Stepping out of line: (Re)claiming the diva for the dancers of Broadway
Publication Date
2018
Description
Working from the terms and examples set in musical theatre, opera and ballet, this article expands the definition of Broadway’s diva to include the powerful performances of Broadway’s dancing divas Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Donna McKechnie. Drawing on gender and queer studies in performance, musical theatre studies and dance studies, this article reframes the musical theatre diva in a way that acknowledges the virtuosity of the body as tantamount to that of the voice. By highlighting the dancing diva, I make a case for her as collaborator, translator and artist of her own instead of simply as a muse for male directors, choreographers and composers. Finally, by featuring Verdon, Rivera and McKechnie, I point to the dancing diva’s essential impact on the evolving artistry of musical theatre in the twentieth century by highlighting their contributions to the narrative power of dance and their roles in establishing unique expectations for the triple-threat performer.
Journal
Studies in Musical Theatre
Volume
12
Issue
1
First Page
79
Last Page
91
Department
Theatre & Dance
Link to Published Version
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/intellect/smt/2018/00000012/00000001/art00006
Recommended Citation
Martincich, Dustyn. "Stepping out of line: (Re)claiming the diva for the dancers of Broadway." Studies in Musical Theatre (2018) : 79-91.