Acclaimed director, producer, and choreographer behind iconic Broadway shows and films, including West Side Story, blending dance, music, and drama to tell powerful stories.
Jerome Robbins, the renowned American dancer, choreographer, film director, theatre director, and producer, left an indelible mark on the world of performing arts. He is best known for his iconic choreography and direction of Broadway shows such as West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Gypsy, which continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Born Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz on October 11, 1918, in the Jewish Maternity Hospital on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Robbins was the son of Harry Rabinowitz and Lena Robbins. His early life was surrounded by the vibrant cultural melting pot of the Lower East Side, where he was exposed to the rhythms and movements of various ethnic groups. This exposure would later influence his unique choreographic style, which blended elements of jazz, ballet, and modern dance.
Robbins began his dance training at the age of 12, studying with modern dance pioneer Helen Tamiris and later with ballet masters such as Anatole Vilzak and Eugene Loring. He made his Broadway debut in 1941 as a dancer in the chorus of Hurry Kane, and later worked as an assistant choreographer to George Abbott on Sons o' Fun.
Robbins' breakthrough came in 1944 with his choreography for On the Town, which earned him his first Tony Award. This was followed by a string of Broadway hits, including Peter Pan, High Button Shoes, The King and I, and The Pajama Game. His work on West Side Story (1957) and Fiddler on the Roof (1964) cemented his status as a master choreographer and director.
In 1961, Robbins won the Academy Award for Best Director, along with Robert Wise, for the film adaptation of West Side Story. He also received a special Academy Honorary Award for his choreographic achievements on film.
Jerome Robbins' contributions to the world of dance and direction are immeasurable. He has inspired generations of choreographers, directors, and performers, and his work continues to be celebrated and performed around the world. His legacy is a testament to the power of artistic vision and collaboration, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.
As Robbins once said, "The most important thing in dance is the thing that cannot be taught – the thing that is felt." His life's work is a testament to the enduring power of dance to move, inspire, and connect us all.
Born in 1918
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A renowned director, screenwriter, and playwright behind iconic works like "West Side Story" and "Gypsy", known for his groundbreaking storytelling and innovative direction.
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A renowned choreographer and director who revolutionized Broadway with his iconic musicals, including A Chorus Line, which won numerous awards and became a cultural phenomenon.
