There are many components to teaching musical theatre effectively; technically, stylistically, historically and conceptually. This is especially true when introducing it to the preteen demographic. This genre is a real love of mine and where my heart is at, so I take great passion in providing my students with complete knowledge in the truest sense; regardless of age or level. The difference between a good musical theatre curriculum and a great one, is providing your dancers not only with the understanding of extracted musical numbers from shows or movies, but having them understand the whole show; music, book and lyrics from beginning to end!. Teaching them the details of who the composer and lyricist was, who the choreographer was, who wrote the script and when and where these musicals were produced will elevate their knowledge to a whole new level (not to mention continue the legacy of passing these musical gems onto future generations.) Providing material which is fun, relatable and appropriate is also key and very often overlooked. If the content is too mature or too out of reach for them, they will never be able to fully grasp the key ideas mentioned about.

With that thought, I’d like to share some helpful hints to teaching the musical theatre genre which have helped me over the years and provided great results for my own dancers! The main thing I believe is to remember to always set works which your students will become engaged with, challenge them and make them knowledgeable about musical theatre history!

• Always think about what is age & content appropriate & what you know your students can grasp conceptually, musically & physically! Choose music which will best showcase your students technically and performance wise and bring them to life on stage!
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• Consider work-shopping musicals throughout the year and take time to explore each piece or musical you are looking at! Investing more than one class will definitely provide students with a better and more thorough understanding of what they are learning!
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• Explain back-story/history of show to your students so they understand song context! This is key to grasping the nuances of the musical theatre genre.
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• Opt for an alternative song version/different arrangement/contemporary or original version. This is a great way to use music which is not often overused at completion and will offer audiences a fresh eye on a variation of a classic favorite!
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• Look at movie soundtracks with era specific genres or international productions that may not have hit the Broadway stage here in the states! Many West End productions have great scores which may be unfamiliar to some and will definitely tap into the originality factor for your dancers and audiences!
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• Use well known musicals but opt for the lesser well known songs.
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• Consider using overtures, entr’actes & reprises. This is a great way to use a medley of great songs from a show without having to music edit! It also takes the audience on a quick journey of the musical; creating space for many dynamic, transition and choreographic changes within one piece!
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• Go to the composers themselves, Cole Porter, Gershwin, etc. Many of the composers have music composed which were never used for actual full-length shows but will provide wonderful pieces which are all of different time periods and styles!

Good luck!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess-