Jazz dance: everything from its history to its variations

The roots of jazz dance 

Jazz dance is a dynamic dance form that embraces freedom of the mind, rhythm and personal expression. From the United States to the whole world, it has been able to reinvent itself and adapt to the times while retaining what makes up its essence: creativity. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating history of jazz dance. 

Jazz dance is an art that came to life in the streets of Louisiana in the United States in New Orleans. It was first used by black American slaves on plantations. For them, dance was a connection with mother earth, it was thanks to dance that they could recover the vital energy of the earth. During this period, dancers used a lot improvisation to give everyone the opportunity to express their feelings. Nowadays, improvisation is felt in the hip hop dance which arises from jazz dance.  

Soon after, jazz dance was used as a show. In fact, it is the birth of minstrel shows in the late 1820s. These were shows composed of songs, dances, interpreters comics And music. At first, the speakers were white people who covered their faces with black pencils or paint. Then, after the Civil War, comics became black. These shows were real successes. So much so, that the troupes will perform all over America. They will highlight the choreographies And elements musical of the Black community.  

Evolution

Come the 1920s to the 1940s, this is where jazz dance had its age Golden. In a few years, women will obtain the right to vote and a desire toemancipation as much policy that cultural is felt. This is why women are no longer afraid to wear short skirts, boyish haircuts, they start smoking and dare to kiss their partners in public places. 

What will this emancipation entail? Jazz dance will allow young people to show that they are different from their elders. She will become a symbol of authenticity, of modernity and of freedom of expression. During this time, black artists will emerge to claim their black identity culture in cabarets and clubs. They performed in the Cotton Club where people who were good at tap dancing performed. 

Influences

Then in the 1930s, the government purchased structures for shows with a practically obligatory jazz orchestra. Thus, the swing dance expands. SO, the charleston dance, there house dance, lindy hop or even black bottom are born. These are the popular dances of the time. The aim was to pushing the limits of creativity by adding acrobatic movements, of the fast laps and aerial jumps. It is a dance model that has seduced dancers and choreographers. Indeed, one of them, Fred Astair, choreographer for musical comedies, was inspired by no classical dance fluid and rushing jazz movements. He is one of those who succeeded in introducing jazz dance to international stages. 

The birth of modern jazz

Around the 1950s and 1960s, jazz dance developed a variant, modern jazz. This is due to the rise of classical dance during the 1940s. Modern jazz was the result of changes made by Broadway choreographers. This form of dance is more complex And sophisticated. The choreographers integrate ballet elements and of contemporary dance choreography. There is a desire to reveal the concept of work. Several choreographers are considered pioneers of modern jazz, such as Matt Mattox. He will codify dance by developing insulation techniques based on mobilization, articulation and coordination exercises so that the dancers have a better knowledge of their bodies and work both the mental and physical. 

The particularities of jazz dance

Jazz dance contains several distinctions that give it a uniqueness. Here are some elements which demonstrate the singularization of this sport: 

• The sustained sporting pace : Dance is closely linked to jazz music. Dancers should accentuate weak or unexpected beats in order to create a connection with musicality. They produce jerky movements, playing with the weak and strong beats of the music as well as rhythmic breaks. 
• The mix of techniques : In jazz dance, several influences from other types of dance are present such as ballet, hip hop or contemporary dance. This is why dancers must demonstrate versatility and D'adaptability. Indeed, there can be graceful movements like those of classical dance but also down-to-earth and rhythmic steps that take up hip-hop. 
• Individual expression : The greatest strength of this discipline is its freedom of expression and individual interpretation. Jazz dance encourages dancers to develop their own style, creativity and add personal elements to their performances. 

The different styles 

Jazz dance has had its share of variations since its creation. Let's look together at what they are. 

Street jazz

It's a combination of traditional jazz elements with urban dance movements like street dance and hip-hop. The basic movements are insulation and the grooves playing with music. We also find locking or popping steps performed with jazz aesthetics cut by variations and fluid transitions. In addition, this form of dance requires a certain flexibility since it presents acrobatics like pirouettes, jumps, flips or tricks. 

Modern jazz

 Modern jazz is a mixture of classical jazz and ballet as well as contemporary dance. Inside you will find contractions, of the unfolded back, extensions of the body to form a straight line. Also, there are leaps, these are big jumps and movements in the air. Then you will find towers and pirouettes, of the rapid body insulation, of the foot strikes, of the jerky movements, of the tremors, of the twists and ground movements. 

The heels dance

Heels dancing is special because of its use of high heels to execute sensual and elegant movements. Among them, we find the walks and struts which are chased, crossed or glided steps defining a confident and graceful gait. These movements can be done sideways or in a straight line. Then there are the body rolls which consist of rolling the hips, shoulders or torso in an undulatory manner. Dancers also use tours And pivots and not drunk. Furthermore, it is a dance that requires great flexibility to perform leg stretches and arching movements to give an aesthetic. 

Broadway Jazz

This style of dance draws its inspiration in the comedies musical of Broadway like West Side Story. It's a mix of traditional jazz elements, theatrical movements and stage expressions. At the front of the stage, you will be able to see the kick lines, these are the emblematic movements of this dance. Aligned, the dancers perform synchronized kicks forward or to the side. Then you will be able to distinguish jazz walks it is a march characterized by the jazz style which uses isolations, sliding steps and rhythmic variations. Subsequently, in the orchestra pit, you will find pits-styles turns characterized by pivots and rapid turns that require balance And technical. 

Modern fusion

This dance combines contemporary dance techniques, modern jazz, hip hop and ballet. Due to its multiple origins, the movements And choreographies can vary. However, there are steps in common. Mainly, contractions, of the unfolded, of the insulation, of the movements close to the ground like rolling or sliding. In addition, we find extensions, of the improvisations and hybrid movements. 

The benefits

Jazz dance offers benefits physical and mental as: 

• Better physical condition

• Improves endurance

• Stimulates the cardiovascular system

• Develop creativity

• Maintains balance and coordination

• Better stress management

• Brings mental well-being

To conclude

Jazz dance was born in Louisiana in the United States by black American slaves to draw vital energy from mother earth. Then this dance was transformed into show. Particularly with the minstrel shows from the end of 1820. Then between the 1920s and 1940s, jazz dance was at its peak. It is used as a cultural and political emancipation in clubs and cabarets. Furthermore, in the 1930s, other dances such as swing or classical dance became popular, which inspired choreographers to evolve jazz dance into several variationss. The first being modern jazz which involves elements of contemporary dance. Note that jazz dancing at a sustained pace requires work on versatility andadaptability as well as a force ofindividual expression and interpretation. 

The different forms of jazz dance and its benefits

Like many dances, it knows variants dance, here are some of them: 

• Street jazz

• Modern jazz

• Heels dancing

• Broadway Jazz

• Modern fusion

It also offers virtues as : 

• Promotes mental well-being

• Improves your physical condition

• Strengthens endurance

• Strengthens the cardiovascular system

• Increases creativity

• Stabilizes coordination and balance

• Better stress management

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