Jazz dance is a very captivating dance since it combines the unique sounds and melodies of jazz music with the individual skill set, talents, and preferences of each dancer. When these aspects are fused together, there is a whole new art form to explore. It is quite different from other traditional dance styles, like ballet. While the movements in ballet are very controlled, if not even robotic-like sometimes, the choreography in jazz dance is more liberating and shaped individually by each dancer. Other than that, jazz dance is very similar to dance-style hip-hop but still differs a bit in execution of the movements, the footwork, the quick twists and turns, and of course, the music. In general, one could say that jazz dance is so popular for its elegance and grace. That is what makes it so extraordinary.
Jazz dance originated in African traditions, and with time, its style settled on the continent of North America. It all began when enslaved Africans were brought to America, and they performed some typical dances of their home countries, like the Cakewalk or the Pattin’ Juba, on the plantations they were working on. The choreographies and moves of the African dancers were quickly picked up and mimicked by touring musicians. The drumming that is often used for African dances emphasizes and mirrors the rhythm in the physical movements. Furthermore, New Orleans was one of the major locations for jazz dance. The Jitterberg, the Charleston, Swing, Boogie-woogie, and many more dance styles emerged as a result of these new dance routines in the later half of the 19th century. Even formal classical dance in Europe was infused with jazz rhythms, giving traditional dancing a distinctively American feel. This opened the door for the different dance styles that emerged in the 1920s and persisted into the middle of the 20th century. The 1940s and 1950s saw a surge in popularity for jazz dancing in ballrooms. Around this period, jazz dance began to develop into a learned method rather than merely a social dance style. Ever since then, jazz dance has been a beloved way of dancing and finds big support and enthusiastic jazz dancers all around the world.
Next to the big fun it is to move your body to the beats and the rhythm of jazz music, it also has some great benefits for your health and your physical fitness. You will not need a full-body workout after a jazz dance lesson since it strengthens not only your arms and legs but also your core. Because there are many movement processes in which the upper body has to move totally differently than the lower body, with every choreography you practice and dance lesson you finish, you will improve your coordination. Of course, jazz dance improves flexibility like many other dance styles, but not a lot of other dance styles require flexibility in the hands and fingers. In jazz dance, these body parts will increase flexibility. There will be a lot of hand gestures that you will learn for jazz dancing, including the very famous “jazz hands”.
Other than that, jazz dance is a fusion of African and European dance styles, which makes it so unique and diverse. It influenced not only Hollywood but also a lot of Broadway musicals. This influence also reached even further and changed fashion and poetry as well.
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/jazz-dance-guide#:~:text=Jazz%20dance%20is%20a%20form,music%2C%20jazz%20dance%20features%20improvisation.
https://www.veksleracademy.com/hip-hop-jazz.html#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20more%20structured,a%20dancers%20grace%20and%20balance.
https://gotta-dance.com/brief-history-of-jazz-dance/
https://omahaschoolofmusicanddance.com/our-blog/health-benefits-jazz-dancing/
https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/sports-activities/article/jazz-dance-for-fitness/
