Jazz Dance Steps

Jazz dance is profoundly determined by jazz music in its sounds, rhythms and techniques. It is more popular in the United States than in Europe. Its style, which is energetic, abstract, sensuous, clean and cool is what makes jazz dance different from other types of dances. Till the mid 1950s, jazz dance was associated with tap dance which was the main dance presentation of the era. It was initiated by the African-American community in the United States. Before you get ready to know how to dance jazz it's important to know about the warm-up exercises that should be done, especially if you are dancing after a long time. You can try yoga or any other exercise to loosen your stiff muscles. In terms of jazz dance steps, ideas and opinions are varied but there are some basic steps which you cannot segregate from the dance repertoire.

1. Jazz Square: One of the most iconic moves, it is done either on the left or right side with some extreme twists in the upper body.
2. Isolations: For hands and limbs, it is quite easy but you will have to isolate the chest and the hips as well to really master the dance form. You can also warm up with isolations.
3. Chasse: It is literally a 'chasing' step where you put one step forward and bring the other foot from behind. It has its origin in Ballet.
4. Jazz Layout: This step is frequently used in posters and images as it can effectively portray the excitement involved in the dance form. This move requires balance and flexibility.
5. Jazz Walk: It requires the dancers to walk straight in a plié with the shoulders in counter positions.

Besides these, there are also ball change, catwalk, catch step, fall over the log, hip walk, moon walk, pivot step, touch, twist, etc. to name a few.

Jazz Dance Techniques
Technique is the core of any dance movement. To perfect a dance step, it is important that you learn the techniques correctly. Jack Cole, considered the father of jazz dance techniques developed different styles of this dance form. His techniques were employed in various videos, television commercials, films and musicals. Rapid directional changes, angled placement and long knee slides remain his trademark. Another name worth mentioning is Bob Fosse. He was a choreographer, and a film director. Rounded shoulders, inward knees and full bodied isolations were his forte. Other names to reckon with jazz dance techniques are Katherine Dunham, Gus Giordano, Jerome Robbins and Gwen Verdon.

Learning jazz is a great way to stay in shape and jazz dance classes are conducted everywhere. To improve the jazz dance steps, it is recommended that you learn some other dance forms like ballet and hip hop. Personal instruction is necessary to learn the dance which you can acquire by enrolling in a dance studio. Though you can pick out a DVD to learn the basic steps, it is always better to take professional help to master the art form. There is always a great demand for skilled jazz dancers in Broadway productions and dance performances all over the world. Noted choreographers have their hands full working in a variety of genres, television commercials, drill teams, etc.

Costumes and Attire for Jazz Dance
It's showtime folks! Make sure you have the proper costumes to go with your performance. Jazz dance costumes and shoes are considered to be one of the most elegant dance costumes with all the flash and crazy colors. They are sometimes delectable but should be very fitted. But in case of lyrical jazz, the color and detailing may be a little subdued. The costumes are more inclined towards the ballet costumes which are floaty and feminine.

So what are you waiting for? Get on your dance shoes, put on some jazz music, try out some of those jazz dance steps and let your feet just sway to the rhythm.

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.

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!

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!