What is Jazz Dance? A Complete Guide to Styles and Techniques

Jazz dance burst onto the cultural scene with the electrifying rise of jazz music, rooted in the vibrant spirit of Black American culture. Jazz lit up the dance floors of the swinging 1930s and ’40s Big Band Era alongside flappers, prohibition, and decadent celebrations. Jazz is a bold and dynamic dance style with a lasting influence on the history and future of American dance.

But what is jazz dance today? In modern popular culture, jazz has danced its way into movies, music videos, and award-winning Broadway hits. But where did jazz dance originate? And what is jazz dance style? What shoes are ideal for jazz dancing? Read on for everything you need to know about this bold & transformative genre of movement!

The Origins of Jazz Dance

Influences from African Dance Traditions

Classic jazz technique owes a lot to traditional African dances, which offered the rhythm, soul, and energy that are the foundation of jazz dance. African dance movements like isolation and improvisation lent jazz dance its signature groove and expression. From rhythmic footwork to storytelling gestures, African dance gave jazz the soul and energy that still fuels this dynamic dance genre today!

Evolution During the Jazz Era of the 1920s

The 1920s were a defining moment for the dance world. As jazz music exploded in popularity, dance floors blazed with daring new movements that matched the era’s free spirit. The 1920s also saw the birth of the Charleston: its funky jazz footwork and lively motion are still iconic and widely performed. The 1920s were also a golden era for social dancing: jazz music and dance infiltrated the streets, speakeasies, and ballrooms, where dancers celebrated by breaking all the rules!

Key Characteristics of Jazz Dance

Rhythmic and Energetic Movements

Jazz dance fuses sharp, quick movements with vibrancy. This genre employs body isolations, rapid steps, pulsing rhythm, and of course, iconic jazz hands! Jazz relies on high energy, fully feeling the beat of the music, and letting loose.

Emphasis on Improvisation and Expression

Jazz dance leans heavily on improvisational movements, which means every performance is a chance for the dancer to make their own unique statement. The green light to express emotions through movement is what makes jazz dance a very personal experience: no two jazz performances are the same. Jazz dancers can let go of precise, disciplined movements and instead focus on energy and individuality.

Blending of Various Dance Styles

Jazz dance is a whole world of blended dance styles, mixing everything from African tribal steps to elegant ballet movements. Jazz reworks the freedom of modern dance, the attitude of hip-hop, and the grace and flow of ballroom into a melting pot of movement. Jazz dancers continually fuse different styles of dance to make their performance unique. This constant blending makes jazz a dance genre that is ever-evolving!

Fuegos’ lightweight Split-sole dance sneakers are a favorite of jazz dancers for this very reason: they’re wearable for any style of dance, and offer the flexibility of a traditional jazz shoe while offering the support and comfort of a modern sneaker!

Different Styles of Jazz Dance

Classic Jazz Dance

Classic jazz is the starting point for all other jazz dance styles. With roots in the vibrant dance halls and speakeasies of the 1920s and 30s, classic jazz is all about syncopated rhythms and joyful movement. Classic jazz also leans heavenly into storytelling, delivering a timeless blend of elegance, energy, and bold expression.

Modern Jazz Dance

Modern jazz dance took off in the mid-20th Century as jazz continued to evolve with the times. This genre is a boundary-pushing fusion of traditional ballet and more spontaneous jazz movements. Modern jazz features sharp isolations, expressive lines, and deep emotion, and is influenced by dance icons like Jerome Robbins. Modern jazz is all about taking risks and telling stories.

Commercial Jazz and Broadway Jazz

Commercial jazz is a glamorous dance style witnessed on worldwide stages and screens. With roots in Broadway choreography, this genre is ultimately designed to entertain! Contemporary jazz blends drama with head-turning movement – and sometimes, flashy costumes, vocal performance, and theatrical staging. Contemporary and Broadway jazz have made the genre more accessible and beloved by audiences around the globe. 

