Daily Dance: Behind-The-Scenes Of FX's 'Fosse/Verdon'

I have loved FX's mini-series Fosse/Verdon. Sorry to see we reached the finale this Tuesday.

One of the highlights of the series, which chronicles the lives, love and collaborations of director/choreographer Bob Fosse and 4-time Tony Award winner Gwen Verdon, has been the attention to detail in regard to the famous 'Fosse style' of dance presented throughout the series.

FX put together this behind-the-scenes look at how the choreography achieved such authenticity, in great part to members of the Verdon Fosse Legacy Project.

The project is made of of dancers who worked closely with Fosse on his Broadway productions and so have first hand knowledge of what the true, original intent of iconic steps and dance numbers was.

In the video below, Dana Moore, Lloyd Culbreath, and Valarie Pettiford talk about their work and experiences with the master himself.

I've worked with Dana, Lloyd and Valarie, and they definitely are the keepers of the flame.

When I went into the Broadway production of Chicago the Musical, it truly was like learning a new language. Dancing 'Fosse style' means mastering a vocabulary all unto itself.

Over the years, I've staged four productions of Chicago using the same approach that Ann Reinking did of creating my own version but utilizing the vocabulary, and there's no cheating on that.

Trust and believe, Fosse dancers spot bad 'imitation Fosse' from a mile away.

Check out the video below, and bravo to the folks who gave us this terrific series.

Trailer: FX Mini-Series 'FOSSE/VERDON'

Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams in 'Fosse/Verdon'

Bob Fosse - visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors.

Gwen Verdon - the greatest Broadway dancer of all time.

Fosse/Verdon will tell the story of these two brilliant, complicated individuals – the love they shared, the art they created, and the price they paid in the pursuit of greatness.

The good news for Broadway fans is dancers/choreographers who really understand Fosse-style are in the mix making sure the iconic Fosse/Verdon dance style is captured accurately.

From DanceNetwork:

Because Fosse's dance style is so specific, it took a team of people from choreographers Andy Blakenbuehler and Susan Misner to The Verdon Fosse Legacy, run by Verdon and Fosse's daughter, Nicole Fosse, to make sure that the movement was accurate. The Verdon Fosse Legacy's mission "is to promote, preserve, and protect the artistic and intellectual property of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon."

Broadway dancer and teacher Mary Ann Lamb was brought in by Andy Blakenbhuehler, who did the first few episodes of Fosse/Verdon and left to choreograph the movie,Cats, during production. Her job was to coach actor Sam Rockwell, who plays Bob Fosse in the series.

"I was brought in to get Sam Rockwell familiar with the steps. He's a natural dancer. It was a joy," shared Lamb. "Then I stayed on the project to assist Susan Misner, who took over for Andy Blakenbuehler. I worked with Sam and Michelle Williams, both are brilliantly talented dancers and singers — they're triple threats."

In the new sneak peak trailer for the mini-series, stars Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, director Thomas Kail (Hamilton) and more offer behind the scenes scoop on the highly anticipated new series!

Premieres April 9 on FX.

Video Tease: Upcoming Mini-Series 'Fosse/Verdon'

The new teaser for the upcoming FX mini-series Fosse/Verdon is perfection.

Starring Sam Rockwell as Broadway innovator/director/choreographer Bob Fosse, and Michelle Williams as his muse/wife, Gwen Verdon, the series will "tell the story of these two brilliant, complicated individuals — the love they shared, the art they created, and the price they paid in the pursuit of greatness.”

Anyone who is a fan of the brilliant Broadway power couple will recognize the iconic style in the rapid-fire series of images including finger snaps, toe-taps, bowler hats, fishnet stockings, red/blue mood light and, yes, jazz hands.

The project has the blessing of Nicole Fosse, the daughter of Fosse and Verdon, who will also act as an executive producer on the series.

“My mother and father have one of the greatest love stories ever known,” Nicole Fosse said in a statement. “They were extremely complex people with an indestructible bond, loyalty and trust that endured both fantasy and reality. Finally, we have a creative team with the talent and wisdom to tell the story.”

In addition to being a longtime fan, as many readers know, I was a cast member of the Broadway revival of Chicago the Musical. The experience led me to study and revere (even more!) the genius these two brought to the Broadway stage.

Watch below. Look for the series to debut in April. I can't wait.