Joshua Bergasse is an award-winning American choreographer and dancer best known for his dynamic contributions to Broadway, television, and contemporary musical theatre. With a style defined by storytelling, precision, and emotional depth, he has become one of the most influential creative forces in modern choreography. From his rise through regional dance stages to earning prestigious awards, Joshua Bergasse has shaped an extraordinary career admired across the performing arts world.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Born in Detroit, Joshua Bergasse grew up surrounded by creativity and performance. His mother owned a dance studio, which exposed him early to the world of movement and rhythm. This environment sparked his initial interest in dance and laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. Growing up in a community that valued the arts, he quickly realized how transformative dance could be and began shaping his dreams around performance. His early childhood influences—ranging from local theatre productions to classic Hollywood musicals—would later shape his signature artistic voice.

Education and Dance Training

The education and training of Joshua Bergasse played a major role in defining his exceptional career. He received formal training in various dance styles including jazz, ballet, and modern dance, which provided him with the technical depth necessary to choreograph complex musical theatre productions. He attended multiple workshops, masterclasses, and prestigious dance institutions known for shaping elite dancers. During these formative years, he trained under several influential mentors who encouraged him to expand his creativity and blend classical technique with innovative storytelling. These early experiences would become instrumental in molding a choreographer capable of executing both traditional and contemporary dance concepts with equal brilliance.

Career Beginnings

The professional journey of Joshua Bergasse began when he moved to New York City, the epicenter of American theatre. Starting as a dancer himself, he performed in numerous regional and national productions. He gradually transitioned toward choreography by assisting reputable choreographers, which allowed him to strengthen his craft. His first major choreography projects arrived through small theatre companies and workshops, where he gained recognition for his attention to musicality and narrative expression. Despite the initial challenges of breaking into an extremely competitive industry, his unique vision and work ethic helped him build a solid reputation. These early successes prepared him for the breakthrough moments that would define his rise to national prominence.

Rise to Fame

The rise of Joshua Bergasse from emerging choreographer to celebrated creative force took a significant leap with his work on NBC’s hit TV series Smash. His choreography for the show earned him widespread acclaim and ultimately the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography, solidifying his position as one of the top choreographers in the nation. Around the same time, his Broadway revival of On the Town brought him even more recognition, resulting in a Tony Award nomination. These landmark achievements opened doors to major collaborations with world-class performers, theatre companies, and directors. Through his bold artistic choices and passion for character-driven movement, he became a highly sought-after choreographer for both stage and screen.

Signature Style and Influence

The choreography of Joshua Bergasse is known for its dynamic energy, precise execution, and deep connection to storytelling. What makes his style unique is the blend of classic Broadway dance traditions with fresh, contemporary movement. His deep appreciation for Golden Age musicals influences much of his work, yet he consistently adds a modern, cinematic flair. He approaches choreography as a narrative tool rather than simply movement. Every gesture is designed to reflect a character’s emotional journey or advance the story. This distinctive approach has had a significant influence on modern musical theatre, inspiring new generations of dancers and choreographers to embrace expressive, storytelling-centered dance.

Notable Stage and Television Works

Throughout his career, Joshua Bergasse has contributed to a wide array of high-profile stage and television productions. On Broadway, his acclaimed credits include On the Town, Gigi, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Bullet Over Broadway. Each show showcased his versatility and ability to adapt movement to various musical styles and narrative settings. On television, his most renowned work remains Smash, where he choreographed both dramatic performance sequences and elaborate musical numbers. He has also worked on national tours, special performances, award shows, and live events. His choreography consistently captures attention for its creativity, timing, and emotionally impactful staging.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Joshua Bergasse is 52 years old, born on March 6, 1973. He has a notable stage presence with a strong, athletic build that reflects his lifelong dedication to dance. Known for his expressive energy and confident demeanor, he carries a classic, effortlessly stylish appearance. On stage, he embodies precision and passion, while off stage he maintains a calm, thoughtful, and approachable persona. His ability to balance both charisma and humility has made him admired across the dance community.

Personal Life and Relationships

In addition to his professional success, Joshua Bergasse is equally known for his fulfilling personal life. He is married to Sara Mearns, a celebrated principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. The pair met while working together in the dance world, and their shared love for performance quickly brought them closer. They officially married in 2018 and continue to collaborate artistically, supporting each other’s careers. Though they are both public figures, they maintain a relatively private family life and prefer focusing on their artistic journeys. Their partnership remains one of the most admired relationships in the performing arts community.

Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond performing and choreographing, Joshua Bergasse is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers. He has taught at numerous dance schools, workshops, and masterclasses across the United States. Through these efforts, he shares his extensive knowledge and encourages young dancers to embrace both technique and emotional expression. His teaching style reflects his belief that great dance stems not only from physical skill but from the ability to tell compelling stories. Many aspiring performers credit him with shaping their artistic direction and giving them the confidence to pursue professional dance careers.

Current Projects and Future Plans

In recent years, Joshua Bergasse has continued working on new productions and exploring innovative artistic avenues. His recent work includes choreography for stage adaptations, musical revivals, and experimental dance projects. He remains interested in expanding his creative influence into film and directing, aiming to bring his unique narrative-driven choreography to even broader audiences. His future plans include developing new musicals, collaborating with rising performers, and continuing to redefine modern choreography. As he evolves artistically, audiences look forward to experiencing the next chapter of his remarkable career.

Legacy and Impact on Dance

The legacy of Joshua Bergasse is already well-established in the world of American dance and musical theatre. His contributions have reshaped the expectations of Broadway choreography, blending tradition with innovation in a way that resonates with modern audiences. His influence can be seen in the work of emerging choreographers who admire his commitment to storytelling and artistic integrity. With his numerous achievements, prestigious awards, and dedication to mentoring future generations, he continues to shape the future of musical theatre and contemporary dance. His impact will undoubtedly inspire dancers, performers, and choreographers for decades to come.

Conclusion

In summary, Joshua Bergasse stands out as one of the most accomplished and influential choreographers of his generation. From his early training in Detroit to his rise as an Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated artist, he has consistently demonstrated extraordinary talent, passion, and creativity. His unique approach to storytelling through movement has transformed both Broadway and television choreography. As he continues to explore new artistic ventures, his legacy remains strong and ever-growing. Without question, Joshua Bergasse has left an indelible mark on the dance world and will continue shaping its future for years to come.

FAQs

Who is Joshua Bergasse?
Joshua Bergasse is an acclaimed American choreographer and dancer known for his award-winning work on Broadway and television.

What is Joshua Bergasse famous for?
He is best known for choreographing NBC’s Smash and Broadway’s On the Town.

Has Joshua Bergasse won any major awards?
Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography.

Where was Joshua Bergasse born?
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 6, 1973.

Is Joshua Bergasse married?
Yes, he is married to renowned ballerina Sara Mearns.

What style of dance does he specialize in?
His style blends classic Broadway technique with modern, narrative-driven movement.

Did Joshua Bergasse start as a dancer?
Yes, he began his career as a performer before transitioning into choreography.

What are some of his Broadway credits?
His major credits include On the Town, Gigi, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Does he teach or mentor dancers?
Yes, he teaches workshops and masterclasses, helping guide many emerging performers.

What is Joshua Bergasse working on now?
He continues choreographing new stage productions and exploring projects in film and directing.

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