7.3 Evolution of Jazz Dance Styles

Jazz dance has evolved from African American vernacular roots to diverse styles. It blends African rhythms, ballet technique, and modern expressiveness. The genre reflects social changes and musical trends, from swing era to contemporary fusion.

Key figures like Jack Cole and Bob Fosse shaped theatrical jazz. Others, including Gus Giordano and Luigi, developed influential techniques. Jazz dance continues to evolve, incorporating elements from various dance forms and cultural influences.

Historical Development and Evolution of Jazz Dance Styles

Evolution of jazz dance styles

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• African American vernacular dance
  • Draws upon African dance traditions and rhythms (polyrhythms, call-and-response patterns)
  • Emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities
• Jazz dance in the 1920s and 1930s
  • Influenced by the rise of jazz music (swing, big band)
  • Features syncopated rhythms and improvisational movements
• Theatrical jazz dance
  • Developed in the 1940s and 1950s for Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals
  • Incorporates elements of ballet and modern dance
• Jazz dance in the 1960s and 1970s
  • Reflects the civil rights movement and social changes of the era
  • Integrates techniques from modern dance and ballet (fluidity, expressiveness)
• Street jazz and funk styles
  • Emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by hip-hop culture and music videos
  • Emphasizes isolations, sharp movements, and individual expression

Differentiation of major styles

• Classic jazz dance
  • Originated in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by precise, clean movements and lines
  • Focuses on musicality and storytelling through dance
• Modern jazz dance
  • Developed in the 1960s and 1970s, blending elements of modern dance and ballet
  • Features fluid, expressive movements and explores abstract concepts
• Contemporary jazz dance
  • Emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, combining various dance styles (jazz, ballet, modern)
  • Emphasizes individuality, versatility, and innovation in movement

Influences and Key Figures in Jazz Dance

Influences on jazz dance

• African dance traditions
  • Polyrhythmic movements and grounded stance
  • Call-and-response patterns and improvisation
• Ballet technique
  • Turned-out positions and elongated lines
  • Grace, precision, and control in movement
• Modern dance
  • Expressive, fluid movements and abstract concepts
  • Focuses on the body's natural movement and breath
• Hip-hop culture
  • Street dance styles and isolations
  • Emphasizes individuality and self-expression

Key figures in jazz dance

• Jack Cole
  • "Father of Theatrical Jazz Dance", blended modern dance, ballet, and ethnic dance styles
  • Influential in shaping jazz dance for stage and screen
• Bob Fosse
  • Developed a distinctive style (turned-in knees, jazz hands, hat tricks)
  • Choreographed iconic Broadway shows and films ("Chicago", "Cabaret")
• Gus Giordano
  • Created the Giordano Technique (clean lines, precise movements, musicality)
  • Founded Giordano Dance Chicago company and school
• Luigi
  • Developed the Luigi Technique (opposition, body alignment) during his recovery from a car accident
  • Emphasized the feeling of opposition and proper body alignment
• Matt Mattox
  • Created the Mattox Technique, combining ballet, modern, and jazz dance
  • Known for precision, speed, and dynamic range of movement in his choreography