Jack Cole
Jack Cole began as a modern dancer with Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn. During the depression era, he switched from modern to commercial dance. He danced and choreographed in nightclubs and would go on to work for Broadway and the movies. Jazz dance steps were popular at the time but lacked a technical side. Cole was the first to merge the modern dance aspect of motivation for movement with popular jazz dance steps to make technical and artistic jazz dance.
In addition to modern influences, Cole had a background in East Indian dancing and Lindy hop. He blended all of these elements to create a distinctive style. If we look at the face of Cole's jazz dance style, we are bound to see an uncanny resemblance to ourselves.
From Cole's modern training, he brought a low sense of gravity. The use of deep plié gives jazz its sense of power and explosiveness. From East Indian dancing, Cole borrowed a refined use of isolation. Today, isolations are an integral part of jazz classes. From the Lindy hoppers, he brought an intricate use of swing rhythm - syncopation. The use of knee slides and floor work came from Cole's acrobatic experience. These common traits are found in the jazz dance genes of today.
This information is from: http://www.dance.net/topic/2769479/1/Jazz-General/Bios-of-Important-Jazz-Dancers-Choreogr-aphers.html
In addition to modern influences, Cole had a background in East Indian dancing and Lindy hop. He blended all of these elements to create a distinctive style. If we look at the face of Cole's jazz dance style, we are bound to see an uncanny resemblance to ourselves.
From Cole's modern training, he brought a low sense of gravity. The use of deep plié gives jazz its sense of power and explosiveness. From East Indian dancing, Cole borrowed a refined use of isolation. Today, isolations are an integral part of jazz classes. From the Lindy hoppers, he brought an intricate use of swing rhythm - syncopation. The use of knee slides and floor work came from Cole's acrobatic experience. These common traits are found in the jazz dance genes of today.
This information is from: http://www.dance.net/topic/2769479/1/Jazz-General/Bios-of-Important-Jazz-Dancers-Choreogr-aphers.html