Jazz is one of the most diverse and exhilarating genres of music. The dance style that accompanies these tunes involves free-form improvisation and intricate movements, making jazz dance lessons both fun and rewarding for people of all ages. This creative style has considerable history, and below is an introduction to the origin of jazz dance and how the modern version has evolved.

What Are the Roots of Jazz Dance?

Jazz dance can trace its roots to rhythmic, traditional dance styles imported from West Africa. As blues and ragtime musicians created jazz in New Orleans, thrilled listeners responded with improvisational movements which corresponded to key changes and tonal shifts in the music. Early formalized jazz dances included the Charleston, the shimmy, and the Lindy hop. These movements allowed listeners to interact with the music in a fun way that mimicked the upbeat tempos of the songs.

Between the 1930s and the 1960s, jazz entered wider popular culture and achieved its golden age, which meant that the accompanying dance style became more complex and formalized. This version of dancing incorporated influences from Latin and Caribbean dance styles, which involved more flowing, deliberate movements. This attracted the attention of modern and ballet choreographers, who wanted to put their own spin on the style. Innovative dancers, such as Agnes de Mille, Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, and Hanya Holm, experimented with the style and introduced new features which led to a distinct, modern jazz dance style.

What Is Modern Jazz Dance?

Modern jazz dance is a style perfected by choreographers for stage performances. It incorporates elements of traditional, also known as vernacular, jazz to pay homage to the roots of the style. Modern jazz dance lessons include instruction in tightly timed, free-flowing improvisational forms. This allows dancers to be more creative with their movements, while still sticking to a loose routine. The movements also require athletic individual or syncopated group routines during the show.

Unlike earlier styles, modern jazz dance tends to avoid established dances. This means that many performers dance to a variety of music genres, including Latin and contemporary jazz. The routines can also be incorporated into musical theater songs and hip-hop.

If you or your child want to take modern jazz dance lessons, contact South Coast Performing Arts in Tustin, CA. The instructors at this family-owned and -operated dance studio have been offering instruction in jazz, tap, and lyrical dance for over 15 years, teaching aspiring dancers of all skill levels throughout Orange County. Visit them online for more information about class availability, and call (714) 832-8785 to speak with a team member about enrollment.