Features of Jazz Dance

September 13, 2022

Features of Jazz Dance

Features of Jazz Dance

What is Jazz Dance?

Jazz dance is a modern dance performance style that matches the sounds, rhythms and techniques of jazz music. Jazz is highly individual with an emphasis on showcasing special skills. Dancers who specialize in jazz are skilled at improvisation and teamwork with other dancers to achieve a certain look on stage. Jazz is a worldwide skill and many successful dancers and choreographers specialize in this. Jazz mirrors the social history of American people reflecting historical changes, influences and events.

Where did Jazz dance originate from?

The movements found in Jazz dance originates from African slaves. African dance is low, with their knees bent and body isolation's, emphasized by body pulsations, as well as hand clapping. As early as the 1600's, slaves were bought into America which resulted in the integration of different cultures such as African and European. The Slave Act in 1970 prohibited slaves from performing and playing the drums but, in an urge to cling to their cultural identity, they resisted and continued being passionate about dance and music. The movements such as foot tapping, stomping, hand clapping and vocal sounds were woven into the jazz style we see today.

In the 19th century, Americans realized that they liked the dance and music style that the slaves had created, so they adopted it and began impersonating black people in a comedic style in minstrel and vaudeville shows. Performers parodied their perception of life as a slave and popularized the African style of dance and music. It was difficult for black performers to gain a stance as a part of a dance troupe so, they migrated to Europe. This is where they introduced the newly emerging forms of dance and music. In Europe, these performances were more well received and minstrel shows eventually absorbed into 20th century musical comedy.

What are some key movements?

Ball change- is a quick transfer from one foot to the other.

Box step/ jazz square- a four-step movement in which the dancer steps across, back, to the side, and then to the front, making a square pattern on the floor.

Chassé- a step out in any direction in plié, then jump and “chase” the first leg with the second, landing on the first leg.

Charleston- a popular move in which the weight is shifted from one leg to another, with the free leg being kicked out either forward or backward at an oblique angle.

Jazz pas de bourrée- a move where the weight is transferred from one foot to another in three steps.

Here are some more examples of some basic Jazz movements.

Who was Bob Fosse?

Bob Fosse was born in Chicago, Illinois on 23rd June 1927. He was an American dancer, choreographer and director who worked in multiple well known Broadway shows. He is said to have revolutionized musical theatre with his distinct style and performances. He began dancing at age 13 and attended dance schools as a child. Whilst enlisted in the U.S Navy, he was sent to an entertainment unit but was discharged in 1947. After his discharge, Fosse went on to study acting at the American theatre wing whilst dancing on stage and in such TV shows as Your Hit Parade. Additionally, he continued to appear on television up until his “big break” or big-screen debut in The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, Kiss Me Kate, and Give a Girl a Break.

Returning to Broadway in 1954, he choreographed The Pajama Game, which was directed by George Abbott and Jerome Robbins. He was awarded a Tony award for his smart groupings of dancers and fresh stylistically exaggerated staging. The musicals helped Fosse establish himself and his reputation as a creative and extremely talented choreographer. Many of his dance numbers included props, such as bowler hats, chairs, and canes. Whilst his signature moves frequently included turned-in knees, the sideways shuffle, rolled shoulders, and the splayed-finger shaking “jazz hand”.

In 1970, Bob Fosse became the face of jazz, he performed on Broadway and in films but his real artwork was created when he became a choreographer. Fosse choreographed a reproduction of Chicago in 1975 as well as, All that Jazz, Sweet Charity, Dancin, and Liza with a Z. His work was slick, highly creative and extremely distinctive. The movements were smooth but intense but also erotic at times. His style was carried out in Broadway and Hollywood throughout the 1980's.

In the 1960's, a dance craze called The Chicken evolved into a dance called The Frug. The Chicken featured lateral body movements and was used as a change of pace whilst doing the Twist. As dancers grew more tired, they would do less movements in their dance. They then created arm movements for this dance which prompted dances like, the Swim, the Monkey, the Mashed Potato and the Watusi.

Here is an example of Bob Fosse's work in Sweet Charity- "The Aloof", "The Heavyweight" and "The Big Finish"