The Nine Basic Jazz Steps
by Kristine Rejuso
by Kristine Rejuso
Jazz dance doesn’t just revolve around kicks and turns; and instead, it has a much broader dance style. Jazz dance originated from African American dance, with roots of Caribbean dance ingrained into it as well. As jazz dance develops in parallel to popular music, the popularity of jazz dance continues to evolve and remain popular. Learning the basic jazz dance steps is one of the first few moves into exploring jazz dance. Below are the nine basic jazz dance steps that could help you get started with jazz dance!
Cross Point
To execute the cross point, you will have to first cross one foot over the other. Once you do so, move the other foot outward, pointing it out. Execute these steps in repetition while moving forward slightly, and you’ve got it! That’s how you do the cross point!
Forward and Backward Step
The step is quite self-explanatory, as the name suggests. You first have to move your right foot forward and then move your left foot forward. After those two steps, you must move your left foot backward and then your right foot backward. That’s how you successfully do the forward and backward steps! We’re getting closer and closer to mastering the jazz dance steps!
Side Step
To execute this step, you must first use one foot to step in place, and afterward, using the same foot, step to the side with that foot only, and then return to the starting position with the same foot. Then, using the opposite foot, step to the side again and return to the starting position. Keep repeating this step depending on the number of counts.
Kick Ball Change
To do the kick ball change, you must be efficiently able to coordinate both feet. You must first use your right foot to kick forwards and quickly use your left foot to jump up slightly.
Step Ball Change
This step might be a little tricky! You must first use your right foot and step slightly forward and slightly to the right. Afterward, you must use your left foot to step back slightly, then use your right foot to cross over to the left side, still in front of the left foot. Then using your left foot, you must now move it slightly forward and slightly to the right, and then move your right foot to the back. After that, cross your left foot over the right, still in front of the right foot. Then keep repeating these steps!
Grapevine
Starting in a position wherein your legs and arms are slightly spread apart. This step goes pretty quickly! You must rapidly twist and switch your feet left and right above and below each other while moving to the side. When reaching the final twist of the four counts, you must point your foot. Repeat this while moving to the other side for the next four counts.
Jazz Slide
To do the jazz slide, you must first start in a position with your feet together. Then you must cross your arms together and slide while opening your arms out wide, moving to the side. Repeat this with the other side as well.
Star Jump
Start in a position where your feet are together and your arms are at the side. Then in an upward motion, raise your arms while jumping while moving your legs apart during the jump to make a star shape while you are in the air. For me, this step was both easy and challenging at the same time as the shape made in the air and the landing is pretty essential.
Paddle Turn
To do the paddle turn, you must coordinate both your hands and feet. For the first four counts, keep your hands slightly bent to the side, and use your right foot to turn in a counterclockwise direction until you face front again. For the following four counts, put your hands behind your head and use your left foot to turn in a clockwise direction. I found this step to be the hardest to execute as it goes by pretty quickly!
That’s a wrap! Those were the nine basic jazz dance steps to get you started on your jazz dance journey. With lots of practice and patience, indeed, you will also become a fantastic jazz dancer.
Martin, R. (2014, January 6). What’s Jazz these days? Dance Informa Magazine. https://dancemagazine.com.au/2014/01/whats-jazz-days/
Hanson, R. (2011). Basic Jazz Dance Steps. LoveToKnow; LoveToKnow Media. https://dance.lovetoknow.com/Basic_Jazz_Dance_Steps