Meaning: The quote "I use dancing to embellish, extend or enlarge upon an existing emotion" by Gower Champion, a renowned director and choreographer, beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of dance as a form of expression. Gower Champion was known for his innovative choreography and direction in musical theater, and this quote reflects his deep understanding of how dance can be used to convey and intensify emotions within a performance.

Dance has always been a fundamental means of human expression, allowing individuals to communicate and evoke emotions without the need for words. In the context of theatrical performances, dance serves as a powerful tool for amplifying the emotional impact of a story. It can convey joy, sorrow, love, and a myriad of other feelings, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

When Champion speaks of using dance to "embellish, extend or enlarge upon an existing emotion," he is highlighting the capacity of dance to enhance the emotional content of a performance. Through movement, rhythm, and physical expression, dancers have the ability to amplify the emotional nuances present in a scene or musical number. They can bring to life the inner turmoil of a character, the ecstasy of a romantic moment, or the exuberance of a celebratory dance, all through the language of movement.

Champion's emphasis on "an existing emotion" suggests that dance is not only a means of expression in itself, but also a means of magnifying and intensifying the emotions already present in a theatrical work. This aligns with his approach to choreography, which was often characterized by its ability to seamlessly integrate with the narrative and emotional core of a production. Rather than being a separate entity, the dance becomes an integral part of the storytelling, enriching the audience's experience and emotional connection to the performance.

In the world of musical theater, Champion's quote takes on added significance. Musicals often rely on dance as a vital component of storytelling, using it to convey emotions and drive the plot forward. Whether in a high-energy production number or a poignant pas de deux, the choreography plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional landscape of the show. Champion's approach to using dance to embellish and extend emotions speaks to the collaborative nature of musical theater, where choreography, music, and narrative intertwine to create a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences for the audience.

Furthermore, Champion's quote underscores the notion that dance is not just a physical display, but a means of delving deeper into the emotional core of a performance. Through movement and physicality, dancers can convey subtleties and complexities that words alone might struggle to capture. This aligns with the idea that dance is a universal language, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to communicate profound emotions and experiences.

In conclusion, Gower Champion's quote encapsulates the profound impact of dance as a means of embellishing, extending, and enlarging upon existing emotions within the context of theatrical performance. His words resonate with the understanding that dance is not merely a decorative element, but a vital means of amplifying and intensifying the emotional resonance of a production. By harnessing the power of movement and expression, Champion and other choreographers have elevated the art of dance to a transformative force in the realm of storytelling and performance.