All that JAZZ!
- bey0ndM@gz!ne
- November 5, 2021
- Culture, Default
- 0 Comments
Dance is often called the hidden language of the soul. It is one of the most relevant of all forms of self-expression. A form of art steeped in movement.
We have several different types of dance forms. These include ballet, modern/contemporary, hip hop, and folk dances from around the world, such as flamenco, bhangra, and samba. All dance is art created within a culture, so technically, every single type of dance is a folk dance.
In this issue, we will be talking about one form in particular – jazz.
History of Jazz: Where It All Began
Jazz dance styles first emerged in the United States in the early twentieth century. However its roots belong in Africa. African folk dancers inspired jazz dance through free-flowing, energetic movements. Rather than conservative, rigid, disciplined movements, African folk dance was all about expression. Focused on exaggerated hip and torso movements, this dance style was a key part of Africa’s rich culture.
When the folk dance styles first came to the United States, it was not appreciated by all Americans. Many Americans held over-the-top performances poking fun at traditional folk movements. Many of these dancers migrated to Europe, where this new style of dance was more well received.
While Americans once performed Jazz dance for satire that didn’t last long. Jazz performances soon found their way onto Broadway shows and big screens. Jazz dance was now a respected, well-loved style.
Today we can see jazz inspiration in many other dance styles like hip hop, tap, lyrical, and ballet.
Jack Cole is known as the “Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance”. Cole helped develop initial Jazz techniques and brought jazz dance to Hollywood.
Another big name in jazz dance is Bob Fosse. Known for his choreography in Broadway musicals, Fosse’s most popular production is All That Jazz. Fosse played a large role in developing this sensual style of jazz dance performance.
Mia Michaels is one of the most influential choreographers of present day Jazz. She is best known for her role as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” and as a choreographer for “Cirque du Soleil”.
While these are only a few names important to the history of Jazz, there are countless others that helped build the style we know and love today. Jazz has been evolving over time, interacting with other styles it meets along the way. The result: fusions like Latin Jazz, Jazz Funk, and Contemporary Jazz.
Let’s take a look at these sub-styles:
- Classic Jazz
A style performed from the core, with clean and strong lines emanating from the hips and chest. Jack Cole, Matt Mattox and Luigi were major influences. You may have seen it in Broadway Musicals. - Contemporary Jazz
This style challenges the rules and foundations of classic jazz by adding pedestrian movements, strong storylines, and self-expression. Mia Michaels’ earlier work popularised the style. - Commercial Jazz
This style is a mix of hip hop, jazz, and the latest dance steps, choreographed to pop songs. You may have seen it in videos of Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears. - Latin Jazz
A style that allows the dancer to use the movements of various Latin dance styles without the assistance of a partner by adding elements of Jazz. You may have seen it in films El Cantante and Dance With Me. - Afro Jazz
This is a fusion of African dance with the technical elements of Jazz. Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey were pioneers in the exploration and development of this fusion technique. - Street Jazz / Jazz Funk
This is a blend of street dance and jazz. It is a stylization of what was being done in aerobic dance classes. Within the last decade, dancers started taking street jazz out of the gym and into the studio, making it a recognized style. You may have seen it in dancers in today’s hip hop videos.
The Definition Debacle
Jazz is hard to define because it’s constantly changing and growing. But that means a jazz dancer can easily perform various types of dance forms. With jazz dance, it’s really up to the instructor to breathe life into the form. That’s why it’s so individualized.
Get Dancing Today
With so much cultural and historical impact on jazz dance, it’s hard not to feel inspired. Consider taking a dance class, watching a jazz musical, or learning some dance moves today.
“One who expresses oneself through dance is a dancer. One who expresses one’s self through a dancer is a dance teacher”.
What Is Jazz Dance?
To the average audience member, jazz dance is a vibrant, energetic, beautiful performance. But there’s a lot more than meets the eye. Jazz has a strong technique that serves to portray freedom and effortlessness.
Jazz dance places emphasis on the “up” and “down” beats, and focuses on syncopated rhythms in the music. This is often seen through spontaneous, sensual, and dramatic movements.
Some typical moves seen in jazz dance today are:
- Isolations
- Contractions
- Grounded
“Isolations” consist of moving only one specific part of the body, such as the head or rib cage. While the rest of the body stays still – creating a powerful and interesting effect.
“Contractions” are a set of moves that performed using the torso. During a contraction, a dancer breathes in and concaves their stomach, shoulders, and rib cage. Contractions often follow a dancer’s natural breathing pattern and create dramatic movements.
Another well-known move in jazz dance is the “grounded movement”. With grounded movement, dancers stay low to the ground. By bending both the knee and upper body, dancers can move with swiftness on stage.
By Nidhi Bhagania
Artistic Director
Nidhi is the Founder and Artistic Director of NBDC (Nidhi Bhagania Dance Conservatory). She is also the Co-Founder of Bollywood Musicals HK.
NBDC has been teaching different genres of dance – Jazz Funk, Latin Jazz, Contemporary and Bollywood in Hong Kong since 2017. NBDC team has been actively teaching workshop in schools, performing in cultural programs and theatre productions. Regular classes are offered in Tung Chung and Sheung Wan.
Instagram: nidhi.dbdc
Facebook: nbhagania
Phone: +852 6099 6627
Email: nidhi.bhagania@gmail.com
