Jazz as a dance that combines ballet, modern and acrobatics is a show of great physical skills of a dancer. Jazz dance requires not only strong muscles, but also the efficiency of the whole body, because only when we are well stretched can we dance it effectively. Jazz brings to mind theatrical performances and its roots go back to Africa. This interesting combination contributes to the fact that jazz has become a very popular dance style. Check what characterizes jazz dance, what is its history and find out who it is recommended to.

The jazz dance techniqueis not easy - justbasicsof this style require good motor coordination, a well-developed sense of balance, smooth movements, stretches. No wonder that people who have mastered the basics of ballet are the best at it.

However, jazz, although technically quite complicated, looks very effective - hence its great popularity and many people willing to learn its basics.

Find out more about the history of jazz dance and its technique.

History of jazz dance

The genesis of jazz dance dates back to the end of the 19th century. At that time, African slaves began to create the basics of jazz. At that time, ballet reigned supreme in theaters. Jazz, in a way, assimilated ballet techniques, but it was a dance with a completely different expression and movement.

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Despite the controversy of abandoning the classics, jazz has been received with great enthusiasm in the West. The first heyday of this dance took place in the 1920s. After World War I, there was a development of jazz music and dance. Interestingly, today jazz dance can be danced appropriate to any type of music, because it has developed a lot and nowadays it does not set any restrictions.

Over time, many branches of jazz dance have arisen, such as modern jazz, latin jazz, pop jazz, lirical jazz, and street jazz.

The so-called a minstral show during which dancers performed as a duet. Everyone's dream was to perform on Broadway, but not everyone could afford it, so they started creating musical performances, the so-callednegro spirituals . The first such dance and musicthe show, reminiscent of today's musical, took place in 1896 and was a turning point for women as, for the first time in history, black female artists were able to take the stage and perform. Another place where jazz flourished was Harlem.

Jazz, as a dance, evolved very quickly and ceased to be danced only to jazz music, it began to transform into jazz ballet (a combination of jazz and classical dance), and some time later into modern jazz (modern jazz) and other techniques .

Jazz came to Europe in the 1960s thanks to the famous musical "West Side Story", which is still performed today. At that time, dance schools began to open en masse, conduct courses, and even teach jazz gymnastics. Currently, the most popular jazz style is modern jazz - known as white jazz, and pop jazz, which uses the current music and dance trends.

Jazz - technique and basic figures

The most important thing in jazz dance is a well-mastered basics of ballet. Once the dancer has good body balance, balance and stretch, he should work on swing pulsation. It is an individual sense of rhythm independent of the musical accompaniment.

Another characteristic feature of jazz dance is polycentrism, i.e. isolating individual parts of the body so that they can be moved without the work of other parties. "Jazz" in African culture meant strength and ecstasy. There is a reason why in jazz dance, apart from technique, expression, improvisation and freedom of movement are so important.

The basic technique of jazz dance involves mastering pirouettes and cushioning during jumps and "falls" to the ground, so that they are safe for he alth. Jazz seems light and ethereal at first glance, but in reality it requires a lot of dancer's work - this style, right after ballet, is the most technically difficult dance in the world.

Jazz can be found most often on the stage of the theater. Dancers usually wear tunics and barefoot or wear special dance shoes, the so-called jazz players that allow you to stand on points and unrestricted foot movements.

Watch a jazz dance show on VIDEO:

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Jazz - what kind of music is it danced to?

Music for jazz depends on the dance style you choose. Currently, there are no musical limits to the selection of songs for jazz. This style of dance is so flexible that it can be practiced for any musical genre. It should only harmonize with our expression and what we have to convey in a non-verbal way.

Who is jazz dance recommended for?

Jazz danceit will be suitable for people who have already de alt with dance. Jazz technique is relatively difficult to master, and the dance itself can be quite contusive. However, if we want to learn it, of course it is not impossible. All you need is consistency in learning and working on mastering the technical basics.

Jazz will be the perfect dance style for people experienced in classical dance techniques, as a complement to their skills and give the dance clarity and expression. Jazz dance requires a lot of involvement of the whole body, which is why it is a great way to get a slim, athletic and slim figure.

Meet other types of dance:

  • Viennese w altz
  • argentinian tango
  • rumba
  • samba
  • kizomba
  • bachata
  • salsa
  • cha-cha
  • swing
  • rock and roll
  • dancehall
  • breakdance
  • pole dance (pole dance)
  • zumba
  • flamenco
  • bokwa
  • belly dance

Do you want to try to dance jazz? Warm up with dance elements for beginners:

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Dance