Choreographing 'Hamilton': The Meaning Behind the Moves

Ойын-сауық

"Hamilton" choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler explains the relationship between lyrics and movement in the hit Broadway show. Image/Video: Robert Libetti/The Wall Street Journal
Subscribe to the WSJ channel here:
bit.ly/14Q81Xy
More from the Wall Street Journal:
Visit WSJ.com: www.wsj.com
Follow WSJ on Facebook: / wsjvideo
Follow WSJ on Google+: plus.google.com/+wsj/posts
Follow WSJ on Twitter: / wsjvideo
Follow WSJ on Instagram: / wsj
Follow WSJ on Pinterest: / wsj
Don’t miss a WSJ video, subscribe here: bit.ly/14Q81Xy
More from the Wall Street Journal:
Visit WSJ.com: www.wsj.com
Visit the WSJ Video Center: wsj.com/video
On Facebook: / videos
On Twitter: / wsj
On Snapchat: on.wsj.com/2ratjSM

Пікірлер: 281

  • @maggieo.513
    @maggieo.5138 жыл бұрын

    Would love to hear him explain the choreography for The Room Where It Happens

  • @Emily-mr5fm

    @Emily-mr5fm

    8 жыл бұрын

    Or Satisfied.

  • @lilyz646

    @lilyz646

    8 жыл бұрын

    That Burr is drunk on jealousy so he danced "off balance" around and jump on a table?

  • @haseebniwaz4478

    @haseebniwaz4478

    7 жыл бұрын

    Maggie Magpie in a ham4ham video on KZread he does a bit off the dance from the room where it happens. It is on the Hamilton Channel

  • @BetteDavis19

    @BetteDavis19

    7 жыл бұрын

    aw no, but he does do yorktown choreography in that vid!

  • @isamarie613

    @isamarie613

    5 жыл бұрын

    Maggie Magpie SAME!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @Roll587
    @Roll5878 жыл бұрын

    This man is brilliant.

  • @RachelKe

    @RachelKe

    8 жыл бұрын

    He and Lin really found each other.

  • @squid2333

    @squid2333

    5 жыл бұрын

    They all are Like seriously All of them

  • @isabella1614

    @isabella1614

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @rainbowandre9580

    @rainbowandre9580

    4 жыл бұрын

    PORQUE LO HACES FEO

  • @bobbygomez7561
    @bobbygomez75618 жыл бұрын

    as a hip hop dancer, I'm now more into broadway than ever. hamilton and andy have shown me that hip hop can be shown on stage and it will be not only accepted, but encouraged. Hip hop style dancing is unbelievably expressive, especially in this show. This choreographer is my idol.

  • @outlanderfrog

    @outlanderfrog

    8 жыл бұрын

    The choreo in this show feels so inauthentic to me, though. Like it's trying too hard and lacks the rawness of hip hop.

  • @bobbygomez7561

    @bobbygomez7561

    8 жыл бұрын

    you may be right, but they also have to tell a very specific story out there. They're not freestyling so of course it will lose some authenticity. on top of that they have to sing

  • @outlanderfrog

    @outlanderfrog

    8 жыл бұрын

    +Bobby Gomez You have a good point about singing. But in terms of storytelling look at lyrical hip hop like Nappytabs. This is just missing something.

  • @sugarcakezz

    @sugarcakezz

    7 жыл бұрын

    Bobby Gomez as a hip pop dancer this video is the simplest form of hip pop and almost disgraceful....but as broadway it's perfect

  • @ravenclawisthenewblack3735
    @ravenclawisthenewblack37358 жыл бұрын

    one day I want to be a part of the ensemble.

  • @selamw

    @selamw

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes you will and I believe in you!

  • @vartistry7171

    @vartistry7171

    7 жыл бұрын

    I believe in you ^-^

  • @user-ez8zj1hk5o

    @user-ez8zj1hk5o

    7 жыл бұрын

    Trust me, the ensemble is AMAZING. I wasn't in a Broadway play, but I have been in the ensemble in other plays (small ones in my area) and you wont regret it!

