West Side Story premiered in 1957 at the Winter Garden Theater in New York City. A highly successful love story based on a Shakespearean classic, this controversial musical was brought to fruition by four brilliant artists: Stephen Sondhiem, Leonard Bernstien, Arthur Laurents and, last but not least, Jerome Robbins. It's not often that audiences are treated to a musical whose story, direction and choreography are still deeply felt in American society 62 years later. The theater was a place for leisure and entertainment, not for political and social commentary. West Side Story was one of the first musicals to hold up a mirror and reflect American values ​​of racism, both systematic and confrontational, violence, discrimination, and what it meant to be an American in the 1950s. As the musical has evolved over time, in revival after revival, changes to the lyrics and script have become necessary, but the one element that has remained true to its original form continues to be Jerome Robbins' choreography. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Similar to the legendary Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins had an eye for recognizing authenticity and truthful storytelling on stage. Robbins was able to successfully manifest realistic conflict through dance and collaboration while still moving the plot forward. The first time we encounter conflict through dance is during the Prologue, when the Jets provoke members of the Shark gang to assert 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 movement. Nowhere is this more palpable than in the show's kinetic and intense prologue. In this specific number, Robbins combines elements of ballet, jazz and theater combat, highlighting the life-or-death intensity that engulfs each member of the two gangs, no matter the shade. Another time Robbins advances the plot through dance is in the key track “Dance at the Gym.” This intricate musical number is where we first see both genders of the Sharks and Jets confront each other's differences through dance, even as Tony and Maria fall in love for the first time. To understand how teenagers relate to each other through dance, Robbins visited a high school dance in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York to gain inspiration and develop his choreography, demonstrating even greater commitment in the context of the performance. “Mom!” Bernstein's stirring music illustrating “Dance at the Gym” gave Robbins the opportunity to showcase the sexual and athletic prowess of the rival gangs. Not only was Robbins' choice of movement explosive and technical, but it was so specifically intentional and colorful with characterization that it resonated and will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. The innovative element within West Side Story is brought to bear through its challenging choreography. Dance had been elevated to a new importance as it was required to carry forward much of the dramatic action in a way that had never before been attempted on Broadway, not to mention the 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 current society and continually repurposed.