Types of Dance | What is Jazz Dance?

♥ LOVE DANCE

Do you like fast-paced music? Are you interested in improvisational dance? If so, Jazz dance may be suitable for you well. Jazz dance appeared on the African American vernacular dance from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century and has come into vogue since the 1950s. In this blog, I’ll focus on the history and development of Jazz dance.

Jazz dance is an extension of African dance. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a large number of slaves were sold to the Americans. The arrested Africans were forced to dance to maintain physical fitness. Originally, Jazz dance was considered as the performing action of jazz music. At that time, jazz dance was spontaneous and unregulated, but it gradually evolved into a more structured theatre performance.

In the mid-1950s, Jazz dance was frequently deemed as tap dance, since the main performance dance was tap dance (set to jazz music) during that period. In the later jazz era, there were various Jazz dance forms such as Black Bottom, Cakewalk, Charleston, Jitterbug, Swing Dance and the related Lindy Hop. In the 1950s, those pioneers represented by Katherine Dunham incorporated the essence of traditional dance to the performing arts. As other forms of entertainment music became increasingly dominant, from the famous “Moulin Rouge” to “Chicago”, Jazz dance has evolved into a new style on Broadway, now known as Modern Jazz. Currently, Jazz dance is very inclusive and malleable, which can absorb the characteristics of the more popular music and dance at any time. Therefore, Jazz dance is very entertaining and acceptable to the public.

Jazz dance is full of vitality and creativity, accompanied by music that is dynamic and rhythmic. It can express oneself well, and the pleasant atmosphere of dance is very appealing. Compared with other types of dances, there is an inherent emphasis on performance charisma and musicality.

If you are interested in Jazz Dance, please contact us at any time, and Rubicon will provide you with a wonderful jazz tour.

-By Sichan Tan