Art
Fact-checked

At MusicalExpert, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Jazz Dance?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Jazz dance is a form of modern dance which is heavily influenced by the sounds, rhythms, and techniques of jazz music. Like jazz music, this type of dance is highly individual, with an emphasis on showcasing individual skills, and dancers who specialize in it are skilled at improvisation as well as working with other dancers to achieve a desired look and feel. Many regions of the world offer classes in this type of dance, and some very accomplished dancers and choreographers work in this field.

Like the music which inspired it, jazz dance has its roots in the African-American community in the United States. Various forms of jazz dance were being performed as early as the late 1800s, and by the First World War, it had become an accepted and well known genre. This dance form went on to heavily influence Broadway choreography and, in turn, Hollywood choreography, and it has also seeped heavily into ballet and modern dance.

Jazz dance has its roots in the African-American community.
Jazz dance has its roots in the African-American community.

Most talented jazz dancers start out in the field of ballet. In ballet classes, they learn control, skill, and grace, and they tone and condition their bodies for dancing. Once dancers have mastered the discipline of ballet, they can pursue additional training in jazz dancing, which hones improvisation skills, teaching dancers to move with the beat and to riff off each other in performance. Skilled dancers with jazz training can be in great demand, appearing in films, Broadway productions, and dance performances all over the world, with some noted choreographers working in a wide variety of genres, from television commercials to drill teams.

Some jazz dance is heavily structured and choreographed, while other performances make room for improvisation.
Some jazz dance is heavily structured and choreographed, while other performances make room for improvisation.

Jazz is known for being heavily syncopated and unpredictable, thanks to its African influences, and jazz dance is the same way. Dancers may be slow, dreamlike, and graceful, or they may move abruptly and sharply, executing fantastic leaps and other feats. As a result, they must be physically very flexible, and very attuned to the music they dance to.

Skilled dancers with jazz training may appear in Broadway productions.
Skilled dancers with jazz training may appear in Broadway productions.

Some jazz dance is heavily structured and choreographed, while other performances build in room for improvisation. In group performance, improvisation must be carefully executed, with the dancers working together so that they do not clash or distract from the harmony of the piece, just like jazz musicians. This form of dance does not necessarily have to be performed to jazz music, although it often is, and it can integrate skills from other fields of dance, like tap; the original jazz dance, in fact, was tap dance, with dancers branching out into other styles only in the early 1900s.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon989311

What is the purpose of jazz dance?

anon323279

Jazz is one of the world's most popular dances.

anon289164

Is jazz explored by both male and female dancers?

anon133187

where did jazz dance originate from?

anon81499

Jazz is normally done in 4/4 time.

anon76349

jazz dances are normally roughly between one and five minutes long and movements are generally in count of eight. hope that helped.

anon76348

jazz dance was originally performed in cabarets, brothels, night clubs and on the streets. today, however. it has evolved so far from this now being preformed all over the world, on broadway, stage shows, music videos, festivals, musicals, films and television commercials. to name the basics. hope that answered your question.

anon52555

In what time signature is jazz dance performed?

anon27140

where is jazz dance performed?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Jazz dance has its roots in the African-American community.
      By: poco_bw
      Jazz dance has its roots in the African-American community.
    • Some jazz dance is heavily structured and choreographed, while other performances make room for improvisation.
      By: .shock
      Some jazz dance is heavily structured and choreographed, while other performances make room for improvisation.
    • Skilled dancers with jazz training may appear in Broadway productions.
      By: Kzenon
      Skilled dancers with jazz training may appear in Broadway productions.
    • Ballet is a good place for future jazz dancers to begin.
      By: Aleksandr Doodko
      Ballet is a good place for future jazz dancers to begin.