Five Broadway Dance Makers Vie for this Year's Tony Award

Now that the Tony Award nominations have been announced, it looks like a pretty competitive race for "Best Choreography." The category is full of creative and diverse work from four established Broadway vets, and the debut of a new modern voice. Each put their own distinctive stamp on dance genres that include tap, hip-hop, salsa, and traditional folk dances with a twist. Here are the five guys to watch out for on June 12th.

Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton)

Andy Blankenbuehler dynamically infuses Hamilton with high energy movement that incorporates several musical genres, especially hip-hop and rap. His partnership with director Thomas Kail seamlessly provides the show with continual movement that is never irrelevant. Along with Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking music, this show moves the musical form on Broadway forward like no other.

Savion Glover (Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921)

With his fast paced rhythms and signature syncopated style, Savion Glover designed the showstopping dances in Shuffle Along. A first-rate ensemble performs his rapid-fire sounds to the music of jazz composer Eubie Blake. Glover combines his trendy style with old-fashioned Broadway razzle-dazzle, and even has all of the principals hoofing to his beat.

Sergio Trujillo (On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan)

Veteran Broadway choreographer Sergio Trujillo receives his first Tony Award nomination with On Your Feet! His authentic salsa-and-rumba-inspired dances are the highlight of Gloria Estefan's biographical jukebox musical. Trujillo utilizes the passion and energy of Estefan's music and literally has the audience on its feet during the hit song, Conga.

Randy Skinner (Dames at Sea)

Though the show may be closed, it's hard to forget the tap-happy dances created by Randy Skinner in Dames at Sea. The show, a celebration of the golden era of movie musicals, fits Skinner's sense of style like a glove. His sparkling production numbers (performed by a cast of six top notch hoofers) showcased some of the most intricate and entertaining tap dancing to set sail on Broadway.

Hofesh Shechter (Fiddler on the Roof)

Hofesh Shechter makes a vibrant choreographic Broadway debut in the revival of Fiddler on the Roof. While some of the original Jerome Robbins choreography (such as the bottle dance) is retained, Shechter puts his own wildly enthusiastic spin on this traditional tale. He meticulously mashes up traditional folk dance with modern dance to stunning effect.

Check out the TONY Awards live on Sunday, June 12th on CBS.

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Headshot photo credits: Andy Blankenbuehler by Walter McBride, Savion Glover & Sergio Trujillo by Jessica Fallon Gordon Photography. Randy Skinner by Steve Abel. Hofesh Shechter by Jake Walters.