Choreographing 'Hamilton': The Meaning Behind the Moves

"Hamilton" choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler explains the relationship between lyrics and movement in the hit Broadway show. Image/Video: Robert Libetti/The Wall Street Journal
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[@maggieo.513]

Would love to hear him explain the choreography for The Room Where It Happens

[@Emily-mr5fm]

Or Satisfied.

[@lilyz646]

That Burr is drunk on jealousy so he danced "off balance" around and jump on a table?

[@haseebniwaz4478]

Maggie Magpie in a ham4ham video on KZbin he does a bit off the dance from the room where it happens. It is on the Hamilton Channel

[@BetteDavis19]

aw no, but he does do yorktown choreography in that vid!

[@isamarie613]

Maggie Magpie SAME!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Roll587]

This man is brilliant.

[@RachelKe]

He and Lin really found each other.

[@squid2333]

They all are Like seriously All of them

[@isabella1614]

Yes

[@rainbowandre9580]

PORQUE LO HACES FEO

[@bobbygomez7561]

as a hip hop dancer, I'm now more into broadway than ever. hamilton and andy have shown me that hip hop can be shown on stage and it will be not only accepted, but encouraged. Hip hop style dancing is unbelievably expressive, especially in this show. This choreographer is my idol.

[@outlanderfrog]

The choreo in this show feels so inauthentic to me, though. Like it's trying too hard and lacks the rawness of hip hop.

[@bobbygomez7561]

you may be right, but they also have to tell a very specific story out there. They're not freestyling so of course it will lose some authenticity. on top of that they have to sing

[@outlanderfrog]

+Bobby Gomez You have a good point about singing. But in terms of storytelling look at lyrical hip hop like Nappytabs. This is just missing something.

[@sugarcakezz]

Bobby Gomez as a hip pop dancer this video is the simplest form of hip pop and almost disgraceful....but as broadway it's perfect

[@ravenclawisthenewblack3735]

one day I want to be a part of the ensemble.

[@selamw]

Yes you will and I believe in you!

[@vartistry7171]

I believe in you ^-^

[@GamerGirl500-q3f]

Trust me, the ensemble is AMAZING. I wasn't in a Broadway play, but I have been in the ensemble in other plays (small ones in my area) and you wont regret it!

[@BetteDavis19]

me as well. SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE

[@sodawolfy]

Same! Haha

[@TheCosmonauticaCestialist]

It's amazing how everything is thought out to the last detail by theses guys, even though they've said themselves that most, if any, viewers won't notice it. It's like when Andy says that Burr only walks in straight lines and Alexander walks in arcs. Just amazing.

[@lilliecoats]

THEY DO WHAT NOW

[@mmx123]

Kaitlyn of SovereignChild Inc wait what??!!! what does it represent??

[@isabellahirt2002]

@@mmx123 It shows how Hamilton sees many different opportunities and ideas while Burr doesn't

[@mmx123]

Isabella Hirt wow!! I never realized! it's great to see to how much thought is put into the production including the minor details. Thank you so much for sharing this fact with me :)

[@azuretrio8610]

Howard Ho does a video series about how the music works, but also discusses all the subtle things that subconsciously create a sense of character. Like how George Washington raps directly on the beat, because he thinks more methodically.

[@shannon6517]

As Andrew Chappelle told us in his masterclass "I could talk about the choreography for an hour. The dance moves have just as much meaning and symbolism as the songs do."

[@azuretrio8610]

Master class?

[@katierowen3166]

One of the few things I didn't like about the broadcast of the Tony Awards was that they didn't show Andy's acceptance speech. He deserved his moment in the spotlight.

[@byDsign]

*Masterful!* The choreography during *Yorktown (The World Turns Upside Down)* is some of my favorite of the whole show! When the ensemble twirls and then stops with those rifles pointed! Simply genius!!!! You're da BOMB Blankenbuehler!!!! :-D

[@becca8231]

I absolutely LOVE the Yorktown choreography

[@jacr.z.3594]

this choreography really looks like an art .

