West Side Story was first performed in 1957 at the Winter Garden Theater in New York. A wildly successful love story based on a Shakespearean classic, this controversial musical was directed by four brilliant artists: Stephen Sondhiem, Leonard Bernstien, Arthur Laurents and finally, Jerome Robbins. It's not often that audiences are treated to a musical whose subject matter, direction, and choreography are still deeply felt in American society 62 years later. The theater was a place of leisure and entertainment, not a place of political and social commentary. West Side Story was one of the first musicals to hold up a mirror and reflect America's long-standing values ​​regarding racism, both systematic and conflictual, violence, discrimination, and what it meant being an American in the 1950s. As the musical evolved over time, in revival after revival, changes to the lyrics and script became necessary, but the one element remaining true to its original form continues to be the choreography of Jerome Robbins. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Similar to the legendary Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins had an eye for recognizing the authenticity and truth of stories on stage. Robbins managed to manifest realistic conflict through dance and partnership while still moving the plot forward. The first time we encounter conflict through dancing is during The Prologue, when the Jets goad the members of the Shark gang into asserting their territorial and racial dominance. Robbins' commitment to the context of the musical outside of the rehearsal room resulted in extremely authentic performances, but not before allowing his dancers the individual integrity of the movement. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the series' kinetic and intense prologue. In this specific number, Robbins combines elements of ballet, jazz, and stage combat, emphasizing the life-and-death intensity that engulfs each member of both gangs, regardless of their hue. Another time Robbins advances the plot through dance is in the pivotal number “Dance at the Gym.” It is in this complex musical number that we first see both sexes of the Sharks and Jets confront their differences through dance, even as Tony and Maria fall in love for the first time. To understand how teenagers related to each other through dance, Robbins visited a high school in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York to find inspiration and develop his choreography, demonstrating an even greater commitment to the context of the performance . “Mambo!” Bernstein's thrilling music illustrating "Dance at the Gym" gave Robbins the opportunity to display the sexual and athletic prowess of the rival gangs. Not only was Robbins' choice of movement explosive and technical, but it was so specifically intentioned and colored by characterization that it resonated and will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. The innovative element of West Side Story is implemented through its challenge. choreography. The dance had taken on new importance by being required to carry on much of the dramatic action in a way that had never been attempted on Broadway before, let alone heavy political themes. The intense stage material combined with the intentional choreography is what made West Side Story a success that continues to be applicable to our society today and continually..