Jazz Dance Glossary: Terms & Definitions

Jazz dance, a vibrant and dynamic performance form, has a rich vocabulary influenced by a variety of cultural and historical elements. These elements encompasses the rhythmic complexity of African dance, the structured techniques of ballet, the improvisation of tap, and the theatrical flair of Broadway. A jazz dance glossary is an essential tool, it provides definitions and context for the steps, styles, and terminology used within this ever-evolving dance genre. This glossary serves as a crucial resource for dancers, choreographers, and enthusiasts, it ensures a mutual understanding and appreciation of jazz dance’s multifaceted nature.

Ever felt that irresistible urge to move when a jazzy tune fills the air? That’s the dynamism of jazz dance calling your name! It’s not just about steps; it’s about letting loose, expressing yourself, and feeling the rhythm deep in your soul. Jazz dance is more than just an art form—it’s a vibrant explosion of energy, a story told through movement, and a cultural phenomenon that has left its mark on the world.

This isn’t your grandma’s ballroom dancing (unless your grandma is a seriously cool jazz dancer!). We’re diving headfirst into the captivating world of jazz dance, a world where expressiveness reigns supreme, and every move tells a story. Get ready to explore its rich history, uncover its diverse styles, master some key movements, and understand the musicality that makes it all groove.

From the dazzling lights of Broadway to the silver screen magic of Hollywood and the cutting-edge performances of today, jazz dance has been a major player, influencing and inspiring generations. We’ll take a quick peek at these influences, hinting at the journey ahead. So, lace up your dancing shoes (or just wiggle your toes!), and let’s embark on this jazzy adventure together! It’s gonna be a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and utterly unforgettable ride!

From Roots to Rhythms: The Historical Tapestry of Jazz Dance

The Genesis: African American Vernacular Dance

Let’s rewind back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shall we? Jazz dance didn’t just appear out of thin air. No way! It blossomed from the rich soil of African American vernacular dance. Think of it as a vibrant cultural explosion. Enslaved Africans brought their traditions, rhythms, and movements to America, and these evolved and transformed over time. These dances weren’t just steps; they were a powerful form of expression, resistance, and cultural preservation. It was a way to keep the culture alive.

The Rhythmic Revolution: Ragtime and Blues

Now, add some music, and you’ve got a party! Ragtime and blues music burst onto the scene, infusing dance with new energy and emotion. Ragtime’s syncopated rhythms and infectious melodies inspired dancers to move in exciting new ways. The blues brought a soulful depth, expressing longing, pain, and resilience. These musical styles were the fuel that propelled jazz dance forward, creating a dynamic partnership. Imagine the dancers responding to those rhythms – pure magic!

A Century of Change: Evolution Through the Eras

Hold on tight because jazz dance has been on a wild ride through the 20th century and beyond! From the Roaring Twenties to the swing era, from bebop to the birth of rock and roll, jazz dance has constantly adapted and reinvented itself. Each era brought new influences, new styles, and new movements. It’s like watching a kaleidoscope – always changing, always fascinating.

Jazz’s Guiding Lights: The Influential Figures

Let’s meet some of the legends who shaped jazz dance into what it is today:

• Jack Cole: The theatrical genius, known for his exotic and stylized jazz. Cole’s work was known for its eclectic blend of influences, drawing inspiration from various cultures and dance styles.

• Katherine Dunham: The anthropologist and dance pioneer who brought Afro-Caribbean dance to the forefront. She revolutionized American dance by incorporating African and Caribbean elements into her choreography.

• Bob Fosse: The master of stylized cool, with his iconic hats, turned-in knees, and sensual isolations. Fosse’s choreography is instantly recognizable for its distinctive style and unique blend of precision and expressiveness.

• Luigi (Eugene Louis Faccuito): The graceful innovator who developed the Luigi Technique, focusing on injury prevention and elegant movement. Luigi’s technique emphasizes fluid movements, proper alignment, and injury prevention.