[@eyescandeceive]

well, yeah! choreography has been an art for centuries

[@thepurlfisher]

I can't believe this only has 7000+ views while there are so many Hamilton fans out there; His choreography is the glue that puts all the genius parts of the musical together so perfectly!

[@OccipitantX]

thepurlfisher dance still isn't perceived on the same level as other art forms, sadly

[@GippyHappy]

thepurlfisher People fail to see just how important choreography is on stage

[@bapanada9446]

many fans (me included) haven't even seen the show, only heard the lyrics

[@iainwaddell6620]

I've seen the show online, the choreography is good but imo it just feels like nothing compared with Lin's contributions. It's an entirely functional and brilliant piece without any of the dancing choreography. I'm probably in the minority but I would almost like it more without the background dancers and with all the characters being unusually animated with their movements but not actually dancing.

[@bapanada9446]

where did you watch it online? I haven't been able to find it and I am helplesss

[@DrewKrzMusic]

Planning on seeing HAMILTON in like 20 years. Maybe I'll be able to afford it then.

[@max-playlist]

zephyr_92 The movie will probably be out by then.

[@katherinet8062]

movie?

[@dami2furious]

I don't think it will be on Broadway by then

[@Elfland.]

idk who to stan anymore I disagree

[@annaworley4041]

Look for the lottery

[@panicatdx]

he and lin are a match found in heaven

[@btoal2001]

panicatdx I completely agree with you. I do want to add though that in addition to Andy, the fact that Lin found Tommy Kail and Alex Lac, what an amazing ensemble of talented, dedicated men. And as hard as you know they work, is there ever a second they don't look like they're just a bunch of teenagers having a blast? Alex is constantly grinning from ear to ear. And with Tommy's genius vision, Lin's relentlessness in his work, Andy's amazing ability to interpret lyrics and put them on their feet, while all being so relatively young. We should see some very amazing pieces of art for many years to come. And how blessed are we for that. Or as a genius wrote "how lucky we are to be alive right now"

[@easternCriminal]

This is honestly so cool to see

[@drkatel]

Thanks-I really enjoyed this! I'm a non-dancer, non-performer, regular person but find it fascinating to learn the meaning behind all aspects of this show. (I'm "patiently" waiting for 6/28/17, 7pm in Chicago!)

[@gkef99]

Your past patiently waiting now! 😂 Sorry I had to make a reference.

[@samanthareiss5446]

This dude is really talented

[@Kaff231]

What I loved the most about his choreography is every move is filled with so much meaning..it's like the choreography is another character in the show. Precise and deliberately executed..Andy is an amazingly talented man!

[@chocolateeclair9879]

1:50 and so it happens... To those who forgot the musical was based on the life of a real person and much know history, they were given what you might consider minor spoilers to people like them. Legend says if you lean in you can hear the pained screams of those few who forgot and are now reminded.

[@DontDoSadness91]

WHERES THIS BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE

[@charlotte7572]

Andy is honestly such an amazing choreographer, in both Hamilton and Annie he did an amazing job

[@ceetaylorr]

The show is incredible but the first time I saw it live, the only thing that registered was the choreography and how profoundly inspired it is. It’s breathtaking in real time. In the room, the energy is just palpable and you feel like you’re holding your breath as your eyes scramble to catch every intricate movement being performed, it was a joy to see. I hope to see it again next year.

[@Posmeallie]

Brilliant!! I love Lafayette's entrance in "Guns and Ships." How he leaps off of the table and breaks into his super-fast rap.

[@_williams.bowlcut.slays_7709]

Andy made a great job with all the choreographies...❤

[@poisonghoul]

after learning this and Yorktown, I'm sweating after repeating the moves in like, 30 minutes. I can't imagine doing so much more choreography for nearly two hours

[@palesamalolo7163]

I love this! my obsession with Hamilton is never gonna end!

[@odalissk]

Oh wow he did throw away his shot in the end, I had never fully understood these lyrics ! Hamilton is the gift that keeps on giving

[@HikaruAkb]

3:07 hamilton is the only one throwing his hands up (excluding ensemble) is it because,,,, he threw away his shot???