  • @BetteDavis19

    @BetteDavis19

    7 жыл бұрын

    me as well. SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE

  • @sodawolfy

    @sodawolfy

    7 жыл бұрын

    Same! Haha

  • @TeabagsTonks
    @TeabagsTonks8 жыл бұрын

    It's amazing how everything is thought out to the last detail by theses guys, even though they've said themselves that most, if any, viewers won't notice it. It's like when Andy says that Burr only walks in straight lines and Alexander walks in arcs. Just amazing.

  • @lilliecoats

    @lilliecoats

    5 жыл бұрын

    THEY DO WHAT NOW

  • @mmx123

    @mmx123

    5 жыл бұрын

    Kaitlyn of SovereignChild Inc wait what??!!! what does it represent??

  • @isabellahirt2002

    @isabellahirt2002

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@mmx123 It shows how Hamilton sees many different opportunities and ideas while Burr doesn't

  • @mmx123

    @mmx123

    5 жыл бұрын

    Isabella Hirt wow!! I never realized! it's great to see to how much thought is put into the production including the minor details. Thank you so much for sharing this fact with me :)

  • @azuretrio8610

    @azuretrio8610

    4 жыл бұрын

    Howard Ho does a video series about how the music works, but also discusses all the subtle things that subconsciously create a sense of character. Like how George Washington raps directly on the beat, because he thinks more methodically.

  • @shannon6517
    @shannon65178 жыл бұрын

    As Andrew Chappelle told us in his masterclass "I could talk about the choreography for an hour. The dance moves have just as much meaning and symbolism as the songs do."

  • @azuretrio8610

    @azuretrio8610

    4 жыл бұрын

    Master class?

  • @katierowen3166
    @katierowen31668 жыл бұрын

    One of the few things I didn't like about the broadcast of the Tony Awards was that they didn't show Andy's acceptance speech. He deserved his moment in the spotlight.

  • @jacr.z.3594
    @jacr.z.35948 жыл бұрын

    this choreography really looks like an art .

  • @eyescandeceive

    @eyescandeceive

    6 жыл бұрын

    well, yeah! choreography has been an art for centuries

  • @byDsign
    @byDsign8 жыл бұрын

    *Masterful!* The choreography during *Yorktown (The World Turns Upside Down)* is some of my favorite of the whole show! When the ensemble twirls and then stops with those rifles pointed! Simply genius!!!! You're da BOMB Blankenbuehler!!!! :-D

  • @becca8231

    @becca8231

    4 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely LOVE the Yorktown choreography

  • @carissapobre
    @carissapobre8 жыл бұрын

    I want more Hamilton choreography videos

  • @thepurlfisher
    @thepurlfisher8 жыл бұрын

    I can't believe this only has 7000+ views while there are so many Hamilton fans out there; His choreography is the glue that puts all the genius parts of the musical together so perfectly!

  • @OccipitantX

    @OccipitantX

    7 жыл бұрын

    thepurlfisher dance still isn't perceived on the same level as other art forms, sadly

  • @GippyHappy

    @GippyHappy

    7 жыл бұрын

    thepurlfisher People fail to see just how important choreography is on stage

  • @bapanada9446

    @bapanada9446

    7 жыл бұрын

    many fans (me included) haven't even seen the show, only heard the lyrics

  • @iainwaddell6620

    @iainwaddell6620

    7 жыл бұрын

    I've seen the show online, the choreography is good but imo it just feels like nothing compared with Lin's contributions. It's an entirely functional and brilliant piece without any of the dancing choreography. I'm probably in the minority but I would almost like it more without the background dancers and with all the characters being unusually animated with their movements but not actually dancing.

  • @bapanada9446

    @bapanada9446

    7 жыл бұрын

    where did you watch it online? I haven't been able to find it and I am helplesss

  • @DrewKrzMusic
    @DrewKrzMusic7 жыл бұрын

    Planning on seeing HAMILTON in like 20 years. Maybe I'll be able to afford it then.

