All That Jazz

By:  Michelle Harris

Jazz dance can be challenging to define because it has changed and evolved throughout history. Jazz has its roots in African dance, and in the late 19th century, the dance style traveled the world, pulling influences along the way. Jazz has a vibrant history and can encompass various types, from African beats to Musical Theater; Jazz has it all!

Traditional African dances created the foundation that would evolve into the Jazz dance we know today. Drumming beats seen in African dance influenced dancers into isolations, grounded, and rhythmic body movements.

Jazz dance began to become popular in the US during the 20th century. Strongly influenced by music, these impacts created dance trends such as the Charleston, Jitterbug, and Swing and continued their popularity into the 1940s and 1950s. At this time, Jazz started becoming recognized as an actual technique and not just a social dance.

Pioneers of Jazz dance helped shape Jazz into what it is today. We have Jake Cole, who included African and Indian-style movements in his choreography, and he also introduced Hollywood to theatrical Jazz. We have Gus Giordano, known for his precision and long lines. We have Bob Fosse, who help create an innovative style synonymous with shows such as Chicago, Cabaret, and Kiss Me Mate, as well as many others.

 As we move to modern times, we have many sub-styles of Jazz from which to choose, such as Afro-Jazz, Broadway, Classical, Jazz Funk, and Commercial. It is a genre where there is truly something for everyone!