[@sharonefee1426]

I also noticed that...

[@PianeDiane]

H. Akb Yeah, he literally did in “The World Was Wide Enough”. He aimed towards the sky and shot a tree branch in his duel against Burr, which ultimately lead to his death.

[@KK-vw8dw]

But the ensemble has their fists closed do you think that means anything? Lin made the gun with his finger and then pulled the trigger

[@carissapobre]

I want more Hamilton choreography videos

[@dkblack3461]

I love all the arts, but I find choreography especially captivating. Andy Blankenbuehler is extremely talented. I wonder if there's an extended version of this interview, because I would happily watch him talk about his process for hours.

[@_tapsilog]

Gonna have to drop a line of appreciation regarding the choreo for Right Hand Man. Whenever I listen to that song, especially the last bit, I vividly see the steps to it. I especially love the final drum roll where they go "here comes the general / rise up / and his right hand man!" and the dancers all slide smoothly in a straight line behind Washington and Washington pulls his sword out. I don't know why it reminds me of the painting Washington Crossing the Delaware but it just does. I get so much kilig when I remember that part.

[@yashiAR]

The complexity of the show and attention to every minute detail is one of the reasons I fell in love with it. I discover new things everytime in this show. Lin's cabinet is brilliant.

[@isamarie613]

The choreograph is so cool! I just saw Hamilton this year and I was in awe afterwards. This man is a genius!

[@zelle9497]

all the cast in Hamilton are so talented wth ❤

[@abigailcrosbie8688]

I just recently got to see Hamilton in LA and the dance and movements in the show tell a entire story. It made so much more sense. I loved it and am so happy I got to see it!

[@erinclarke2715]

the ad at the beginning made me cry tears of joy and I gave a like without realizing it wasn't even the real video yet

[@pnuthead13]

Got to see this on Disney + and I’ve watched it several times now for so many reasons. The choreography was certainly one. The ensemble has become my favorite part and watching them in Wait For It was amazing. Totally brilliant movement.

[@wdwnutjm]

wow - so cool!!! love how this show gets even better the more it is examined!!!

[@SarahLandry577]

Is it too much to ask to have this type of video for the entire show? It might be 12 hours long but I'd watch it lol

[@ariamandy9843]

i love the way lin dances😂

[@carmelita1880]

Lin's dance :))))))

[@carolynconway8937]

Woah... That is just... Crazy. And it doesn't help that I want to cry now that I see Lin do it yay

[@dorcas7430]

This brings me so much joy

[@sugaudacity]

the AMOUNT OF THOUGHT AND EFFORT PUT INTO EVERY SPECK OF THIS MUSICAL 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Applecompuser]

This was an amazing play in every way. Loved, the music, the topic, and how it introduced a young generation to an amazing American.

[@suicidal.session]

When he mentioned the change for the end of the play in the choreography, I got immediate chills. :'(

[@loca8048]

What a wonderful project for a choreographer and Andy didn't miss his shot, not one bit. Such great work!!!

[@dontmindme5290]

This was definitely my most favourite dance in the show I would just replay it for ages

[@Mel-jy5sw]

i freaking love this show so much

[@faithmiller9614]

Strolled over here in 2019... this is fabulous

[@kpetrova9835]

Hamilton Musical is gift from the Heavens everyone who idls a part of it is just pure awesome. We are thankful.

[@_the_]

This is crazy. How can someone come up with something like this and how can someone actually do that? This is so amazing, I can't wait for the Hamilton movie!

[@BrianSchoedel]

Amazing work. Thanks for sharing how you're communicating the themes through dance.

[@troyandabed8798]

I want to see 'the room where it happened' and also "the world was wide enough." Choreography

[@jadecherry7224]

Welp time to spent all night mastering this

[@My0326]

I love these two people 😍😍

[@aliyaguzman7723]

such an honor seeing this! it was amazing!

[@ginger8556]

2:33 is the best thing I've ever seen

[@myopictopography5287]

Okay... So the diversity of the clips, taken from so many songs, means that there has be a proper recording of Hamilton - not to mention the parts from the PBS documentary. Please, please release it!

