Jazz Dance
By: Abi Flores , Miller, PE AAI Fall I 2014
Dance Genre
Jazz dance originates from African American vernacular dance that came about during the late 1800s. The first official American "jazz dancer" was Joe Frisco around the year 1910, however its roots trace much further back than this, with many moves being created by the slaves as a much needed physical and emotional outlet. Slave traders often allowed them to dance during their journey over to America, as an attempt to keep them physically fit. Not only did it work, but it formed an impressive series of dance techniques and steps that made history.
The original steps were exemplified out in the plantations, and jazz dance itself came about as a crossbreed of American culture, European jigs and the music and movement tradition of the African American slaves. Jazz music obviously inspired some of the first documented jazz dance choreography, and this further adds to the rich and diverse history of jazz dance. Europe lent elegance to the technique, Africa gave it its movement and rhythm, and America allowed it to have the exposure and growing popularity that has sustained it as a cherished dance style today.
History of Jazz Dance
Famous Jazz Dancers
Jack Cole
Katherine Dunham
Lester Horton
What is Jazz Dance?
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.
MLA Format Citations
"History of Jazz Dance." LoveToKnow. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2014. <http://dance.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Jazz_Dance>.
"Jazz dance." Princeton University. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2014. <https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Jazz_dance.html>.
McMahon, Mary, and Bronwyn Harris. "Wise Geek." WiseGeek. Conjecture, 2 Aug. 2014. Web. 7 Sept. 2014. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-jazz-dance.htm>.
Broadway (By: Abi Flores , Miller, PE AAI Fall 2 2014)
Broadway genre
Julian Mitchell
Ned Wayburn
George Balanchine
MLA Citations
"Broadway Dance History." LoveToKnow. Web. 5 Dec. 2014. <http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Broadway_Dance_History>.
"TheatreDance.com | The Tradition | Broadway Dance Directors." TheatreDance.com | The Tradition | Broadway Dance Directors. Web. 5 Dec. 2014. <http://www.theatredance.com/choreographers/>.
"Ned Wayburn | Biography | AllMusic." AllMusic. Web. 3 Jan. 2015. <http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ned-wayburn-mn0000579261/biography>.
"Reflections in Sequins and Satin." : Broadway Choreographers: A Brief History. Web. 3 Jan. 2015. <http://reflectionsinverse.blogspot.com/2011/02/broadway-choreographers-brief-history.html>.