenner and Debra Kerr!

[@sophiaisabelle027]

These Broadway dance numbers sure are excellent. They actually ate that performance.

[@trinaq]

Yes, "One" is the most iconic dance number, but it's bittersweet that these actors that we've spent the entire musical getting to know are regulating to nameless, faceless background performers, as is often the case in Hollywood.

[@groujo1]

Aggravating, I'd say. It always makes me wonder why Zach went through all the trouble to learn who they are just to cast them in a role absent personality.

[@bluscorpion]

Anyone who thinks this missed the point of the show. On the surface it's a coming of age story about performers trying to get into a show. On a deeper level, it's a love story about a guy who passed on live to direct a show, only to have his love walk into an audition one day. And at the end, this isn't just a chorus line, they're bridesmaids and groomsmen, at the wedding between our players and the theater- a metaphor for our director realizing he's in love with this woman. So she's the one, but also this cast is the one a complete chorus line, a collection of misfits fitting together like a perfect puzzle. Where you see nameless faceless performers, stand powerful men and women that overcame odds and disappointment to stand on that grand stage, in that beautiful gold costume, while theater goers read their bios in a program or playbill. They're not nameless or faceless, because you got to know them, and you get to see them altogether, overcoming their differences to be "One".

[@crusher6494]

@@bluscorpion sure that's your interpretation, but you can't just say that anyone who thinks this missed the point of the show. it's giving "your opinion is wrong"

[@jeffreylindahl5895]

I get goosebumps every time Mrs. Mojo or watchmojo do Broadway videos.

[@nbenefiel]

Deborah Kerr’s dress in shall we dance is iconic.

[@neilengel3715]

“”Cool” from West Side Story is beyond brilliant

[@jamesandsusanshortill8713]

Actually CRIED watching "One"...No idea what that connects with in me, but OMG, INCREDIBLE

[@leapintothewild]

Don't know if you have a band background like I do, but not only did we play One as part of our halftime show in the late 70s, that number is what it feels like to be on the field in a marching band at full volume - all in sync, the harmony, the blast of noise! It gives me goose bumps and makes me tear up every time.

[@mikkibaker6907]

"A Chorus Line" touches your heart. There are lots of places in the show that trigger my tear ducts -- "What I Did for Love" makes me weep.

[@danielellis4749]

I am surprised that the waiters' dance from Hello Dolly is not included. It's a classic; a show stopper.

[@stacym735]

I was waiting for it.

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

I recently performed Mary Poppins jr at my theater in January as my first high school show. I played a chimney sweep, and Step in time was such a fun number to rehearse and I’m so glad to see it so high on this list. Also, last year in 8th grade I did 42nd street jr (I was in the ensemble) and the audition number was also a lot of fun to do

[@susanmacdonald4288]

Honestly, the thing that stands out the most for me in "Shall We Dance" is the dress. Especially the one for the Tony Awards.

[@MMA-ki3pm]

I was lucky enough to see Yul Bryner in person during the revival of the King and I in the 70’s. A life-long wonderful memory.

[@Ziggimomspal68]

Me too

[@SNSullivan-c5s]

BE OUR GUEST??? I just finished a production of Beauty and the Beast as an ensemble member. I was working so hard for the Be Our Guest choreography that I couldn't breathe by the end of the song. AND IT WASN"T EVEN THE FULL BROADWAY VERSION!!!

[@JennyGreen-ed4kp]

For some crazy reason I have probably watched the One finale from a chorus line the most. But I truly think it is more because you want the characters to make it and they show them at there best…

[@kellyalves756]

The thing about the “Big Spender” number is that the taxi dancers look absolutely “Over It To Death.” It’s chilling and gorgeous at the same time.

[@kellyalves756]

( Also the musical is based on the Fellini film “ Nights of Cabiria”, and the girls in that story were prostitutes vying for the same street corner. So the brilliance of Fosse’s number is you can tell by their weariness and their unenthusiastic flattery that the women ain’t just selling dances.)

