History of jazz: I find jazz dance to be a captivating and vibrant art form this is why I have chosen to be a assessed in it because I wanted to research further and I figured I would start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, and look at its fascinating history that intertwines with American culture and social dynamics. Let’s delve into its evolution:

Roots in African Rhythms:

• Jazz dance traces its origins to the rhythmic and percussive movements of African tribal dances brought to America by enslaved Africans.

• These dances were more than mere physical expressions; they incorporated storytelling, communal bonds, and spiritual significance.

Influence of European Dance Forms:

• As African and European cultures mingled in America, jazz dance absorbed elements from European dance forms like ballet and social dances such as the cakewalk, Charleston, and the Lindy Hop.

• This fusion of styles contributed to jazz dance’s emergence as a distinct art form.

Harlem Renaissance:

• The 1920s and 1930s witnessed the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating African American art, music, and literature.

• Jazz music played a central role in this movement, influencing the development of jazz dance.

• Iconic figures like Josephine Baker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson epitomized this era.

Golden Age of Hollywood:

• During the 1940s and 1950s, jazz dance gained mainstream popularity through Hollywood films and Broadway musicals.

• Choreographers like Jack Cole and Bob Fosse significantly shaped jazz dance during this period.

• Fosse, in particular, introduced a stylized and sensual approach characterized by isolations, angular movements, and intricate footwork.

Modern Jazz Dance:

• Jazz dance continued evolving throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.

• It absorbed influences from other dance styles, including modern dance, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.

• As a result, jazz dance now encompasses a diverse range of techniques and aesthetics.

Today’s Jazz Dance:

• Jazz dance remains a popular and dynamic art form taught in dance studios and performed on stages worldwide.

• Throughout its history, jazz dance has served as a form of cultural expression, social commentary, and entertainment, reflecting the rich diversity and creativity of the American experience. 

After delving in to the history of jazz I believe it has really helped me two see how far it actually does go back. I loved learning about all the different eras, makes me really think about what era our dance is. I would say our dance is mostly modern jazz and golden age since we have many fosse elements. I also feel this research will help me in the final performance because it has really highlighted to me the importance of doing this style properly, for instance at the start of our dance we start in a fosse style hinge and I want to make this really accurate and be super technical and placed.

Other dances to the song body language

For my research I wanted to look further into they way other people have danced to this song. I choose to do this to really help me get inspired and also to help me decide how I want to perform our version.  I think watching other people dance always inspires me and doing this will help me decide what I think looks good and then I can replicate it when it comes to our show.

Dyllan Blackburn - Body Language (youtube.com)

I started by watching this girls solo on YouTube. I love the way she dances and performs, she makes such difficult moves look so easy. I feel she does this because she is so balanced and controlled, so when she does these really difficult tricks you feel relaxed because you can tell she is controlled. I want to emulate this when we do our group dance. I think being in control as a dancer is so important because it makes the dance look more visually appealing but also more safe. I also really love the costuming for this dance it makes her look like she's from a different dimension and it goes well with her movements. I love the way this dance has so many sharp lines and strange angles. I feel it creates this unhuman vibe which is really cool to watch. I am going to think about this for my dance because at the beginning of our dance we start in a sort of strange angular position, very fosse vibes. I feel there are elements of what this girl does in her solo in our group dance so I want to be really sharp with my movements to create the same effect.

BODY LANGUAGE - Body Language - Choreography by: Liana Blackburn @iamlianablackburn (youtube.com) 

This video is very inspiring. The women performing this choreography facial expressions were on point in my opinion. I love the way she was so serious at the start but then she was also very playful with it and because she was so confident in her self it read really well. I want to some what copy this for when I am preforming are group dance. I want to be serious at some points but also be playful and let the audience know I am having fun. I feel this will make the audience enjoy my performance more. She was also so sharp and on beat with every move, you could tell she knew the choreography so well because she appeared to be so calm and in control, I really enjoyed her performance I am going to take this all on and try and incorporate it into my performance.

Understanding the meaning and impact of "Body Language" by Queen can significantly enhance my performance in a jazz group dance to this song in several ways. Knowing that the song revolves around themes of sensuality and seduction, I can incorporate more fluid, intimate, and expressive movements into my dance. I can think of using body rolls, hip movements, and close interactions with fellow dancers to embody the song's sensual nature. I'll use my facial expressions to convey the seductive and provocative mood of the song. Smiles, smirks, and intense eye. Since the song emphasizes non-verbal communication, I'll focus on my body language to convey emotions and intentions. Clear, deliberate gestures and movements can effectively communicate the song's message. I'll play off each other’s movements and create a dynamic interaction to reflect the communication happening through body language. This can involve synchronized moves, mirroring, or responsive actions. I'll incorporate funky and rhythmic dance elements to align with the song's style. This could include sharp, rhythmic movements, isolations, and syncopation typical of funk dance. I'll reflect the song's minimalist musical arrangement in my choreography by focusing on strong, impactful moves rather than overly complex sequences. This will allow the movements to stand out more clearly and powerfully. I can create a narrative arc in my dance that mirrors the progression of the song. I'll start with more subdued, teasing movements and build up to more intense, passionate choreography as the song progresses. Each of us can embody a character that represents different aspects of the song's themes. This adds depth to our performance and helps in engaging the audience. We also gain an advantage by breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience, this can create a memorable and impactful performance. I'll embrace the song's boldness and perform with confidence. The audience will respond to the energy and commitment I bring to the stage. I'll be willing to take risks in my performance, reflecting the song's own controversial impact. This could mean pushing boundaries with my choreography or incorporating unexpected elements that surprise the audience. I'll practice not just the technical aspects of the dance but also the emotional expression. Rehearsing with the intent of conveying the song's themes clearly is important. I'll consider costumes that reflect the sensual and provocative nature of the song. This can enhance the visual impact of my performance. I'll use lighting and staging to create an intimate, club-like atmosphere that matches the song's vibe. This can help immerse the audience in the experience. By incorporating these insights into my jazz group dance, I can create a performance that is not only technically proficient but also emotionally resonant and true to the spirit of "Body Language" by Queen.