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Jazz Dancing:

Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance.

What to Wear:

The atmosphere of a typical jazz class is casual and relaxed, so dancers are more free to select their own clothing. A dancer’s body lines need to be visible, however, so baggy clothes are generally discouraged. Tights and leotards are fine, but most jazz dancers prefer to wear jazz or dance pants. Jazz pants are usually boot-cut or flared styles, as tight bottoms would restrict ankle movement. Tops usually worn for jazz include form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts or leotards.

Jazz Shoes:

Check with your teacher before buying jazz shoes, as many classes have preferences. Some teachers prefer classic jazz shoes, which resemble ballet slippers, while other teachers like their students to dance barefoot or in socks.

Class Structure:

A good jazz class explodes with energy. With music styles ranging from hip-hop to show tunes, the beat alone will get you moving. Most jazz teachers begin with a thorough warm-up, then lead the class in a series of stretching exercises and isolation movements. Isolations involve moving one part of the body while the rest of the body remains still. Jazz dancers also practice the art of suspension. Suspension involves moving through positions instead of stopping and balancing in them. Most jazz teachers will end the class with a short cool down to help prevent muscle soreness.

Jazz Positions:

Certain body positions have become universally known and used in jazz classes. The basic jazz positions for the feet are the same five positions used in ballet, except that the feet point to the front instead of out to the sides. Jazz dancing also incorporates certain arm movements borrowed from ballet, but distinctive to jazz is the “jazz hand.” In a jazz hand, the arm is straight but the fingers are spread wide open.

Jazz Moves:

In a jazz class, dancers are encouraged to “spice up” the steps they are taught, adding their own personality to make them unique and fun. Jazz steps include basic turns including chaines, piques, pirouettes, jazz turns, and some ballet turns, to name a few. Leaps include grande jetes, turning jumps, and tour jetes. Signature to jazz dancing is the “jazz walk.” Jazz walks can be performed in many different styles. Another popular jazz move is the “contraction.” A contraction is accomplished by contracting at the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward.

Pioneers of Jazz Dance:

Considered the father of jazz dance technique, Jack Cole developed techniques that are used today in musicals, films, television commercials and videos. His style emphasized isolations, rapid directional changes, angled placement and long knee slides.

Winning eight Tony awards for choreography, Bob Fosse was a musical theater choreographer and director, and a film director. Characteristic of his dance style are inward knees, rounded shoulders and full-body isolations.

Considered a founder of jazz dance, Gus Giordano was a master teacher and gifted choreographer. His dance style has influenced modern jazz dancing.

Article from http://dance.about.com/od/typesofdance/p/Jazz.htm