[@bluscorpion]

Excellent list! Having done A Chorus Line and performed that choregraphy numerous times, I can definitely vouch for how complicated it is. Also, the cast is on stage pretty much the entire show! No water or bathroom breaks till 3/4 ways into the show. 😮. And I'd do it again!

[@thomasbradley4505]

When it’s done right, Shall We Dance is one of the sexiest dance numbers. The chemistry between the leads, and the moment he puts his hand on her waist as the music swells can be extremely erotic while fully clothed.

[@sandevieira5674]

The wedding dance from Fiddler on the Roof is a favorite.❤

[@AlMarciano-j6q]

You missed “Brotherhood of Men” from How to Succeed especially Dan Radcliffe’s performance I witnessed at his second to last show on Broadway. We gave him a standing ovation!

[@stanlivengood9500]

The old lady number with the walkers from The Producers seems pretty impressive as well, from what I recall seeing it on TV.

[@chelseacanales8763]

Shall we Dance from the King and I is so sweet and the music is breathtaking ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@guyrestivo]

definately Seven Brides and West Side Story...the contrast and competitiveness and contest between both factions fires u up

[@MunstersGoHome]

Great list! My personal list would have also included: Rich Man's Frug from Sweet Charity The Waiters' Gallop from Hello, Dolly! Steam Heat from The Pajama Game Brand New Day from The Wiz Greased Lightning or Born to Hand Jive from Grease

[@martabotiasalinero]

Waiters' Gallop got my mouth dropped. It should have an honorable mention.

[@kershabeaver3312]

West side story favorite music. America dance sequence just awesome

[@jaclynsanture6643]

mine too, I love this musical

[@jonnarobinson7541]

I think you did an excellent job. I am a dance teacher, and a musical theater fanatic. I am so glad you included Billy Elliot. My only comment is that the masterpiece of Broadway dancing was by Jerome Robbins in the film version of West Side Story. It was the underground garage performance. Mambo was not even choreographed by Jerome Robbins in the movie. America was also different between the stage and the original movie.

[@kristinabaron-woods1652]

I would have included the Manson Trio from Pippin, but I suppose Fosse was well enough represented here. Also Louise's solo from the Carousel Ballet

[@kristamkm]

I would love to see A Chorus Line on Broadway. The movie is one of my favourites, and I remember seeing it on the big screen when I was a kid. Great songs too.

[@kvom01]

My top two are "One" and "Anything Goes", but they're all great.

[@mervyngreene6687]

I would have chosen "America" from "West Side Story."Even though the movie version is VERY different from the stage version. For a very long time I thought that making the dance routine coed made it perfect. THEN, I saw Debbie Allen....

[@SarahRenz59]

I'm glad you included "Audition" from 42nd Street. I saw a production that came to Chicago, and the sound of all that tap dancing sent chills up my spine. Absolutely thrilling!

[@tastebudswithtariq2330]

Yes, these dance numbers are iconic and likable. But what about "Brand New Way" From The Wiz? 😮

[@bestnameeverf]

Uh ya missed Let’s raise a glass from Grand Hotel. Sheesh. It could’ve been at least an honorable mention.

[@maryhirose524]

A Chorus Line was my very first show. I was 13 and remember it like it was yesterday.

[@edwub8595]

Can't fault the list too much - would have loved to have seen "We'll Take A Glass Together" from Grand Hotel

[@kojikicklighter371]

Rich Man's Frug is my favorite from Sweet Charity.

[@anniecrestani1121]

Yes The Famous High Kicks of A Chorus Line I have preformed this Musical twice a long time ago both time's as Sheila I'll never forget hardly being able to breathe when I came off stage baci x

[@anngrogan6343]

Gene Kelly “singing in the Rain” and anything by Fred Astaire beats all of these even if not by much.

[@arkady714]

The iconic numbers in these iconic shows and the iconic dancing done by these iconic performers make for a video that is truly... gee, what's the best word???

