How Did Rob Marshall Impact The Dance World

The aesthetics of jazz dance have forever made an impact on the dance world. Jazz is so much more than sleek finger snaps, sharp hips, and jazz hands. It is a confident, demanding presence that hypnotizes audiences and allows them to be their purest self. One of the greats who made this impact possible is Rob Marshall. Rob Marshall single handedly revived Broadway musicals on film. He organically worked his way up through dancing, singing, acting, choreographing, and to directing film and theatre. In his life story one can see his passion and artistry that truly changed the dance world in a positive way. Rob Marshal was born on October 17, 1960 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. He was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he found his love

Marshall sang and danced in a plethora of Broadway shows. With his determination and passion, he worked his way up behind the scenes from dance captain to assistant choreographer. It was here where he learned the importance of performing and was inspired by the many founding fathers of jazz: Stanley Donen, Vincente Minnelli, Gene Kelly, Robert Wise, George Cukor, and most importantly Bob Fosse (Biography 1). Sadly, his dancing career ended when he suffered from a herniated disc while performing in Cats. After healing, Marshall transitioned into choreography and directing. In an interview for the Hollywood reporter, he stated, “I healed my back, and someone asked me to choreograph a show because I’d been an assistant choreographer on Broadway. That’s when I started choreographing, and what was interesting is I never went back to performing after that. I continued to choreograph because one job begets the next, you know? I got that job, then I got another job choreographing and then I started directing out of town in regional theaters and summer stock — I mean, really, that’s where I sort of learned the ropes about how to do it. My first Broadway show as a choreographer was Kiss of the Spider Woman” (Marshal

As stated before Marshall was influenced by the founding fathers of jazz, especially Bob Fosse. In his pieces, one could see classic Broadway kicks, leaps, turns, and sensual movements that showed off the human physique. A great example of where one can see all of his “extravagant” aesthetics is in his revival of Chicago in the iconic number “All that Jazz”. This number was not shy of shimmies, sharp arm movements, followed by a moment of stillness that tantalized the audience. His choreography required an immense amount of energy, stage presence, and jazz technique. Marshall liked a low center of gravity, syncopation, isolations, and the confident sexual appeal that is clearly shown in “All that Jazz” and a plethora of his works. In addition to his specific technique, Marshall entertained the audience. Audiences were elated and enthralled with his saucy contortions of the dancer’s bodies. Marshall created pieces with an addictive presence that gave most audience members goosebumps. His talent and gift of creativity has taken the world by storm and started an influential chain reaction that better’s the dance