Contemporary Jazz Dance

Contemporary jazz is the result of a never-ending dance evolution for the genre, with an emphasis on new movements and expression. Contemporary jazz fuses ballet, classic jazz, modern dance, and experimental movement. Storytelling, fluidity, emotion, and organic motion are often implemented with this ever-evolving dance style. Each performance is deeply unique and showcases the ongoing evolution of jazz. 

Techniques and Movements in Jazz Dance

Isolations and Body Rolls

At the essence of jazz dance are isolations and body rolls. During isolations, each body part moves independently, which results in sharp, distinct movements. Slow, controlled shoulder shifting and contrasting sharp head turns are two great examples. Body rolls, however, involve a smooth torso movement during which the chest, ribs, and hips ripple. The pairing of isolations with body rolls delivers a dynamic jazz dance performance.

Sharp and Smooth Contrasts in Motion

Jazz dance presents noticeable contrasts between sharp movements and smooth transitions. Sharp movements involve precision (rapid kicks, stops, and clean lines). Smooth actions, on the other hand, offer fluid motion to the performance to help it flow. This interplay keeps things exciting on the dancefloor or stage and is just as entertaining for the audience!

Turns, Kicks, and Leaps

These energetic techniques are at the heart of jazz dance! Turns, kicks, and leaps require athleticism, balance, speed, and control.  From pirouettes to high kicks to soaring leaps that require a dancer to propel their body through the air with grace, these bold movements make jazz a feast for the eyes (and a great workout!).

Fuego dance sneakers are ideal footwear for executing jazz’s turns, thanks to dual pivot points for max spin ability! Fuego sneakers are also perfect for kicks and leaps, due to their super-comfortable shock-absorbing insoles!

Jazz Dance in Popular Culture

Jazz dance is a mainstay in popular culture, adding texture and expression to everything from blockbuster films, to social media trends. Jazz dance’s vivacious energy and dynamic movements align with the ever-evolving entertainment world. Jazz’s fusion of precision and improvisation makes it highly adaptable for Broadway shows, music videos, and even viral dance challenges: this expressive style of dance speaks to people of all ages around the globe.

How to Learn Jazz Dance

Finding a Jazz Dance Class

Ready to take the first step in mastering jazz dance? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, seek out a class that fits your skill level. Because jazz is such a popular style of dance, many dance studios offer introductory jazz classes where you can learn all the basics. Once you find a class that feels right with an instructor you feel comfortable with, commit to showing up regularly! Consistent practice is essential for making progress and developing confidence in your skills and your performance.

Practicing Fundamental Moves at Home

Putting in the work at home allows you to reinforce the foundational techniques you learn in class, and to develop stronger muscle memory! Focus on fundamental movements like body isolations and kicks. Find a space large enough to move freely throughout your practice session – and if you’re wearing Fuego dance sneakers, you can even take your at-home jazz practice outdoors! Record yourself to track your progress and refine your technique. If you do your jazz dance homework, you’re bound to notice a difference in the studio and on the stage!

Developing Rhythm and Style

To develop your personal rhythm and individual jazz dance style, listen to jazz music often and focus on the beat, then try to sync your movements to the music. Lean into the playful, spontaneous vibes of jazz by experimenting with different rhythms. When you practice, explore giving creative flair to your movements, like adding slight twists to your body rolls. Let go of perfection, embrace the music, and most importantly, have fun!

Benefits of Jazz Dance

Jazz dance is about so much more than mastering footwork and technique: it’s about head-to-toe expression, energy, creativity, and athleticism! The dynamic movements of jazz put your muscles to work, increase flexibility, and can even improve your range of motion and stamina! Don’t be surprised if your confidence surges as you learn and perform jazz dance: this style encourages dancers to express themselves and push creative boundaries, which can be empowering. 

Ready to begin your jazz dance journey?! Lace up your favorite pair of Fuego dance sneakers to support your every step, spin, leap, kick, isolation, and body roll! Enjoy unparalleled comfort and support for long practices and performances while elevating your technique in sneakers that embrace your talent, creativity, and individual expression!