BROADWAY'S GREATEST DANCERS

I just received a private message from one of the posters asking me who Broadway's greatest dancers were. I can really only post from my own experience dancing professionally and those who I saw later after I stopped dancing. I'm sure there are others who should be added to the list.

You'll notice on my list that I have not listed very many men. That is because the male dancers from my generation were not particularly well trained. Of course, this has changed over the years. Concerning the women, they were just as good then as they are today.

FEMALE DANCERS:

Adele Astaire
Betty Bruce
Nina Whitney
Eleanor Powell
Rabana Habsburgh
Joyce Thackeray
Deborah Schoenberg
Holly Howard
Daphe Vane
Georgia Hiden
Grace McDonald
Heidi Voessler
Vera Zorina
Tamara Geva
Vera Ellen
Bambi Linn
Joan McCracken
Annabelle Lyon
Lidya Franklin
Nelle Fischer
Sono Osato
Janet Reed
Allyn Ann McLerie
Kate Friedlich
Bobbi Bennington
Anita Alvarez
Janet Collins
Maria Karnilova
Gwen Verdon
Helen Gallagher
Chita Rivera

MALE DANCERS:

Fred Astaire
Paul Haakon
Duke McHale
Charles Laskey
James Mitchell
The Nicholas Brothers
Tommy Rall
William Weslow
Harold Lang


Miriam

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Updated On: 5/1/05 at 12:19 PM

What about Gene Kelly?

Interestingly enough, I've really only heard of the last 4 women listed......

Was Maria Karnilova really that great of a dancer? All I think when I hear her name are the roles in Fidder and Zorba......Then, when I got the original Gypsy Recording, I saw she was Tessie and I thought that was interesting, but I guess she can dance!!!!!!

Also, Wasn't Anne Reinking supposed to be one of the best dancers ever on broadway??????

Updated On: 5/1/05 at 12:29 PM

Tommy Tune
Gene Kelly
Bob Fosse
Karen Ziemba



to name a few

Ann Miller

Michael Bennett

The dancers of the origninal Public Theater and Broadway production of A CHORUS LINE.

Maria Karnilova was a ballet star BEFORE she ever appreared on Broadway.

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rath, i was thinking that, but thought maybe he's too young to be included on this list.

At some point, Noah Racey will definitely be on that list. He's so great, but probably needs more exposure.

What's he up to, anyway?

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Updated On: 5/1/05 at 01:11 PM

I soooo agree with Ann Miller! Also, who was the woman in White Christmas that was such an incredible dancer with DAnny Kaye?

Miriam - thank you, as always, for your perspective.

These threads are the reason it's worthwhile to sift through the chaff.

My first thought was Michael Bennett, but someone already mentioned that so I have nothing more to add. It's very interesting though.

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I'm not a dancer so can't talk as to technique, but of today's Broadway dancers Andy Pellick (currently in La Cage)just amazes me.

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