by Mary Margaret Comillo
September 11, 2021
Sources: History of Jazz Dance by Jacqueline Nalett, Beginning Jazz Dance with Web Resource by James Robey, What is jazz dance? by Brandon Ambrosino
Dancers Say, “Just Jazz!”
Do you like dancing?
In this generation, dance is widely considered as a form of entertainment and joy for people. Friends will casually invite friends to film a dance video and upload it on platforms such as the mainstream social media app, TikTok. Many of the dance routines on this platform that go trending are in the genres of pop and hip-hop dances which are the most popular among audiences, especially the youth. But did you know that among dancers, the most popular genre is known to be Jazz Dance?
We have learned and executed this genre in our PE course activities. And with the short amount of time that we have experienced being jazz dancers in the least, I think we can share the dancers' sentiments regarding this genre. In this article, I'll tell you why.
What is Jazz Dance?
Jazz Dance is a collective term comprising several different dance styles matched to the rhythms and techniques of jazz music that became popular in the early 20th Century.
Where and How Did It Originate?
Did you know that slavery partaken in the formation of Jazz Dance?
One of the most interesting topics to discuss in this genre is its origin because of how strange it is. The origins of jazz music and dance are seen in the rhythms and movements brought to America by African slaves in New Orleans, who were the only ones in America allowed to own and keep their drums. Africans from many cultures were cut off from their families, languages, and tribal traditions, and believe it or not; this is what initially paved the way for jazz dance. African slaves were prohibited from playing African drums or performing African dances. Still, they did not let it hinder them from continuing to adhere to their cultural identity.
This social song and dance, jazz, eventually became popular beyond African American communities. Some aspects of jazz dance were refined by various dance genres like ballet and continued to emerge. Today, jazz dance continues to evolve and blend with other styles, such as street jazz and theatre dance. However, jazz dance does not entirely stray away from its roots.
What's so special about Jazz Dance?
Jazz dance reflects its music counterpart. It is as experimental and free form as jazz music. Jazz dance has this thing of being jerky with its abrupt stops and starts, syncopated, and with high energy levels. This style's great use and amount of isolation are among its most astonishing aspects, making jazz dance the best technique for people to hone and develop their dance skills. It must definitely be one of the myriad reasons why dancers love this genre! Moreover, jazz dance is lively, energetic, and, being a combination of popular forms with influences from everywhere, it is creatively diverse. The best part is that in jazz, the fluidity remains in every performance, along with the aspects mentioned earlier. How cool is that?
Now, let's talk health.
Jazz dance truly never disappoints with the valuable benefits it brings to whoever performs it, such as increased strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. From a Beginning Jazz Dance with Web Resource by James Robey excerpt, I came to know that jazz dance has an athletic and full-bodied nature that develops arm strength from floor work, leg strength from jumps, and core strength from coordinating the limbs. Jazz dance classes consist of stretching sequences that lengthen the larger muscles of the legs and lower back. Moreover, jazz dance training commonly develops increased flexibility and range of motion in the hips, shoulders, and spine. Coordination is improved in jazz dancers through the challenging steps and combinations, in which the two body halves parallel and contrast each other in myriad ways. With highly energetic music, jazz dance even increases endurance and stamina.
However, it is important to note that these will soon come to you with regular jazz dancing practice, which can be possible by taking jazz dance classes! In doing so, you can develop the talent and skill, alleviate everyday stress, avoid a sedentary life, and have the utmost ability to express your emotions as the jazz dance style has all the power to guarantee you these. Jazz dance benefits not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional health.
As I mentioned in the beginning part of this article, our PE course had jazz dancing activities. Although it hasn't been that long, I believe that I had attained most of the benefits mentioned above and helped me stay active despite being stuck at home. It brought so much joy to me, especially when we had to dance with a family member, a friend, or a loved one, which is essential in this pandemic. Given all these, I feel for the dancers, and I can't blame them for how jazz dance is the most popular among them because it is justifiable! Indeed, one does not have to be a pro dancer to realize how beautiful jazz dance is and how it isn't your typical dance genre. It's one of a kind.
Did this article make you want to create a trend with the jazz dance genre? Then what are you waiting for?
Just... JAZZ!
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