Jazz

When you want to fly like a bird, sway like a willow tree, glide like a swan and bloom like a flower, Jazz is your thing. Jazz originated from the African American vernacular dances. Initially tap dance constituted a major part of jazz dance type as jazz music was used for tap dancing. Over the years jazz has evolved to become one of the most popular types of social and concert dances.

After the 1950s the Caribbean Traditional dance style was synthesized into Jazz, changing its face forever and making it a performance art. Jazz now continues to be a major part of music concerts, theatre, music videos and competitive dances. The modern day Jazz is seen to be influenced to be influenced by dance styles like ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.

The beauty of Jazz is due to its unique technique. Sharing some central techniques with ballet, Jazz and Ballet often share the same curriculum. The central control is the key to Jazz. All the movements are emanated through the centre of the body. The dancer needs to perfect his or her balance and at the same time dance with not just the body but the heart and soul as well for the perfect movements. Turns such as pirouettes and fouettes are also central to the dance. To make these turns impeccable, Spotting is important. Spotting also helps in reducing the dizzy feeling during repetitive turns. Another technique called Pointing is used to help the dancers perform leaps with elegance and also reduces the friction.

The dance shoes used for jazz are generally made of leather to allow for smooth movement. The dance shoes obviously need to be comfortable so that the feet can move flexibly. Jazz shoes are somewhat similar to ballet slippers except for the small heel. You can opt for either full or split sole shoes. Your dance shoes can be either with shoelaces or without shoelaces. One may also go for jazz sneakers. They have a split-sole and hardened toe area for brief rises onto Pointe. As for the Dance Dress normally a pair of tights and a leotard is preferred owing to the comfort the costume provides for free movement. For concerts and competitions, dancers often go for much more elaborate and glamorous costumes. Fancy colors and embellishments are used to make the costumes attractive and flashy. The glitz and glamour associated with Jazz make it all the more popular!!!