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.
Showing posts with label Jazz dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jazz dance. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Jazz Dance Costumes and Shoes
So, what exactly is Jazz Dance?
If you are sweating it out on a treadmill and dread those visits to the gym in an endeavor to be fit, then fret not, as this is not the last thing in the world. Jazz dance has gained popularity not only because of the style of dancing, but also because it is an extremely enjoyable way to remain fit without housing that feeling of dread, most people are known to experience when it comes to visits to the gym!
Jazz dance has originated from the African American vernacular dance form in the late 1800s. This form of dance showcases the jazz dancers’ individual style and originality. This is a very highly energetic form of dancing where the jazz dancers are required to perfect unique moves, fancy footwork and learn to make big leaps and jumps. It would be highly beneficial for the jazz dancers to master the ballet technique, as this would strengthen the body and improve their balance. The basic moves of jazz dance are the ball change, the twist, pencil spin, jazz walk, cat walk, barrel turn, pivot step etc. There are various styles of jazz dance being evolved with time such as the old-fashioned jazz, modern jazz and the street jazz to name a few.
Jazz Dance Costumes and Shoes:
The movements that are used in the jazz dance require a lot of flexibility and grace. The jazz dancers are therefore required to wear jazz dance costumes that emphasize the lines of the body. This would mean the jazz costumes need to be fitting without all the fuss and frills. It would also depend on the creativity of the designer to come up with new ideas that would highlight the body and make it glamorous for stage shows.
Jazz dance costumes allow a lot of freedom when it comes to colors. You can opt for flashy and loud colors that can be synchronized with the other dancers from the groups. The colors of the costumes can be used to highlight the movements of the dance steps for the particular performance. Being fitted, the colors can help to complement the energy of the jazz dancers. These are often worked upon when the jazz dance incorporates a certain theme. In such cases, the colors are also used to symbolize the meaning of the movements, a dancer is trying to portray.
Halter tops, racer backs, shiny materials sometimes with loads of bling, fitted long pants or even hot pants are very popular in jazz dance costumes. Less clothing is the order of the day for jazz dance, but this is because, the jazz dance, being highly energetic can make the dancer uncomfortable in layers of clothing. Therefore, most jazz dancers prefer shorts, tights and fitted tops. Most of them incorporate stretch blends to allow more flexibility to the jazz dancers. A lot of embellishments such as sequins or crystals are considered to be very in. These are used to add to the glam and the glitter of the performance on stage. Loads of spunk and fun, this is the basic for all jazz dance costumes. You can even add items such as a sequined beret or a hat that helps to accessorize the overall costume.
The jazz dance shoes are as important as the jazz dance costume. These need to be simple and light. They should allow the jazz dancer the right kind of flexibility needed and not hinder the performance. Jazz shoes are available in neutral colors with a slight heel. The lyrical shoes are also gaining popularity of late. These give the illusion that the jazz dancer is performing without really wearing any shoes. These are often worn for performances or even for the basic classes.
Remember, that jazz dance costumes are very unlike the ballet style of dancewear. These are designed to be showy without looking over the top. Any jazz dance performance can never be complete without the right style of costumes. So, its time you pick the right attire and set the stage on fire!
If you are sweating it out on a treadmill and dread those visits to the gym in an endeavor to be fit, then fret not, as this is not the last thing in the world. Jazz dance has gained popularity not only because of the style of dancing, but also because it is an extremely enjoyable way to remain fit without housing that feeling of dread, most people are known to experience when it comes to visits to the gym!
Jazz dance has originated from the African American vernacular dance form in the late 1800s. This form of dance showcases the jazz dancers’ individual style and originality. This is a very highly energetic form of dancing where the jazz dancers are required to perfect unique moves, fancy footwork and learn to make big leaps and jumps. It would be highly beneficial for the jazz dancers to master the ballet technique, as this would strengthen the body and improve their balance. The basic moves of jazz dance are the ball change, the twist, pencil spin, jazz walk, cat walk, barrel turn, pivot step etc. There are various styles of jazz dance being evolved with time such as the old-fashioned jazz, modern jazz and the street jazz to name a few.
Jazz Dance Costumes and Shoes:
The movements that are used in the jazz dance require a lot of flexibility and grace. The jazz dancers are therefore required to wear jazz dance costumes that emphasize the lines of the body. This would mean the jazz costumes need to be fitting without all the fuss and frills. It would also depend on the creativity of the designer to come up with new ideas that would highlight the body and make it glamorous for stage shows.
Jazz dance costumes allow a lot of freedom when it comes to colors. You can opt for flashy and loud colors that can be synchronized with the other dancers from the groups. The colors of the costumes can be used to highlight the movements of the dance steps for the particular performance. Being fitted, the colors can help to complement the energy of the jazz dancers. These are often worked upon when the jazz dance incorporates a certain theme. In such cases, the colors are also used to symbolize the meaning of the movements, a dancer is trying to portray.
Halter tops, racer backs, shiny materials sometimes with loads of bling, fitted long pants or even hot pants are very popular in jazz dance costumes. Less clothing is the order of the day for jazz dance, but this is because, the jazz dance, being highly energetic can make the dancer uncomfortable in layers of clothing. Therefore, most jazz dancers prefer shorts, tights and fitted tops. Most of them incorporate stretch blends to allow more flexibility to the jazz dancers. A lot of embellishments such as sequins or crystals are considered to be very in. These are used to add to the glam and the glitter of the performance on stage. Loads of spunk and fun, this is the basic for all jazz dance costumes. You can even add items such as a sequined beret or a hat that helps to accessorize the overall costume.
