Andy Blankenbuehler breaks down some of his signature Broadway moves for DT

The nominees for the Tony Awards have been announced, and from the looks of those competing for Best Choreography, it’s going to be a tough competition:

Andy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On: The Musical

Andy is a favorite on the pages of DT. Recently, he shared his musical theater choreography technique for turning gesture into dance. He even taught us a phrase from his Tony-winning smash, In the Heights. Watch the video here.

Peter Darling, Matilda The Musical

Last month, we spoke to the Billy Elliot choreographer in “Face to Face” about how he regularly coaxes Broadway-worthy movement out of young children, as in the new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story. “I suppose I just think of them as very small adults,” he told us. He’s a master!

Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots

This new musical is taking the Great White Way by storm, and it doesn’t surprise us one bit! Jerry Mitchell is a nonstop hit machine. He’s the force behind Hairspray, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Catch Me If You Can, and he won the Tony for his work on La Cage Aux Folles. Read more about the “busiest choreographer on Broadway” here.

Chet Walker, Pippin

How can you compete with a man who trained under Bob Fosse and Jack Cole? Walker graced the cover of DT in 2005, and we recently asked him to break down a Jack Cole-style jazz combination for us. As this nomination for the revival of Pippin indicates, he’s still got it.

We can’t wait to learn the results when the Tony Awards air June 9, but we’re so glad we don’t have to make the decision!

Photo by Matthew Murphy