  • @max-playlist

    @max-playlist

    6 жыл бұрын

    zephyr_92 The movie will probably be out by then.

  • @katherinet8062

    @katherinet8062

    6 жыл бұрын

    movie?

  • @dami2furious

    @dami2furious

    6 жыл бұрын

    I don't think it will be on Broadway by then

  • @Elfland.

    @Elfland.

    6 жыл бұрын

    idk who to stan anymore I disagree

  • @annaworley4041

    @annaworley4041

    6 жыл бұрын

    Look for the lottery

  • @panicatdx
    @panicatdx7 жыл бұрын

    he and lin are a match found in heaven

  • @btoal2001

    @btoal2001

    7 жыл бұрын

    panicatdx I completely agree with you. I do want to add though that in addition to Andy, the fact that Lin found Tommy Kail and Alex Lac, what an amazing ensemble of talented, dedicated men. And as hard as you know they work, is there ever a second they don't look like they're just a bunch of teenagers having a blast? Alex is constantly grinning from ear to ear. And with Tommy's genius vision, Lin's relentlessness in his work, Andy's amazing ability to interpret lyrics and put them on their feet, while all being so relatively young. We should see some very amazing pieces of art for many years to come. And how blessed are we for that. Or as a genius wrote "how lucky we are to be alive right now"

  • @chocolateeclair9879
    @chocolateeclair98798 жыл бұрын

    1:50 and so it happens... To those who forgot the musical was based on the life of a real person and much know history, they were given what you might consider minor spoilers to people like them. Legend says if you lean in you can hear the pained screams of those few who forgot and are now reminded.

  • @easternCriminal
    @easternCriminal8 жыл бұрын

    This is honestly so cool to see

  • @samanthareiss5446
    @samanthareiss54468 жыл бұрын

    This dude is really talented

  • @HikaruAkb
    @HikaruAkb7 жыл бұрын

    3:07 hamilton is the only one throwing his hands up (excluding ensemble) is it because,,,, he threw away his shot???

  • @sharonefee1426

    @sharonefee1426

    5 жыл бұрын

    I also noticed that...

  • @PianeDiane

    @PianeDiane

    5 жыл бұрын

    H. Akb Yeah, he literally did in “The World Was Wide Enough”. He aimed towards the sky and shot a tree branch in his duel against Burr, which ultimately lead to his death.

  • @KK-vw8dw

    @KK-vw8dw

    3 жыл бұрын

    But the ensemble has their fists closed do you think that means anything? Lin made the gun with his finger and then pulled the trigger

  • @drkatel
    @drkatel7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks-I really enjoyed this! I'm a non-dancer, non-performer, regular person but find it fascinating to learn the meaning behind all aspects of this show. (I'm "patiently" waiting for 6/28/17, 7pm in Chicago!)

  • @gkef99

    @gkef99

    4 жыл бұрын

    Your past patiently waiting now! 😂 Sorry I had to make a reference.

  • @laughfrodisiac2400
    @laughfrodisiac24008 жыл бұрын

    God Betsy was SO GOOD. I love how she does the end of that move it looks like she isn't touching the ground.

  • @Kaff231
    @Kaff2314 жыл бұрын

    What I loved the most about his choreography is every move is filled with so much meaning..it's like the choreography is another character in the show. Precise and deliberately executed..Andy is an amazingly talented man!

  • @DontDoSadness91
    @DontDoSadness918 жыл бұрын

    WHERES THIS BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE

  • @charlotte7572
    @charlotte75727 жыл бұрын

    Andy is honestly such an amazing choreographer, in both Hamilton and Annie he did an amazing job

  • @ceetaylorr
    @ceetaylorr4 жыл бұрын

    The show is incredible but the first time I saw it live, the only thing that registered was the choreography and how profoundly inspired it is. It’s breathtaking in real time. In the room, the energy is just palpable and you feel like you’re holding your breath as your eyes scramble to catch every intricate movement being performed, it was a joy to see. I hope to see it again next year.

