Pages

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Jazz Dancing

Jazz Dance


Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.
Jazz dancing showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is very energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance.

Dress:
Jazz classes are casual and relaxed, so feel free to select your own clothing. A dancer's body lines need to be visible, however, so baggy clothes are generally discouraged. Tights and leotards are fine, but most jazz dancers prefer to wear jazz or dance pants. Jazz pants are usually boot-cut or flared styles, as tight bottoms would restrict ankle movement. Tops usually worn for jazz include form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts or leotards.

Class Structure:
A good jazz class explodes with energy. With music styles ranging from hip-hop to show tunes, the beat alone will get you moving. Most jazz teachers begin with a thorough warm-up, then lead the class in a series of stretching exercises and isolation movements. Isolations involve moving one part of the body while the rest of the body remains still. Jazz dancers also practice the art of suspension. Suspension involves moving through positions instead of stopping and balancing in them. Most jazz teachers will end the class with a short cool down to help prevent muscle soreness.


Complete Jazz Warm-Up Routine
Before a dance practice session, be sure to perform proper warm-up routine. Warm-up exercises help to raise our body temperature, increase blood flow, and make muscles ready for the demands of the dancing ahead. A good jazz warm-up prepares your body to dance.

The following jazz warm-up routine will prepare your whole body for activity as well as get you motivated to dance. Pump up your favorite dance music to get your body energized and inspired. Use this jazz warm-up routine to get focused and ready.

Jazz Stretch Routine:





Stretch Right

Stretch to the Left

Stretch to the Center





Body Roll - Jazz Stretch

Torso Side Stretch

Flat Back Stretch






Flat Back Drop Stretch

Point and Flex Leg Stretch




Side Straddle Split Stretch

Center Straddle Split Stretch


Jazz Steps:

Dancers are encouraged to add their own personality to make each step unique and fun. Jazz steps include chaines, piques, pirouettes, jazz turns, and some ballet turns, to name a few. Leaps include grande jetes, turning jumps, and tour jetes. Signature to jazz dancing is the "jazz walk." Jazz walks can be performed in different styles. Another popular jazz move is the "contraction." A contraction is accomplished by contracting the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward.

Basic Jazz Square:

A jazz square is a smooth, sassy step in which a dancer completes a square with four steps. Stand with feet together, arms down by the sides and knees softly bent.





Starting Position

Right Foot Over Left

Step Back



Step to the Side

Step Front



0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
Powered by Blogger