A Chorus Line: Where are Today's Dancers?

[rufussars]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 6:25pm

In recent light of "A Chorus Line" reviving, I was just wondering what life is like for the dancer on Broadway today. Being a singer/actor far more than dancer, I'm just wondering if "A Chorus Line" is still an accurate depiction of a dance audition. What type of advanced training/education do dancers need in today's world? Do dancer auditions now include vocal and reading portions, rather than the dance-only method in "A Chorus Line"? Do those casting prefer a dance/sing combo for their ensemble members? Where on Broadway today could you find those members who just dance if anywhere? Just a little discussion on a dancer's life.

Updated On: 6/22/06 at 06:25 PM

[kim1061]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 7:39pm

good question, i myself am curious also...

[kim1061]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 7:39pm

sorry double post

Updated On: 6/21/06 at 07:39 PM

[Jon]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 8:52pm

Unless it's a dance-only show like "Movin' On", ensemble members have to sing, dance and, in most cases, play multple characters.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 8:56pm

Well, a lot of times it depends on what type of dancer you are speaking about. Of course, if you are in the ballet, singing is not a required or tested skill. The feelings generated by the dancers in "A Chorus Line" still ring true today. (As do the skimpy audition outfits) Dancers have a much different life than leading men and ladies. A job is never just around the corner. Most work another job or two in addition to dancing. Dancers usually need a wide variety of training- ballet, tap, swing....etc. Most have been doing these since a very young age. (Four or five years) If a gypsy auditions for a Broadway musical, a singing portion is usually required. Acting is sometimes, but not always. Of course it is always director dependent. The process is much like that in "A Chorus Line". Large groups are called in, and then it is narrowed down. Of course, so much personal detail is rarely gone into. Needless to say, dancers work VERY hard. It is an uncertain profession, and hit shows are oftentimes followed by stints at Starbucks.

Updated On: 6/22/06 at 08:56 PM

[rosem7391]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 9:28pm

**Movin' OUT

Sorry, had to do it.

[morosco]

Posted: 6/21/06 at 9:36pm

"Of course, so much personal detail is rarely gone into."

I realize ACL is set in the 70's but nowadays various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask at a job interview. Does this apply in the world of theatre? If ACL were to be set in the present could Zach ask all of the questions in the script?

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 10:42am

I'm not totally familiar with the script for ACL, having not seen the show for many years. However, I must say that frequently the questions asked at auditions can be less than flattering to your confidence level. Of course, there are limits, but oftentimes, casting directors don't hesitate to push for more and more information if they have a suspicion or problem. Of course, this (as said before) doesn't happen a lot.

[SweeneyPhanatic]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 11:11am

Is it possible to get a role in a show even if you are more of a singer/actor rather than singer/actor/dancer? I do dance in the shows that I've done (high school and community things) but I'm really not much of a dancer.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 11:15am

It obviously depends on the show. Some shows are heavy dance show, some shows are not.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 11:21am

I have the same problem, Sweeney. I'm very clumsy, and it takes me awhile to pick up the combination. Once I've learned it, I can pull it off, though. I plan on taking intensive dance classes (both private and at BDC) after graduating so I can work more on it, because let's face it, it helps you a lot to be able to dance.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 11:33am

Well, yes, it always depends on the show. Of course you should always have at least some experience, maybe the equivalent of 3-4 years worth of general dance. You don't have to have been in the game your whole life. Look at Matthew Bourne! He didn't take his first dance lesson until (I think...) his mid-twenties!

[rufussars]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 1:59pm

Just curious as to how that end of New York theatre is holding up. It seems to me that the days of strictly being a "dancer in New York" are gone, with the rare exception of certain special Broadway events. Like others have said, I believe there's more of an emphasis on the entire package of an auditionee. But, maybe someone could argue otherwise. Where on Broadway today could you find those members who just dance?

Updated On: 6/22/06 at 01:59 PM

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 2:02pm

With the exception of the strict dance shows like Movin' Out, etc. pretty much all dancers these days have to also be decent singers as they will be members of the ensemble chorus.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/22/06 at 4:45pm

Well, you'd have to go over to the ballet if you mean that they just dance without singing or acting. Or a dance show- like colleen said. And of course, dancers usually have side jobs (usually at diners....) in addition to performing.