For more information on our wide selection of dance classes, contact us. Brief History of Jazz Dance March 31st, Some of the primary jazz dance performers and choreographers of the 20th century include: Jack Cole —In the s, this popular jazz dancer started to include African and East Indian dance moves into his dance choreography.
This led to Mr. Cole becoming a major influence for many jazz performers of the 20th century. Katherine Dunham —Besides being a dance choreographer, she was also an anthropologist.
This woman was one of the first pioneers in black theatrical stage dance. Gus Giordano —This Chicago jazz dancer is known for creating precise and clean dance moves. Bob Fosse — Considered perhaps the most influential innovator of jazz dance, Bob Fosse created a technique that merged elegance and burlesque with a bit of quirkiness.
These benefits include: Improved physical fitness—Does your child spend way too much time staring at a computer screen or other type of electronic device? Jazz dancing is one of the best ways to get your child away from electronics and physically active. Better emotional and mental health—Besides boosting strength, flexibility and coordination, jazz dancing can also serve as an excellent way for children to express their emotions and gain confidence in their individuality!
In addition to this, post-World War II brought more changes in Jazz music along with a federal tax that was put on dance floors. An African American man named Bill Mr. Bo Jangles Robinson introduced toe- tapping sounds with just the ball of his foot.
Later taps were placed on the bottom of the shoes and he went on to be one of the most famous tappers in the world.
Stars and Heroes. His claim to fame was that he created his own style which choreographed Eastern Indian dance steps to Jazz music which became an instant hit. Cole was trained in ballet, modern and East Indian genres which brought plie, floor movements, second and fourth positions and sensuality due to his movements as a whole. Over the years several dancers continued to excel and bring fame to this genre.
For instance, Katherine Dunham introduced theatrical jazz and popularized her choreography in Broadway musicals. Jeremy Robbins became famous when he choreographed the Broadway musical, West Side Story, which inspired many dancers worldwide with his Latin American dance and music style.
This was a lyrical ballet style of steps set to music. The next popularity in Jazz brought Bob Fosse to the forefront, as he created his own style of Jazz by turning the knees in and hunching the shoulders. He did not relate to the Cole style of dancing and his style was inspired by Burlesque and Vaudeville music, which created more sensuality in his work. He was a famous choreographer on Broadway and the Fosse style had a distinct look.
The evolution of Jazz continued and became very popular in dance school instruction. Dance studios offered this style and from there evolved other styles, such a hip hop, break dancing, lyrical, contemporary, and street dancing. It requires much strength and endurance and therefore must have a good warm up strategy to assist with intense stretching for the movement required. The jazz world has begun to combine these two styles in a way that incorporates a new exciting form of Jazz.
It is with this evolution that new stars and heroes will arise. If not for the African influence origin this form of movement and dance would not have evolved to allow the Americanization that followed. We acknowledge this history and recognize ourselves as guests in this form. We are inspired by and benefit from traditions born of a culture that is not our own. We strive to be respectful in honouring the roots and history of jazz, we dance with reverence for those who came before us, we dig deep to go forward, we strive to appreciate rather than appropriate.
We are 21st Century jazz people. We exist to contribute meaningfully to the future of jazz dance. We are a dance hub in our city. Our community is wide and inclusive.
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