Jazz dance
Jazz dance grew up in African American communities in the United States together with jazz music, and later became the dance of Broadway musicals, film and the stage. Studios today teach it as a technical style with isolations, turns, kicks and leaps. It is taught in a group, in jazz shoes or barefoot.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Technique: turns, leaps, kicks and clean lines.
- Isolations and coordination — moving one part of the body while the rest stays still.
- Strength, flexibility and stamina.
- Musicality and performance: jazz is danced for an audience, with energy in the face and the whole body.
- A strong base for musical theatre, Jazz funk and Contemporary.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Jazz shoes — soft, often with a split sole — or bare feet. Some studios allow clean sneakers.
- Fitted clothes: leggings or jazz trousers and a top.
- Knee pads if the class has floor moves.
- Water and a towel.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up with isolations, stretching and strength work, often to upbeat music.
- Technique across the floor: walks, turns (pirouettes), kicks, leaps and jumps.
- A combination in the centre, danced several times to music, sometimes in small groups.
- A cool-down and stretching at the end.
- Levels vary between studios. A first class uses the simplest steps, and the teacher explains the basic positions.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Anybody who loves musicals and stage dance.
- Children and teenagers — many schools start them with jazz — and adults too.
- Dancers who want stronger technique alongside a street or commercial style.
- People with some ballet who want more energy and freedom.
- It is less suited to anybody who wants a slow, gentle class. Leaps and turns load the knees, ankles and back; with an injury, ask your doctor and tell the teacher.