🪩Dance in American Cultures Unit 7 – Jazz Dance: From Roots to Modern Moves

Historical Origins and Influences

• Jazz dance originated from African dance traditions brought to America by enslaved Africans
  • Influenced by African polyrhythms, improvisation, and grounded movements
  • Blended with European dance styles (ballet, folk dance) in the New World
• Emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities
• Developed alongside jazz music in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Influenced by social dances of the era (cakewalk, Charleston, Lindy Hop)
• Evolved in response to changing musical styles (ragtime, swing, bebop)
• Shaped by the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to Northern cities
• Influenced by vaudeville and minstrel shows, which popularized early jazz dance forms

Key Figures in Jazz Dance Evolution

• Jack Cole pioneered theatrical jazz dance on Broadway and in Hollywood
  • Blended modern dance, ballet, and ethnic dance styles
  • Choreographed for movies (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) and stage productions
• Katherine Dunham revolutionized jazz dance through her anthropological research
  • Studied African and Caribbean dance traditions
  • Incorporated these influences into her choreography and technique
• Bob Fosse developed a distinctive style characterized by turned-in knees, jazz hands, and hip isolations
  • Choreographed iconic Broadway shows (Chicago, Cabaret) and films (All That Jazz)
• Gus Giordano codified jazz dance technique and established a formal training system
  • Founded Giordano Dance Chicago and created the Giordano Technique
• Matt Mattox contributed to the development of jazz dance technique and pedagogy
  • Emphasized isolations, precision, and strong lines in his teaching and choreography

Fundamental Techniques and Styles

• Jazz dance encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques
• Characterized by isolations, syncopation, and improvisation
• Incorporates elements of ballet, modern dance, and African dance
• Emphasizes a grounded, low center of gravity and fluid spine
• Utilizes contractions, releases, and undulations of the torso
• Includes distinctive arm and hand movements (jazz hands, jazz walks)
• Demonstrates musicality through syncopation, accents, and phrasing
• Allows for individual expression and interpretation within the choreography

Cultural Impact and Social Context

• Jazz dance reflected and influenced American popular culture throughout the 20th century
• Served as a means of expression and empowerment for African American communities
• Challenged racial stereotypes and segregation through integrated performances
• Contributed to the Harlem Renaissance, a period of artistic and cultural flourishing
• Influenced fashion, with dancers popularizing trends (fishnets, leotards)
• Provided opportunities for social interaction and community building in dance halls and clubs
• Reflected changing social norms and attitudes, particularly regarding race and gender
• Continues to evolve and adapt in response to contemporary social and cultural issues

Music and Rhythm in Jazz Dance

• Jazz dance is intrinsically linked to jazz music and its various styles
• Dancers interpret and respond to the rhythms, melodies, and improvisations of jazz music
• Syncopation, a key element of jazz music, is reflected in jazz dance through accents and offbeats
• Polyrhythms, multiple rhythms played simultaneously, influence the layering of movements
• Swing rhythm, characterized by a strong offbeat, is a foundational element of jazz dance
• Musicality, the ability to embody and express music through movement, is essential in jazz dance
• Choreography often reflects the structure and phrasing of the accompanying music
• Improvisation in jazz music inspires improvisation in jazz dance, allowing for individual expression

Modern Interpretations and Fusion

• Contemporary jazz dance incorporates elements from various dance styles and genres
• Fusion of jazz dance with hip-hop, funk, and street dance styles has become increasingly popular
• Lyrical jazz combines the technical elements of jazz with the expressive qualities of lyrical dance
• Commercial jazz, often seen in music videos and live performances, blends jazz with current trends
• Jazz funk emphasizes a strong, grounded energy and incorporates isolations and syncopation
• Broadway jazz continues to evolve, incorporating contemporary music and dance styles
• Jazz dance has been adapted for fitness and workout programs (Jazzercise)
• Modern jazz dance companies, such as Giordano Dance Chicago and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, push the boundaries of the genre

Notable Performances and Productions

• "Revelations" by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a masterpiece of modern jazz dance
  • Explores African American spirituals and cultural heritage
  • Features iconic sections, such as "Wade in the Water" and "Rocka My Soul"
• "West Side Story" (1957) showcased Jerome Robbins' groundbreaking jazz choreography
  • Blended jazz, ballet, and Latin dance styles to tell a modern Romeo and Juliet story
• "Chicago" (1975) and "Cabaret" (1966) featured Bob Fosse's signature jazz choreography
  • Emphasized stylized, sensual movements and precise isolations
  • Reflected the decadence and corruption of the shows' themes
• "A Chorus Line" (1975) celebrated the lives and struggles of Broadway dancers
  • Incorporated jazz dance in its depiction of the audition process
• "Movin' Out" (2002) and "Contact" (1999) showcased Twyla Tharp's innovative blend of jazz and modern dance
  • Used popular music (Billy Joel, The Beach Boys) as the basis for the choreography

Jazz Dance in Popular Culture

• Jazz dance has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and music videos
• Movie musicals of the 1930s-1950s often showcased jazz dance (Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly)
• "Fame" (1980) and its television spinoff popularized jazz dance in the context of performing arts education
• Music videos by artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Paula Abdul incorporated jazz dance
• Television dance competitions, such as "So You Think You Can Dance," have featured jazz dance
• "The Jazz Singer" (1927), the first feature-length talkie, included jazz dance performances
• "All That Jazz" (1979) was a semi-autobiographical film about Bob Fosse's life and work
• "La La Land" (2016) paid homage to classic movie musicals and featured jazz-inspired choreography