  • @poisonghoul
    @poisonghoul7 жыл бұрын

    after learning this and Yorktown, I'm sweating after repeating the moves in like, 30 minutes. I can't imagine doing so much more choreography for nearly two hours

  • @Posmeallie
    @Posmeallie6 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant!! I love Lafayette's entrance in "Guns and Ships." How he leaps off of the table and breaks into his super-fast rap.

  • @palesamalolo7163
    @palesamalolo71638 жыл бұрын

    I love this! my obsession with Hamilton is never gonna end!

  • @_williams.bowlcut.slays_7709
    @_williams.bowlcut.slays_77092 жыл бұрын

    Andy made a great job with all the choreographies...❤

  • @dkblack3461
    @dkblack34615 жыл бұрын

    I love all the arts, but I find choreography especially captivating. Andy Blankenbuehler is extremely talented. I wonder if there's an extended version of this interview, because I would happily watch him talk about his process for hours.

  • @odalissk
    @odalissk3 жыл бұрын

    Oh wow he did throw away his shot in the end, I had never fully understood these lyrics ! Hamilton is the gift that keeps on giving

  • @carmelita1880
    @carmelita18808 жыл бұрын

    Lin's dance :))))))

  • @_tapsilog
    @_tapsilog5 жыл бұрын

    Gonna have to drop a line of appreciation regarding the choreo for Right Hand Man. Whenever I listen to that song, especially the last bit, I vividly see the steps to it. I especially love the final drum roll where they go "here comes the general / rise up / and his right hand man!" and the dancers all slide smoothly in a straight line behind Washington and Washington pulls his sword out. I don't know why it reminds me of the painting Washington Crossing the Delaware but it just does. I get so much kilig when I remember that part.

  • @isamarie613
    @isamarie6135 жыл бұрын

    The choreograph is so cool! I just saw Hamilton this year and I was in awe afterwards. This man is a genius!

  • @wdwnutjm
    @wdwnutjm8 жыл бұрын

    wow - so cool!!! love how this show gets even better the more it is examined!!!

  • @dorcas7430
    @dorcas74307 жыл бұрын

    This brings me so much joy

  • @yashiAR
    @yashiAR6 жыл бұрын

    The complexity of the show and attention to every minute detail is one of the reasons I fell in love with it. I discover new things everytime in this show. Lin's cabinet is brilliant.

  • @zelle9497
    @zelle94977 жыл бұрын

    all the cast in Hamilton are so talented wth ❤

  • @BrianSchoedel
    @BrianSchoedel4 жыл бұрын

    Amazing work. Thanks for sharing how you're communicating the themes through dance.

  • @abigailcrosbie8688
    @abigailcrosbie86886 жыл бұрын

    I just recently got to see Hamilton in LA and the dance and movements in the show tell a entire story. It made so much more sense. I loved it and am so happy I got to see it!

  • @erinclarke2715
    @erinclarke27157 жыл бұрын

    the ad at the beginning made me cry tears of joy and I gave a like without realizing it wasn't even the real video yet

  • @kathyms.
    @kathyms.5 жыл бұрын

    Did an amazing job! Loved it♡

  • @pnuthead13
    @pnuthead134 жыл бұрын

    Got to see this on Disney + and I’ve watched it several times now for so many reasons. The choreography was certainly one. The ensemble has become my favorite part and watching them in Wait For It was amazing. Totally brilliant movement.

  • @ariamandy9843
    @ariamandy98437 жыл бұрын

    i love the way lin dances😂

  • @aliyaguzman7723
    @aliyaguzman77236 жыл бұрын

    such an honor seeing this! it was amazing!

  • @loca8048
    @loca80484 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful project for a choreographer and Andy didn't miss his shot, not one bit. Such great work!!!