[@rainbowandre9580]

Lin-Manuel Miranda said that the OBC recording will be on theatres next year!

[@sammythelamby8363]

I want more!!!

[@nerfthis8744]

I love this man.

[@anniebell6846]

The choreo for Satisfied was ammmmazing

[@Michelle-mb6vw]

I NEED MORE OF THIS

[@jennyq4979]

I LOVE the choreography of Hamilton!

[@maylingbrown2171]

Is anyone else obsessed with that smooth spin Lin does after the dance

[@kathyms.]

Did an amazing job! Loved it♡

[@rebwil5501]

Incredible choreography! Well done, sir!!

[@ghostpixie822]

My appreciation has gone from 1000% to 2000%

[@parisa7257]

Not only is Lin a genius but so is Andy. Hamilton is a musical full of genius

[@shannonl509]

Love it

[@datboidamienfr]

Wow 🤩 so amazing

[@MadameJei]

Every time someone mentions Hamilton the montage from the beginning plays in my mind.

[@SquirrilahFish]

I want this video for the whole show

[@sierrafrancis7]

Love this

[@jrmoss252]

Washington's face at 0:20 though...

[@lauraindira8421]

Amazing!!

[@TrademarkedIPAdress]

As someone who's been memorizing every character's moves in every song (why not, i just love memorizing choreographies and performing it for my own entertainment-), i desperately need this since i wasnt able to understand that part in My Shot lol

[@doamuda]

Stephanie Klemons is so smooth...

[@etta5487]

the whole throwing away the bullet and then Alexander not catching it at the end of his life made me cry. idek whu

[@delvinmccann8073]

I want more 😫😫😫

[@codyschwartz2827]

Can he start a youtube channel where he just teaches the choreography to all the songs in hamilton

[@jacquelineellis3951]

I’m sho shook about 2:07 I’ve never noticed that!!

[@claudiaazcurra1946]

Amazing ❤

[@SenorAhole]

He's on the next level

[@mochatf2player351]

I love how the melodies, and chord progressions have a meaning (Watch How Hamilton works) then you realize the choreography also has its meanings...

[@jdotlee4789]

oH MY GOD The last shot at the end only Lin is raising his hand How did I not see this I literally cant

[@coffeepoweredkatie6290]

My like brought this to 10k, that's never happened to me before. Weirdly satisfying.

[@oliviagriffith3626]

This is so cool!

[@CatskillsGrrl]

God, I love this so much.

[@Keypenknitreelyo]

Boy Cooked 🔥🔥

[@kafart4000]

the fact that this foreshadows hamiltons death- IM NOT CRYING YOURE CRYING

[@iamisaid2295]

what's weird is that this move (young, scrappy, hungry) is the one that looks most awkward in the whole show. it's too contrived, too noticable, every time I see I am reminded i'm watching a broadway show. there are however, so many brilliant moments that do enhance the lyrics and music.

[@ilikelams9489]

Just remembered that Andy also choreographed a musical called Annie (I only remember he choreographed Hard Knock Life)

[@haileykarinaa]

THIS WAS UPLOADED IN MY 8TH BIRTHDAY

[@sofiad6713]

What i would do to see a video of all of Hamilton’s choreography analyzed- especially the ensemble

[@absolutesnails6733]

I watched the movie on Disney once, and then I watched it again to practice all the ensemble choreography because it might be useful one day.

[@airliemariaheung8215]

thank you

[@vi_cesario]

i don't watch wall street journal but when it's hamilton i cLICK

[@charlotte01134]

I learnt the my shot choreography at an open day. It was so much fun!

[@Tinhamodic]

Great moves!

[@abialston8476]

didn't this guy choreograph Annie

[@virgil.alonso]

yes

[@ItsNasB]

Just watched the play last week and read obsessively about Hamilton after- particularly the duel and all the different takes- and STILL it didn't connect that Hamilton DID throw away his shot in the end. Smh @ myself because several of recountings the used the words "threw his shot". Lol