Becoming a triple threat?

Question

I'm looking to get into dance to become a triple threat, i'm a decent actor/singer, but i still need to learn some dance. Whats a good genre of dance to study that you could apply to musical theatre?

Answer 1

Begin with jazz. Then tap, then ballet or ballroom.

Answer 2

Having worked all over the country, the most relevant dance training for musical theatre is jazz, tap and ballet. As a Stage Manager, I have to be familiar with all three in order to note choreography and follow it while calling a show (though thankfully I never have to actually dance! LOL).

These three will give you just about every move you will need. They also give you the lingo and steps that you will need in complex choreography which will include all three aspects.

Jazz will give you a great sense of rhythm, tap will give you leg strength and endurance, and ballet will give you the basic training for leaps and grace (as well as the choreo language which you will need to speak fluently).

If you take only one of any three you should be fine. I would suggest jazz as it is more widely used in musical theatre. Ballet however will help enormously. Tap is the last choice.

Good luck! It takes a lot of time and training, but is well worth it.

Answer 3

I don't know much about the details, but that's always been my dream. I believe jazz is the broadest area of dance that would serve you best in the industry. That would be the "basics" from which you could branch off into tap or hip hop or whatever the production requires. Break a leg!

Answer 4

Many people still think ballet gives you the best basic training. Tap, jazz, and "modern" are probably more like what you would need for musical theatre, though.

You should probably ask a professional dance instructor!

Answer 5

well, jazz is usually the logical answer, since most stereotypical Broadway shows have a bob fosse style, however, i suggest getting some broad experience under your belt, since at auditions sometimes they only look at you experience, so try getting some ballet and maybe hip hop. who knows, you might be required to do some lyrical. i would just suggest trying out a lot of things, mostly just to say you've tried them =]

Answer 6

From my knowledge of the industry, proficiency in jazz and tap will get the attention of Talent Agents, and Casting Directors. Jazz will get you on Broadway!