• Matt Mattox: The precise technician known for his sharp and challenging exercises. Mattox’s technique is characterized by its precision, isolation work, and challenging exercises.

• Gus Giordano: The passionate advocate for jazz dance education and performance. Giordano played a pivotal role in promoting jazz dance as a legitimate art form and establishing it as a recognized discipline in dance education.

Lights, Camera, Dance! Broadway and Hollywood

Jazz dance didn’t stay confined to smoky clubs and dance halls. It exploded onto the Broadway stage and the silver screen! From dazzling chorus lines to iconic movie musicals, jazz dance has captivated audiences worldwide. Think of West Side Story, Singin’ in the Rain, and countless other productions that have showcased the energy and artistry of jazz dance.

A Kaleidoscope of Styles: Exploring the Diverse World of Jazz Techniques

Alright, buckle up, dance enthusiasts! We’re diving headfirst into the dazzling array of jazz dance styles. Think of it as a massive dance party with different rooms, each blasting its own unique vibe. From heartfelt storytelling to high-energy commercial routines, there’s a flavor of jazz for everyone. So, let’s explore the diverse techniques that make jazz so special.

Main Jazz Dance Styles

• Lyrical Jazz: Picture this: You’re not just dancing; you’re unleashing a tidal wave of emotions. Lyrical jazz is all about emotional storytelling, where every move is a word, and the dance becomes a heartfelt poem. It’s flowy, expressive, and oh-so-captivating.
• Broadway Jazz: “There’s no business like show business!” And nothing says show business like Broadway Jazz! Think razzle-dazzle, infectious energy, and theatrical flair. It’s what you see in musicals, packed with personality and big, bold movements that demand attention.
• Commercial Jazz: Ever catch a music video and think, “Wow, those dancers are killing it?” That’s likely commercial jazz in action. You’ll find it in concerts, music videos, and all over your favorite media outlets. It’s edgy, current, and designed to pop on screen.
• Afro-Jazz: This style is where jazz dance connects with its rich African roots. Get ready for a vibrant explosion of African rhythms, dynamic movements, and profound cultural expression. It’s about honoring heritage and celebrating the power of rhythm!
• Modern Jazz: When modern dance meets jazz, something beautiful happens. Modern jazz blends the grounded, expressive nature of modern with the rhythmic vitality of jazz. The result? Dynamic, soulful, and utterly captivating!
• Fosse Style: Bob Fosse was a legend, and his signature style is instantly recognizable. Think turned-in knees, sultry isolations, and those iconic hand movements that ooze charisma. It’s quirky, stylized, and endlessly cool.

Signature Techniques

But what techniques fuel these styles? Here’s a sneak peek into some of the most influential:

• Matt Mattox Technique: Get ready to work those muscles! The Matt Mattox Technique is all about precision, control, and mastering those isolations. It’s rigorous, but it builds incredible strength and clarity.
• Luigi Technique: Prepare to find your center and dance with unparalleled grace. The Luigi Technique focuses on fluidity, musicality, and injury prevention. It’s about lengthening the body, finding your inner balance, and dancing with a sense of ease.

The Impact of Ballet and Modern Dance

And let’s not forget the incredible influence of ballet and modern dance! These styles have significantly shaped jazz dance. Ballet brought structure and technique, while modern dance added a deeper level of expression and freedom. They’ve helped jazz evolve into the multifaceted art form that it is today.

Building Blocks of Movement: Essential Jazz Dance Steps and Positions

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Jazz dance isn’t just about flashy moves and dazzling stage presence (though those are definitely part of the fun!). It’s built on a foundation of super important, basic steps. Think of them as the alphabet of dance – you gotta know your ABCs before you can write a novel, right? So, we’re going to break down some essential jazz dance steps and positions.

Essential Steps and Movements

• Ball Change: Picture this: You’re grooving to the music, shifting your weight super quick from one foot (the “ball” of your foot, actually!) to the other. It’s a tiny, rhythmic step. It’s the secret ingredient for killer transitions and keeping the beat alive. It’s like a mini-reset button for your feet!

