Jazz
The basics of jazz music or dance can be found in the rhythms
brought to America by African slaves – they used to celebrate every
occasion with dancing and music. Jazz techniques are the base for
any dance style, whether you want to do it professionally or just
dance for the joy of the movement. The jazz development was also
influenced by other dance techniques, such as classic dance,
contemporary, American modern dance, German expression dance, as
well as by the pedagogues and choreographers themselves. The
characteristic features include improvisation, polyrhythmics,
polycentrics and individuality of style. Jazz is very particular
about technique, based on its strong bonds with ballet. On
Broadway, the jazz dance has evolved into a new “sleek” style,
taught at present as modern jazz – Katherine Dunham was an
important dancer who began teaching it in this spirit in 1950. The
jazz dance was made more popular by the work of Bob Foss, which may
be seen in Broadway shows such as Chicago, Cabaret, Damn Yankees or
The Pajama Game. At present, the modern jazz dance is perceived as
an important element of musical theatre, and it may be seen in
music videos as well.