Musical theatre choreographies

6 musical theatre choreography tutorials you can dance along with at home

Will Longman
Will Longman

We 're all looking for new, interesting, and more importantly fun ways to keep fit. Much of the world is currently confined to the great indoors, but that doesn't mean you can't keep fit, and try something new. 

Here are six great dance choreography tutorials from hit West End shows, or popular musical films, to help you learn a move or two, get down and get fit. 

Newsies - "Seize The Day"

Join the newsboys and learn the moves to this riotous uplifting number, the act one closer of the Broadway production of the musical. As part of Disney's "Get Up and Go" series, choreographer Christopher Gattelli takes your through this boisterous, energetic number step-by-step. Make sure you also have some newspapers to hand to incorporate some props into your moves. Newsies has never been staged in London's West End before, but get to grips with this routine and you could be cast in the show.

Chicago - "All That Jazz"

It's not just the pros dishing out the dance tutorials. There are plenty of exhibitionists teaching moves to some iconic dances, and they're accessible to all levels of experience. In this full-length tutorial, you'll learn some legendary choreography inspired by the great Bob Fosse, who created the distinctive routines in Chicago. Jazz hands at the ready...

Hairspray - "You Can't Stop the Beat"

One of the most formidable closing numbers in musical theatre, there's no routine that will have you working up a sweat quite like Hairspray's "You Can't Stop the Beat". Choreographer of the upcoming West End production Jerry Mitchell knows this is a weapon at his disposal, and ensures his cast warms up for a day in rehearsals by performing the routine TWICE back-to-back. You can take it slightly easier, though, and learn the steps with the creatives of the recent UK tour, before seeing the musical revival at the London Coliseum.

Book Hairspray tickets in London now.

The Greatest Showman - "The Greatest Show"

It's not just the theatre where you'll find great dances. Pasek and Paul's The Greatest Showman was one of the biggest musical movies of the last decades, with a number of dance scenes. In this tutorial, which was released to celebrate International Dance Day, you'll learn a number of steps to the headline number of the film as performed by its star Shannon Holtzapffel. After learning this, why not enjoy more by Pasek and Paul and watch Dear Evan Hansen.

Mary Poppins - "Step In Time"

Some dance routines are enshrined in musical theatre history, and that is certainly the case of "Step In Time" from Mary Poppins. In this artistic Vanity Fair video, two choreographers break down the moves which were led by Dick van Dyke and his fellow chimney sweeps. You'll need quick feet for this one, though! Once you've learned the routine, look forward to seeing Charlie Stemp in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Book Mary Poppins tickets in London now.

The Lion King - He Lives In You

Another video in Disney's Get Up and Go series, the Broadway production of The Lion King's Ruthlyn Salomons take you through the choreography which accompanies the second appearance of the song in act two. All of the characters in The Lion King are animals portrayed by actors, dancers and puppets, and much of the emotion and narrative in the show are represented through dance, so this is a valuable lesson in expression and channelling character through dance.

Book The Lion King tickets in London now.

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