The evolution of dance in American musicals

Dancing for musicals includes several forms and styles of dance. And how else could it have evolved if not through an equally eclectic history, starting from Greek and Roman theatrical performances (from 500 BC onwards) to the dazzling musicals of today. From performances in which it played a supporting role in drama shows, operas and morality plays, dance gained its own identity in the 19th century, in minstrel and vaudeville shows. Later, it would manage to occupy an important place in Broadway musicals, because it evolved with each period to better support the stories and connect with the audience. The men who created the choreographies were initially called dance directors and later choreographers. They strove to integrate dance into the storyline of the musicals and became directors-choreographers who created conceptual musicals and dance musicals. But gradually, women demonstrated their skills as creators of musicals and helped evolve not only dance, but also Broadway musicals.