  • @carolynconway8937
    @carolynconway89376 жыл бұрын

    Woah... That is just... Crazy. And it doesn't help that I want to cry now that I see Lin do it yay

  • @Michelle-mb6vw
    @Michelle-mb6vw4 жыл бұрын

    I NEED MORE OF THIS

  • @Applecompuser
    @Applecompuser Жыл бұрын

    This was an amazing play in every way. Loved, the music, the topic, and how it introduced a young generation to an amazing American.

  • @myopictopography5287
    @myopictopography52877 жыл бұрын

    Okay... So the diversity of the clips, taken from so many songs, means that there has be a proper recording of Hamilton - not to mention the parts from the PBS documentary. Please, please release it!

  • @rainbowandre9580

    @rainbowandre9580

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lin-Manuel Miranda said that the OBC recording will be on theatres next year!

  • @rebwil5501
    @rebwil55017 жыл бұрын

    Incredible choreography! Well done, sir!!

  • @Mel-jy5sw
    @Mel-jy5sw7 жыл бұрын

    i freaking love this show so much

  • @jadecherry7224
    @jadecherry72247 жыл бұрын

    Welp time to spent all night mastering this

  • @dontmindme5290
    @dontmindme52904 жыл бұрын

    This was definitely my most favourite dance in the show I would just replay it for ages

  • @suicidal.session
    @suicidal.session7 жыл бұрын

    When he mentioned the change for the end of the play in the choreography, I got immediate chills. :'(

  • @sammythelamby8363
    @sammythelamby83637 жыл бұрын

    I want more!!!

  • @My0326
    @My03266 жыл бұрын

    I love these two people 😍😍

  • @lauraindira8421
    @lauraindira84213 жыл бұрын

    Amazing!!

  • @faithmiller9614
    @faithmiller96145 жыл бұрын

    Strolled over here in 2019... this is fabulous

  • @sugaudacity
    @sugaudacity4 жыл бұрын

    the AMOUNT OF THOUGHT AND EFFORT PUT INTO EVERY SPECK OF THIS MUSICAL 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @shannonl509
    @shannonl5098 жыл бұрын

    Love it

  • @_the_
    @_the_4 жыл бұрын

    This is crazy. How can someone come up with something like this and how can someone actually do that? This is so amazing, I can't wait for the Hamilton movie!

  • @sierrafrancis
    @sierrafrancis4 жыл бұрын

    Love this

  • @nerfthis8744
    @nerfthis87446 жыл бұрын

    I love this man.

  • @kpetrova9835
    @kpetrova98356 жыл бұрын

    Hamilton Musical is gift from the Heavens everyone who idls a part of it is just pure awesome. We are thankful.

  • @jennyq4979
    @jennyq49796 жыл бұрын

    I LOVE the choreography of Hamilton!

  • @oliviagriffith3626
    @oliviagriffith36266 жыл бұрын

    This is so cool!

  • @claudiaazcurra1946
    @claudiaazcurra19464 жыл бұрын

    Amazing ❤

  • @datboidamien9798
    @datboidamien9798 Жыл бұрын

    Wow 🤩 so amazing

  • @ginger8556
    @ginger85564 жыл бұрын

    2:33 is the best thing I've ever seen

  • @SquirrilahFish
    @SquirrilahFish4 жыл бұрын

    I want this video for the whole show

  • @anniebell6846
    @anniebell68464 жыл бұрын

    The choreo for Satisfied was ammmmazing

  • @CatskillsGrrl
    @CatskillsGrrl3 жыл бұрын

    God, I love this so much.

  • @abialston8476
    @abialston84768 жыл бұрын

    didn't this guy choreograph Annie

  • @virgil.alonso

    @virgil.alonso

    8 жыл бұрын

    yes

  • @jrmoss252
    @jrmoss2528 жыл бұрын

    Washington's face at 0:20 though...

  • @camilaquintas906
    @camilaquintas9064 жыл бұрын

    There was FORESHADOWING in the CHOREOGRAPHY???