[@maryannangros8834]

I used to copy"ONE" Wwhen I could still dance. I miss it. After three strokes,that was then...

[@dinocub1]

LOVE Big Spender from Sweet Charity...but surely the whole dance sequence from the "The Aloof, The Heavyweight, The Big Finish" was miles above any higher on the list. Bob Fosse at his best.

[@alwilliams64964]

Dick Van Dyke is still dancing (literally) at 98. No experience before Mary Poppins is impressive - what he's done since is truly unbelievable. A natural talent.

[@babslovesbooksleathers188]

I don't think that is accurate. Van Dyke was on Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie and The Dick Van Dyke show before Mary Poppins. He did plenty of dancing on his show and a bit in Birdie. But, The Old Bamboo in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is my favorite dance number by him.

[@rifelaw]

They choreographed "Step in Time" as they did BECAUSE Van Dyke had no dance training. This and other pieces were crafted to play to his physical comedy skills.

[@kellyalves756]

Well, he certainly fooled me! I guess that number was his dance training! 😎

[@antonyriojan2232]

West side story and a chorus line!!! Perfection

[@MarissaFloro]

While I haven't really gone to any Broadway shows I have gone to lots of plays and theater experiences. I do hope to see some of these in person someday. But you know being a mom kind of prohibits me from traveling a little bit until my kids are bigger. For actually seeing some of the movies i'm really glad that chicago and westside Story made it into this list.

[@наталиярозанова-ю7р]

I think "Whipped into shape" deserves the place in this list! It's so damn hard to dancing and singing and exercising "3in1"!!!

[@jennj2696]

#11 is one of my fave musicals and dance scenes. Its such perfect story telling

[@tessreeves9846]

Surprised at no "Hot Honey Rag" tbqh but that could just be me lol

[@lawyerlib]

omg thank you! This was so much fun remembering all those shows and fabulous choreography!!👯👯👯👯👯

[@judyeuller7602]

I'm so glad to see you A Chorus Line get 2 spots on your list. I love both numbers, but the Finale is without a doubt incomparable.

[@bburt6397]

Russ Tamblyn was only 20 years old in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and Jacques D'Amboise was so, so beautiful.

[@ellenstrack6274]

I do have to say seeing Yul Brenner do "Shall We Dance" on the stage on Broadway was an ultimate experience.

[@spoonbendingspacemonkey]

I miss the time when a good dance-off would solve any problem.

[@KitCat70]

I came from a very talented high school and we did 7 Brides my senior year. Our choreography was done by a local college dance instructor. It was pretty much the same as the movie and it was a blast!!!! Good thing there wasn’t singing involved! We, the girls, were barely able to breathe by the end!! Good times!!

[@seanhorace925]

I can think of a few you missed: .Be Our Guest- Beauty and the Beast .Friend Like Me- Aladdin .Masquerade- The Phantom of the Opera .Rockin the Boat- Guys and Dolls .It's Time to Dance- The Prom .Transylvania Mania- Young Frankenstein .Superstar- Jesus Christ Superstar .Be Prepared- The Lion King

[@OrionStar1]

Yes!! Chorus Line # 1. I was 16 when I first seen this awesome play on broadway! I always wanted to be a part of One (finale). So many great dance scenes!!

[@kershabeaver3312]

Favorite music Chicago. Favorite dance sequence cell block tango

[@nancyjahn4224]

Sweet Charity the Heavyweight is my favorite ❤️

[@EIbereth]

Here in Mexico "Time Warp Dance" (El Baile del Sapo) was a radio hit back in the 80's, so in Spanish it's my favorite musical number along with A Chorus Line.

[@tammylynnbeatricedoyle4500]

Omg!! The TOP 3 ARE IT!!!! Chicago's Cell Block Tango is my all-time favorite 😍 West Side Story is just sizzling 🔥 and, of course, ONE from A Chorus Line is show-stopping!!! I totally agree with Time Warp too ❤

[@saintclaire4897]

What nothing from The Wiz? The workhouse scene with Mabel King, 'Dont bring me no bad news', was epic.