• Grapevine: Imagine weaving through a crowd, but make it dance-y. You step to the side, cross the other foot in front, step to the side again, and then cross the trailing foot behind. Repeat. Voila! You’ve got the Grapevine! It’s a fantastic way to travel sideways and add some flair.

• Pivot Turn: A classic! You step forward, then quickly pivot your body 180 degrees on the ball of that foot. It’s a simple turn, but oh-so-effective! Practice is key to making it smooth!

• Chassé: This step is all about chasing! Think of one foot literally chasing the other, creating a smooth, gliding motion. It’s like a mini-leap that travels across the floor. Chassés are great for adding energy and momentum to your routine.

• Jazz Square: Time for some geometry! You step forward with one foot, cross the other foot over, step back with the first foot, and then step to the side with the second foot. Boom! You’ve drawn a square on the floor. It’s a versatile move that can be done slow or fast, big or small.

• Kick Ball Change: This one’s got a little kick in it! You kick one leg out (not too high, keep it controlled!), then quickly transfer your weight from the ball of the kicking foot to the other foot. It’s a fun, rhythmic step that adds a bit of spice.

• Pas de Bourrée: Fancy, right? This step looks complicated but it’s just a series of small, connecting steps – back, side, front. It’s often used as a transition between other, bigger moves. Think of it as the connecting words in a sentence.

• Jazz Walk: Now, strut your stuff! A Jazz Walk is a stylized walk with a low center of gravity. Think of bending your knees and oozing attitude. Shoulders are back, core engaged, and you’re owning the floor. Every step should be deliberate and confident.

Core Movements

• Contraction: Imagine someone punched you softly in the stomach. Your core pulls inward, rounding your spine. That’s a contraction. It’s a powerhouse move that comes from the center of your body.

• Release: The opposite of a contraction! You lengthen your spine, opening up your chest. Think of it as a sigh of relief for your spine.

• Isolation: This is where you show off your body control. Isolations involve moving one body part (like your head, shoulders, ribs, or hips) independently of the rest of your body. Practice moving each part separately, then try combining them.

• Body Roll: A slinky, smooth movement that undulates through your torso. Start with your head, then roll down through your neck, chest, and hips. It’s all about fluidity and control.

• Hinge: Keep that back straight and lean! A hinge is a torso tilt from the hips, keeping your back flat. Engage your core to maintain that straight line.

• Flat Back: Torso parallel to the floor with a straight back. Engage the core, keep the neck long and in line with the spine.

Essential Positions

• Table Top: Arms above the body and legs 90 degrees, looks like you are in a flat table top position. Keep the core tight.

• Lunge: One knee bent at a 90-degree angle and the other leg extended behind you. Keep that front knee over your ankle.

• Plié: Bend your knees! A plié is a bending of the knees, a fundamental movement borrowed from ballet. Keep your heels on the ground (as much as possible) and your knees tracking over your toes.

• Relevé: Rise onto the balls of your feet! This strengthens your ankles and calves and adds height to your movements.

• Piqué: Step directly onto a pointed foot. It’s a sharp, precise movement that requires balance and control.

• Battement: A “beating” movement of the leg. You brush your foot along the floor and lift your leg to the front, side, or back, keeping it straight. It helps with flexibility and leg control.

• Coupé: Place your foot at the ankle of the opposite leg. It’s a connecting position that can be used in turns, leaps, and other movements.

• Développé: Develop your leg to an extended position. It’s a controlled and graceful movement that requires strength and flexibility.

Taking Flight: Mastering Turns, Leaps, and Jumps in Jazz Dance

Alright, jazz cats and kittens, ready to defy gravity? Let’s talk about the real showstoppers – the turns that make you dizzy (in a good way), the leaps that make you feel like you’re flying, and the jumps that add that zing to your jazz routine. These moves aren’t just about looking cool (though, let’s be honest, they totally do); they’re about control, power, and unleashing your inner jazz superhero!

Turns That Twirl Your World

Let’s break down some of those mind-blowing turns.