  • @delvinmccann8073
    @delvinmccann80734 жыл бұрын

    I want more 😫😫😫

  • @jeihaynes7077
    @jeihaynes70777 жыл бұрын

    Every time someone mentions Hamilton the montage from the beginning plays in my mind.

  • @SarahLandry577
    @SarahLandry5772 жыл бұрын

    Is it too much to ask to have this type of video for the entire show? It might be 12 hours long but I'd watch it lol

  • @airliemariaheung8215
    @airliemariaheung82156 жыл бұрын

    thank you

  • @troyandabed8798
    @troyandabed87983 жыл бұрын

    I want to see 'the room where it happened' and also "the world was wide enough." Choreography

  • @maxaustin3377
    @maxaustin33774 жыл бұрын

    I noticed some sick choreography in say no to this but I feel like the movie didn’t really show it off as well as it could have so I’m trying to find a bootleg lol

  • @Hailey-yq6oe
    @Hailey-yq6oe5 жыл бұрын

    THIS WAS UPLOADED IN MY 8TH BIRTHDAY

  • @charlotte01134
    @charlotte011346 жыл бұрын

    I learnt the my shot choreography at an open day. It was so much fun!

  • @ghostpixie822
    @ghostpixie8223 жыл бұрын

    My appreciation has gone from 1000% to 2000%

  • @Tinhamodic
    @Tinhamodic8 жыл бұрын

    Great moves!

  • @maylingbrown2171
    @maylingbrown21714 жыл бұрын

    Is anyone else obsessed with that smooth spin Lin does after the dance

  • @coffeepoweredkatie6290
    @coffeepoweredkatie62906 жыл бұрын

    My like brought this to 10k, that's never happened to me before. Weirdly satisfying.

  • @sofiad6713
    @sofiad67135 жыл бұрын

    What i would do to see a video of all of Hamilton’s choreography analyzed- especially the ensemble

  • @doamuda
    @doamuda8 жыл бұрын

    Stephanie Klemons is so smooth...

  • @girlonabookshelf4922
    @girlonabookshelf49227 жыл бұрын

    So clever! I love it xxx

  • @scorpiorisinggg
    @scorpiorisinggg8 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful

  • @SenorAhole
    @SenorAhole3 жыл бұрын

    He's on the next level

  • @meenathomas2564
    @meenathomas25647 жыл бұрын

    I can't dance but I'm in love with Hamilton. I make up my own choreography. I legit did that same thing. MY MIND JUST EXPLODED!

  • @vi_cesario
    @vi_cesario6 жыл бұрын

    i don't watch wall street journal but when it's hamilton i cLICK

  • @absolutesnails6733
    @absolutesnails67334 жыл бұрын

    I watched the movie on Disney once, and then I watched it again to practice all the ensemble choreography because it might be useful one day.

  • @TrademarkedIPAdress
    @TrademarkedIPAdress3 жыл бұрын

    As someone who's been memorizing every character's moves in every song (why not, i just love memorizing choreographies and performing it for my own entertainment-), i desperately need this since i wasnt able to understand that part in My Shot lol

  • @ilikelams9489
    @ilikelams94896 жыл бұрын

    Just remembered that Andy also choreographed a musical called Annie (I only remember he choreographed Hard Knock Life)

  • @etta5487
    @etta54877 жыл бұрын

    the whole throwing away the bullet and then Alexander not catching it at the end of his life made me cry. idek whu

  • @parisa7257
    @parisa72577 жыл бұрын

    Not only is Lin a genius but so is Andy. Hamilton is a musical full of genius

  • @jdotlee4789
    @jdotlee47895 жыл бұрын

    oH MY GOD The last shot at the end only Lin is raising his hand How did I not see this I literally cant

  • @mochatf2player351
    @mochatf2player3517 жыл бұрын

    I love how the melodies, and chord progressions have a meaning (Watch How Hamilton works) then you realize the choreography also has its meanings...

Келесі