4.2 Jazz Dance Fundamentals

Jazz dance techniques are the building blocks of this dynamic art form. From isolations to syncopated rhythms, these elements create the signature style that's captivated audiences for decades.

In musical theater, jazz dance has become an integral part of storytelling. Choreographers like Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins have shaped iconic productions, using jazz to enhance narratives and express emotions on stage.

Jazz Dance Techniques

Basic jazz dance isolations

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• Isolations involve moving specific body parts independently
  • Head isolations include head rolls, head nods, and head circles
  • Shoulder isolations include shoulder rolls, shrugs, and shoulder circles
  • Ribcage isolations include side-to-side, front-to-back, and circular movements
  • Hip isolations include hip rolls, hip circles, and hip bumps
• Combinations string together basic jazz steps and isolations
  • Pas de bourrée is a quick, three-step movement that transfers weight from side to side
  • Ball change involves shifting weight from the ball of one foot to the other
  • Kick ball change adds a small kick before the ball change
  • Jazz square is a four-step movement that creates a square pattern on the floor
  • Grapevine is a traveling step that moves side-to-side with crosses in front and behind

Jazz rhythm and syncopation

• Rhythm in jazz dance often follows a 4/4 time signature
  • Emphasis is placed on counts 2 and 4, creating a syncopated feel
  • Swing rhythm involves an uneven division of the beat, giving a bouncy quality to the movement
• Syncopation involves emphasizing the offbeats or weak beats in a measure
  • Accenting offbeats creates an unexpected and dynamic quality to the movement
  • Anticipation involves moving slightly ahead of the beat, creating a sense of urgency
  • Delay involves moving slightly behind the beat, creating a laid-back or relaxed feel
  • Polyrhythms involve layering multiple rhythms simultaneously, creating complex and interesting patterns

Jazz turns and pirouettes

• Pirouettes are controlled turns on one leg
  • Preparation includes a plié (bend), relevé (rise), and retiré (lifted leg)
  • Spotting technique involves focusing on a fixed point to maintain balance and control during the turn
  • Single and double pirouettes refer to the number of rotations completed in one turn
• Chaînés are a series of quick, connected turns that travel across the floor
  • Preparation includes a tendu (stretched foot) and relevé (rise) to initiate the turn
  • Spotting technique is used to maintain balance and control during the series of turns
  • Connecting turns smoothly is essential for a fluid and continuous movement

Jazz dance in musical theater

• Jazz dance has played a significant role in musical theater choreography
  • Influenced by African American dance styles (tap, jazz, and swing)
  • Gained popularity in Broadway shows from the 1920s to 1950s (Golden Age of Broadway)
• Characteristics of jazz dance in musical theater include
  • High energy and dynamic movements that capture the audience's attention
  • Expressive movements that convey emotions and storytelling
  • Syncopated rhythms that complement the musical score
  • Integration with the storyline and characters to enhance the overall production
• Notable choreographers who have shaped jazz dance in musical theater
  • Bob Fosse known for his unique style of angular, sensual, and stylized movements (Chicago, Cabaret)
  • Jerome Robbins recognized for his innovative and versatile choreography (West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof)
  • Michael Bennett acclaimed for his groundbreaking work in integrating dance and storytelling (A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls)
• Iconic musical theater productions featuring jazz dance
  • "Chicago" features Fosse's signature style and explores themes of corruption and fame
  • "A Chorus Line" revolutionized musical theater with its focus on the lives of Broadway dancers
  • "West Side Story" seamlessly blends jazz, ballet, and Latin dance styles to tell a modern Romeo and Juliet story