• Pirouette: Ah, the classic. This turn on one leg is all about finding your center and holding it tight. Think of it like being a fancy top, spinning gracefully without wobbling. It requires a solid foundation and precise spotting.

• Piqué Turn: This one’s a bit sassy! You’re stepping directly onto a pointed foot en pointe or demi-pointe, then whipping around. It’s quick, it’s sharp, and it’s definitely a head-turner!

• Chaine Turn: Feeling speedy? Chainé turns are rapid-fire turns on alternating feet, creating a smooth, flowing sequence. Imagine you’re drawing a line across the floor with your feet, constantly rotating.

Leaps That Let You Soar

Now, for the leaps – the moments where you truly take flight!

• Jazz Split: Okay, flexibility is your friend here. This is a split where your front leg is straight, and your back leg is bent. It’s dramatic, it’s impressive, and it’s a killer pose.

• Axel Turn: Get ready to tuck and roll… in the air! The Axel turn is a tuck jump with a whole lot of spin. It’s like a little acrobatic adventure.

• Calypso Leap: This leap brings the sassiness, too. It is a turning leap with legs in second position (think: a wide V in the air). Requires flexibility, control and power.

• Seconda Leap: If you are looking for a new challenge, try the Seconda leap! The leg’s hip is turned outward. Like all leaps, dancers need enough power to propel themselves to perform with confidence.

• Grand Jeté: Arguably the most iconic. It’s a split in the air, a moment of pure suspension. To achieve this level dancers need excellent flexibility and core strength.

Safety First, Always!

Before you start spinning and leaping like a jazz tornado, let’s talk safety. These moves are fantastic, but they require proper preparation and technique to avoid injuries.

• Warm-Up is Your Best Friend: Don’t even think about attempting these moves with cold muscles. A thorough warm-up is crucial. Focus on stretching, joint mobility, and getting your heart rate up.

• Alignment is Key: Maintaining correct alignment is essential for protecting your joints and maximizing your power. Engage your core, keep your spine straight, and be mindful of your body’s position.

• Spotting Saves the Day: Spotting is the technique of focusing on a fixed point to prevent dizziness during turns. Practice spotting diligently, and it will become your secret weapon.

• Listen to Your Body: If something hurts, stop! Don’t push through pain. Rest, recover, and consult with a qualified dance instructor or physical therapist if needed.

The Soul of the Music: Rhythm and Musicality in Jazz Dance

Okay, folks, let’s get real for a second. Jazz dance without music is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the jelly. It just doesn’t work. The heart of jazz dance, the thing that makes it jump and jive, is its profound connection to the music. It’s not just about moving your body; it’s about having a conversation with the melody, the rhythm, and everything in between. It’s about becoming one with the vibe.

So, why is musicality and rhythm so darn important? Well, imagine trying to tell a joke without any timing. It’d fall flat, right? Same goes for jazz dance. Without a deep understanding of the music, the movements are just… steps. They lack soul, they lack intention, and they certainly lack that je ne sais quoi that makes jazz dance so captivating. Let’s dive into the spicy ingredients that give jazz music – and therefore jazz dance – its irresistible flavor.

Key Rhythmic Elements That Make Jazz Dance POP

Syncopation: The Art of the Unexpected

Think of syncopation as the rebel of the rhythm world. It’s all about emphasizing the off-beats, the unanticipated moments, to create a sense of surprise and excitement. It’s like the music is playing tag, and you never know where it’s going to pop up next! Dancers use syncopation to add flair to their moves, hitting those unlikely accents with a hip sway, a shoulder shimmy, or a well-placed attitude.

Improvisation: Where the Magic Happens

Ah, improvisation – the lifeblood of jazz. It’s the art of spontaneous movement, reacting in real-time to the music. It’s like the band is throwing you curveballs, and you’re riffing back with your body. Improvisation is where dancers truly express their individuality, allowing the music to guide their steps and emotions. It’s a conversation between music and movement!