[@diannehortonpong1388]

I remember the "Jellicle Cats" number from my experience with seeing 'Cats' in London, England at the West End Theatre (in the round) back in 1983. What an experience! I am not surprised to see "One" from A Chorus Line at the top of this list-that finale number is next level with the mirrors and entire cast doing that synchronized number!

[@littlecharizard426]

My high school just did Anything Goes and I think we did a really good job! 😆

[@wendyw8931]

The dancing in WSS made me want to go to NYC and study acting in the 60s. One of my many regrets.

[@danielamendezcetrini398]

I´m surprised anyone is mentioning Moulin Rouge. Backstage Romance is my favorite number and the dancing is sooooo good. I LOVE the way the ensamble shines. Simply amazing.

[@wisteria808]

I love Moulin Rouge, as well.

[@Michaela1942]

Liked a lot of them. Saw a lot of them. But, aren't we just a teeny, tiny bit tired of A Chorus Line's One? Yup. I am.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

The dream ballet in Oklahoma ends the delightful first act, transitioning the light mood to a dark, deadly, menacing foretelling of the second act. We have to watch the whole of the second act to discover whether it becomes true or not. It’s a brilliant piece of dramatic spin as well as great dancing and storytelling.

[@AngRDO]

Yes!!! Turkey Lurkey time! Amazing choreo and performances. Great to see this addition.

[@kato0828]

Super surprised to see Turkey Lurkey! My son performed in it for a community theater show and it was exhausting!

[@Shakespielberg]

I think "Summer Nights" from Grease deserved at least an honorable mention, if not an outright selection. The choreography being two different scenarios happening simultaneously with dance + music... and EPIC music of course. Yeah, that's worth a top pick. Tell me I'm wrong!

[@cmtippens9209]

I'm so thrilled that the Bottle Dance from FOTR was included! And of course, just about any big tapping chorus number is going to be a show stopper. 🚰👯‍♂️👯‍♀️👯👯‍♀️ Ah..5..6..7..8 👐👐👐👐

[@mga2899]

Dick Van Dyke is still doing it 60 years later.

[@jordygarcia3119]

One Reprise is my favorite dance number by far! Got to see a production live for the first time this past weekend and just had chills all over!

[@jameshamilton8245]

I was under the assumption that Mein Herr was added for the movie version of Cabaret replacing " Don't Tell Mama" as the number introducing Sally Bowles to the audience. Have Broadway Revivals followed the switch in the film version? I

[@origin8132]

Thanks for compiling - amazing we can see this today

[@geraldineclarke5434]

What?!!!! No "Singing in the Rain"?!!!!!!! That turned me into a dancer when I was 5.

[@carlozabbia1157]

I would have added "Le Jazz Hot" from "Victor/Victoria." That was amazing.

[@moimeme6533]

you forgot to mention the dance sequence from "Cool" in WSS, Jerome Robbins' masterpiece, which is still #1 all-time, JMO. (btw Sutton Foster & Co. moves #9 to #2) 🌠 :)

[@barbaramair1846]

It’s my favorite also

[@joanneallen3678]

ooh 7 brides for seven brothers. love it

[@1marilynable]

Tbh the best number in cats is Memory and I feel like that number alone and the emotion makes watching it worth it. Especially Betty Buckley. It's an amazing acting piece but astonishing vocals

[@Ventibreeze123]

I’m just a sucker for a chorus line, I saw the movie years ago and just loved it.

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

It's good to see Kinky Boots in there somewhere, and Act II finale Raise You Up/Just Be would have served just as well as Act I finale Everybody Say Yeah. I feel more strongly that Rich Man's Frug should have been the choice from Sweet Charity. And the counts for a polka are not "1-2-3", but "1-2-3-and". The King even says while he's trying to learn it, "oh, I forgot the 'and'".