Jazz Dance
Lauren Bailey PE AA1 Miller 9-5-14
Synopsis
Many people think that jazz dance is an American creation it actually originated from an African American dance that started in about the 1800's. Around the year 1910 was when the first "jazz dancer", Joe Frisco. Although, it's roots can be traced back all the way to the slaves who used jazz dance moves as a physical am emotional outlet. In the 1950's a new form of jazz dance, modern jazz dance, was created with roots in Caribbean traditional dance.
Leaders and Notable People in the Creation of Jazz Dance
Katherine Dunham
She was lived form June 22, 1909-May 21 2006. She was a very successful jazz dancer, author, educator, and social activist. She had one of the most successful dance careers in all of European and American dance theater. She was renowned through Latin America and was extremely popular in the US. The Washington post even called her "Dancer Katherine the Great".
Gwen Verdon
She lived January 13, 1925-October 18, 2000. She was a very famous actress and dancer. She won four Tony awards for her performances in musical comedy. She was a critically acclaimed broadway performer.
Jack Cole
He lived from April 11, 1927-Febuary 17, 1974. He was a critically acclaimed broadway performer. Cole virtually invented "theatrical jazz dance". His style of jazz dance was very acrobatic and angular.