How did Jerome Robbins use choreography to create drama in West Side Story?

In West Side Story, choreographer Jerome Robbins utilized dance as a fundamental narrative tool to heighten the drama of the production. Rather than using dance merely as an interlude, Robbins integrated it into the plot to convey the tension, volatility, and emotional stakes of the rival street gangs.1

Robbins’ choreography is noted for its "electric pacing" and its ability to capture the essence of the story through movement. By blending his mastery of classical ballet with vernacular dance styles and a keen understanding of gesture, he created sequences that mirrored the combative and romantic themes of the musical. These dance sequences serve as a primary vehicle for storytelling, effectively translating the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks into physical action that drives the narrative forward. His innovative approach helped define the production as a major achievement in American musical theater, where the movement itself is as essential to the drama as the score and lyrics.123