History of Jazz Dance

What is Jazz Dancing all about?

Jazz dancing involves movements that are specially choreographed to West African music compositions. The movements are termed as Jazz, basically an umbrella term, and set to 'blues' notes, poly-rhythms, improvisations, the 'swung' note and syncopation. Jazz dancing relates to several dance styles that are related, such as ballet, tap and the African American rhythms-and-dance styles. This dance form originated in the late 1800s. The trend took time to catch on, but eventually did, by the mid 1900s. Till the 1950s, jazz dancing was largely referred to as tap dancing, because of the routines set to jazz music. The Jazz Age was characterized by the popularity of dance forms such as the Cakewalk, Charleston, Jitterbug, Black Bottom, Boogie Woogie and the Lindy Hop. These styles developed at various venues and were executed by dedicated enthusiasts who made simple steps look elaborate.

Who Invented the Jazz Dance Technique?

Early experimentation with the jazz dance form is synonymous with names such as Katherine Dunham and Jack Cole. Katherine Dunham is recognized as the 'Grandmaster of Jazz Dancing' the world over, while Jack Cole is considered the 'Father of the Jazz Dance Technique'. These choreographers were key inspirations to other exponents of the art such as Matt Mattox, Jerome Robbins, Gwen Verdon, Bob Fosse and Eugene Louis Facciuto. It was not until the 1950s, that these pioneers developed routines based on the essence of traditional Caribbean dance forms and created a unique performing art. This was also the era when other dance and music forms were developing and being experimented with, the world over. Jazz soon evolved on Broadway into an improvised version referred to as 'Modern Jazz'. This smooth style, that is still taught extensively, created its own evolutionary path. The best jazz dance performances included styles popularized in Broadway hits, such as Cabaret, Chicago, The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.

Jazz Technique

Today, jazz is presented in many different forms at special dance schools and performances by dance troupes around the world. Even now, this popular dance form follows the dictates of musical theater choreography. The Jazz technique is based on the execution of stylistic leaps and turns and correct posture. The finesse depends largely on properly executed moves and strong and sharp body movements. The ballet technique works well on the downbeat of jazz music. Elements such as 'center control' and 'spotting' enables the dancer to maintain balance and poise, while executing powerful movements, such as pirouettes and fouetté's. The dance form requires warm-up routines that are inclusive of moderate to intense stretching exercises. These are important to generate the muscle tone that adds to the grace and fullness of each move, preventing ligament injury.

This very versatile dance form is best executed with leather jazz shoes, footwear designed to help the dancers move smoothly, especially when executing difficult turns such as the pirouette. The common jazz dance movements include the toe rise, straddle split leap and jete. Jazz is now recognized as a major dance form mainly due to its popularity on music videos and television shows. The energetic dance, showcases individual style and an originality that only the jazz dancers can interpret and execute. The fancy footwork and quick turns culminate in a dance style that is synonymous with grace and balance. Jazz dancers are encouraged to add their own attitude and personality to each step, making the basic turns and signature 'jazz walk' look unique every time.