Swing: That Irresistible Groove

If jazz has a signature move, it’s swing. This is that bouncy, syncopated feel that makes you want to tap your feet and move your hips. Think of it as a slightly uneven or “swung” rhythm, where the emphasis isn’t always where you expect it. Dancers embody swing by letting their movements have a relaxed, undulating quality, creating a rhythmic flow that’s pure magic.

Polyrhythms: A Rhythmic Playground

Polyrhythms are like having multiple conversations at once – different rhythms happening simultaneously. It might sound like a mess, but in the right hands (or feet!), it creates a rich, complex texture. Dancers might layer a syncopated foot pattern over a smooth, sustained arm movement, creating a visual and rhythmic feast for the senses.

Accent: Punctuation for Your Movement

An accent is simply an emphasis on a particular beat or movement. It’s like putting an exclamation point on a phrase! Dancers use accents to highlight key moments in the music, punctuating their steps with a sharp gesture, a powerful leap, or a sudden stop. It’s all about making a statement!

Tempo: Setting the Pace

Tempo is the speed of the music (and the dance). A fast tempo might call for quick, energetic movements, while a slow tempo could inspire smooth, sensual steps. Dancers have to be masters of tempo, able to adjust their energy and movement to match the rhythmic pulse of the music.

Dynamics: The Light and Shade

Dynamics are the variations in intensity – the louds and softs, the highs and lows – of both the music and the movement. A dancer might explode into a powerful jump during a crescendo, then glide smoothly through a gentle melody. Dynamics are what give a performance depth and emotional range.

Musical Phrasing: Telling a Story

Just like language, music is organized into phrases – groups of notes that form a musical idea. Dancers interpret these phrases with their bodies, stringing together movements to create meaningful segments that mirror the structure of the music. It’s like translating the story of the song into movement.

The Dancer’s Toolkit: Understanding Anatomy and Physical Considerations

Ever felt like your body’s speaking a language you just don’t get? Well, when it comes to jazz dance, understanding your anatomy isn’t just about knowing your bones from your muscles – it’s about speaking the same language as your body to achieve peak performance and steer clear of nasty injuries. Think of it as getting the secret decoder ring for dance! This section is your crash course in the anatomical principles that are crucial for every jazz dancer.

Alignment and Weight Transfer

Proper alignment is the name of the game. Imagine stacking blocks – if they’re even slightly off, the whole tower can come tumbling down. It’s the same with your body! Good alignment ensures that your weight is distributed evenly, reducing strain on joints and muscles. Efficient weight transfer is like a smooth baton pass in a relay race; it allows you to move fluidly and powerfully without unnecessary jolts. We’re talking about finding that sweet spot where you’re balanced, grounded, and ready to groove.

Cracking the Anatomical Code: Key Terms Explained

Ready for a little anatomy 101? Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Here’s a cheat sheet to some essential terms every jazz dancer should know:

• Flexion: Bending at a joint, like when you’re doing a deep plié. Think folding yourself in half.

• Extension: Straightening out that joint. Like coming up from that plié and standing tall.

• Rotation (Internal/External): Twisting a limb inwards or outwards. Internal rotation of the hip might be what you use to get into that parallel first position. External rotation, to get into that turnout!

• Abduction: Moving a limb away from the center of your body, think of when you do a tendu à la seconde.

• Adduction: Bringing that limb back towards your midline.

• Pronation: Turning your palm or foot downwards.

• Supination: Flipping it upwards, like when you’re showing off your sparkling nail polish.

• Plantarflexion: Pointing your toes like a ballerina!

• Dorsiflexion: Flexing your foot upwards, like you’re trying to stand on your heels.

• Center of Gravity: This is your body’s balance point – find it, and you’ll be unstoppable.

Knowing these terms is like having a map to your body. You’ll be able to understand corrections from your teacher better, visualize movements more effectively, and ultimately, dance with greater confidence and control. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!

From Studio to Stage: Performance and Choreography in Jazz Dance

Alright, so you’ve nailed the steps, you’ve got the rhythm pulsing through your veins, but how do you go from just dancing to truly performing? And what about stringing all those killer moves together into something that tells a story? Let’s dive into the glitzy world of performance and the brains behind the operation: choreography!

