Jazz
Before the 1950s the term “jazz dance” referred to a range of dance styles that originated from the African American vernacular dances of the late 1800s to mid 1900s. During the 1950s, modern jazz dance appeared on the scene which was rooted in Caribbean traditional dance and had a very different style. There are many different styles of jazz dance which can all be traced back to one of these earlier styles.
Until the 1950s, the term jazz dancing was often used to refer to tap dancing. This is because tap dancing was one of the most prominent forms of dance of the era and was often performed to jazz music. Over many years, jazz dancing evolved and from it were born a range of social and concert styles. The origins of many popular forms of jazz dancing can be found here. Such styles include the Cakewalk, Charleston, Black Bottom, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie and Swing – many of which still remain popular today.
It was after the 1950s that the modern jazz dance which is recognised by audiences and dancers around the world began to develop. During this period, there was an increased supremacy of other forms of entertainment music, and jazz dance evolved onto Broadway with a new smooth style that is epitomised by musicals such as Chicago and Cabaret. These popular musicals were choreographed by Bob Fosse who is largely responsible for popularising jazz dancing. He took much of his influence from choreographer Jack Cole who is often considered the father of jazz dance. To this day, modern jazz is an indispensible ingredient of musical theatre, which is very apparent in many contemporary music videos and competitive dances.
Modern jazz dance frequently influences other styles of dance such as ballet, contemporary and lyrical to mention just a few. It’s also ever-evolving as it is equally influenced by the styles of dances that it influences. As with most forms of dance, any proficient jazz dancer will require an excellent technique. The best jazz dancers benefit from a good working knowledge of ballet and as a result, training the jazz dancer often includes ballet training.
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Until the 1950s, the term jazz dancing was often used to refer to tap dancing. This is because tap dancing was one of the most prominent forms of dance of the era and was often performed to jazz music. Over many years, jazz dancing evolved and from it were born a range of social and concert styles. The origins of many popular forms of jazz dancing can be found here. Such styles include the Cakewalk, Charleston, Black Bottom, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie and Swing – many of which still remain popular today.
It was after the 1950s that the modern jazz dance which is recognised by audiences and dancers around the world began to develop. During this period, there was an increased supremacy of other forms of entertainment music, and jazz dance evolved onto Broadway with a new smooth style that is epitomised by musicals such as Chicago and Cabaret. These popular musicals were choreographed by Bob Fosse who is largely responsible for popularising jazz dancing. He took much of his influence from choreographer Jack Cole who is often considered the father of jazz dance. To this day, modern jazz is an indispensible ingredient of musical theatre, which is very apparent in many contemporary music videos and competitive dances.
Modern jazz dance frequently influences other styles of dance such as ballet, contemporary and lyrical to mention just a few. It’s also ever-evolving as it is equally influenced by the styles of dances that it influences. As with most forms of dance, any proficient jazz dancer will require an excellent technique. The best jazz dancers benefit from a good working knowledge of ballet and as a result, training the jazz dancer often includes ballet training.
This information is brought by: http://www.dancegeardirect.co.uk/article/63