The jazz dance shoes are as important as the jazz dance costume. These need to be simple and light. They should allow the jazz dancer the right kind of flexibility needed and not hinder the performance. Jazz shoes are available in neutral colors with a slight heel. The lyrical shoes are also gaining popularity of late. These give the illusion that the jazz dancer is performing without really wearing any shoes. These are often worn for performances or even for the basic classes.
Remember, that jazz dance costumes are very unlike the ballet style of dancewear. These are designed to be showy without looking over the top. Any jazz dance performance can never be complete without the right style of costumes. So, its time you pick the right attire and set the stage on fire!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
How To Find Basic Jazz Dance Classes
Learning how to dance can be a good hobby or past time or even a good sport for some. Recently, Jazz has become one of the best loved dances of all time. Most of the time, people enjoy watching the dance moves because it is energetic, fun and so cool to watch. This is a definitely mind intriguing dance with a mixture of classical ballet dance moves with a certain twist of African & Celtic influence and American pop culture.
Jazz is a type of dance that can showcase an individual’s originality, style and groove. A good background in ballet dancing is a good stepping stone in jazz since a dancer will need a lot of grace and balance. Originally, jazz was made to entertain people but right now it has already evolved into a fine art form that is enjoyed and fancied by millions of people across the globe.
In every dance class, students are encouraged to improve and innovate the basic dance steps to suit their respective personalities and emotions. Just like in learning any form of dance, you must practice the basics. Here are some basic steps that might be helpful for you to become the next big jazz star:
1. Jazz walk. It is really hard to put into words how this looks like but when you see one, you’ll eventually identify it. It is in this aspect that you can add your own tinge and art to it as a dancer.
2. Chasse. This is a form of chasing step. Just step a foot forward, and then the other foot is raised up behind forming a sort of skipping action on the dance floor.
3. Contraction. This is done by making a back curve outward motion of your torso and moving your pelvis forward.
4. Jazz Leaps. These include turning jumps, tour jetes and Grande jetes.
5. Jazz turns. These include piques, pirouettes, ballet turns and chaines.
6. Jazz square. Step a foot forward, cross the remaining foot. Step back with the first foot and then bring them side by side.
7. Jazz layout. Make a high kick up in the air while you do a back bend. Arch your head backwards and extend your arms. For this move, you have to possess a lot of balancing and flexibility skills.
Here are some institutions that offer jazz dance classes that you might want to try. They also have a bunch of interesting dance lessons to choose from ranging from hip hop dance, jazz, etc.
* Centreville Dance Academy
* “The Ballroom”
* Greendale Dance Academy
* Encore Performers
* Charlotte Klein Dance Studio
* JoAnn Warren Dance Studio
* The Fairfax Ballet Company
* The Joan Izzo Academy of Dance Officers
* Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center
So you better gear up and prepare your hot dance moves and sign up at the nearest dance school near you. Learn new, simple and popular dances that can help you stay fit. You might be the next Michael Jackson in this century!
Jazz is a type of dance that can showcase an individual’s originality, style and groove. A good background in ballet dancing is a good stepping stone in jazz since a dancer will need a lot of grace and balance. Originally, jazz was made to entertain people but right now it has already evolved into a fine art form that is enjoyed and fancied by millions of people across the globe.
In every dance class, students are encouraged to improve and innovate the basic dance steps to suit their respective personalities and emotions. Just like in learning any form of dance, you must practice the basics. Here are some basic steps that might be helpful for you to become the next big jazz star:
1. Jazz walk. It is really hard to put into words how this looks like but when you see one, you’ll eventually identify it. It is in this aspect that you can add your own tinge and art to it as a dancer.
2. Chasse. This is a form of chasing step. Just step a foot forward, and then the other foot is raised up behind forming a sort of skipping action on the dance floor.
3. Contraction. This is done by making a back curve outward motion of your torso and moving your pelvis forward.
4. Jazz Leaps. These include turning jumps, tour jetes and Grande jetes.
5. Jazz turns. These include piques, pirouettes, ballet turns and chaines.
6. Jazz square. Step a foot forward, cross the remaining foot. Step back with the first foot and then bring them side by side.
7. Jazz layout. Make a high kick up in the air while you do a back bend. Arch your head backwards and extend your arms. For this move, you have to possess a lot of balancing and flexibility skills.
Here are some institutions that offer jazz dance classes that you might want to try. They also have a bunch of interesting dance lessons to choose from ranging from hip hop dance, jazz, etc.
* Centreville Dance Academy
* “The Ballroom”
* Greendale Dance Academy
* Encore Performers
* Charlotte Klein Dance Studio
* JoAnn Warren Dance Studio
* The Fairfax Ballet Company
* The Joan Izzo Academy of Dance Officers
* Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center
So you better gear up and prepare your hot dance moves and sign up at the nearest dance school near you. Learn new, simple and popular dances that can help you stay fit. You might be the next Michael Jackson in this century!
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