Unlocking a Captivating Jazz Dance Performance

So, what ingredients make a jazz dance performance truly unforgettable? Buckle up, ’cause we’re about to break it down:

• Choreography: Think of this as the blueprint of the dance. It’s the art of arranging steps, patterns, and movements into a cohesive and expressive whole. A good choreographer is like a director, shaping the narrative and guiding the dancers.

• Improvisation: Ah, the wild card! This is where dancers get to let loose and create movement on the spot. It’s like having a conversation with the music, adding your own unique flavor to the mix. It needs a structure, like call and response or set a phrase.

• Performance: This goes beyond just executing the steps correctly. It’s about bringing the dance to life with passion, presence, and personality. Think sparkling eyes, a confident smile, and a stage presence that commands attention.

• Technique: You can’t build a house on a shaky foundation, right? Solid technique is essential for executing the choreography with precision, power, and control. It’s the bedrock that allows you to really let your artistry shine.

• Artistry: This is where the magic happens. It’s about infusing the dance with your own unique expression, emotion, and storytelling. Think of it as adding the soul to the steps.

• Spatial Awareness: Ever seen dancers bump into each other on stage? Not a good look! Spatial awareness is all about understanding and using the space effectively to create visually interesting patterns and formations.

• Dynamics: Think of dynamics as the volume control of your dance. Varying the energy and intensity of your movements creates contrast, adds drama, and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

• Energy: This is the fuel that drives the dance. Channeling your physical and emotional force into every movement is what captivates the audience and makes them feel the power of your performance.

• Movement Quality: This refers to the style or the flair of how a movement is performed. Imagine it as the texture of the dance. Is it fluid and graceful, sharp and percussive, or something else entirely?

Echoes of the Past: How Music Shaped Jazz Dance

You can’t talk about jazz dance without tipping your hat to the music, right? It’s like trying to bake a cake without flour – possible, maybe, but definitely not the same! Jazz dance and jazz music are basically BFFs, and their relationship is a long and beautiful story of call and response. So, let’s crank up the volume and explore the musical genres that have grooved their way into the heart of jazz dance.

Swing: The Beat That Makes You Move

Ah, Swing! Just saying the word makes you want to tap your feet, doesn’t it? Think of those big band sounds, the infectious energy, and that unmistakable bouncy rhythm. That “swing” feeling comes from playing notes slightly off the beat – a little ahead or behind. In jazz dance, this translates to a similar playfulness with timing. Dancers might hit a movement slightly early or drag it out a bit, mimicking the music’s syncopation. This creates that cool, relaxed, yet energetic vibe that’s signature jazz. Imagine your body is a musical instrument responding directly to the lively melodies and rhythms; you’re not just dancing to the music, you’re dancing the music.

Rhythm Section: The Heartbeat of Jazz Dance

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on the Rhythm Section – the unsung heroes that lay down the foundation for all that jazz goodness. We’re talking about the drums, bass, and piano, baby! The drummer is like the director of the energy, driving the beat forward with complex rhythms and accents that tell the dancer where to explode or glide. The bass provides the low-end pulse, giving the dance a grounded, earthy feel; you can almost feel the bass vibrating through the floor and up into your bones. The piano adds harmonic color and melodic improvisation, giving dancers a musical landscape to explore with their movements. The dancer can highlight the melody, counter the rhythm, or even create a conversation with the piano through movement. Together, the rhythm section is the heartbeat, the soul, the irresistible force that makes jazz dance so dynamic and expressive.

Ultimately, understanding the music is key to understanding the dance. It’s about listening deeply, feeling the nuances, and letting your body respond authentically. And who knows? Maybe learning a little about jazz dance will make you appreciate the music even more!

So, there you have it! A quick dip into the world of jazz dance terms. Now you can impress your friends with your fancy footwork and your fancy vocabulary. Happy dancing!