Jazz dance: An introduction to the contemporary dance technique

Mark Hochberg, a current NYU Tisch Dance student, has always been passionate about contemporary dance. He aims to become a professional dancer and perform on different stages in the world. One of the disciplines that he has taken an interest in is jazz. While most people associate the dance with the genre of music, it can be so much more. Here are some things worth knowing about the contemporary dance technique.

It emerged in the US during the 20th century.

First associated with African American communities and their ritual traditions, jazz became a style that became widely featured not just in social gatherings but also in theatre. While most people associate the style with the genre of music, most jazz dancers don't dance to traditional jazz music. The term was only used because the style of dancing emerged at the same time as the music genre. According to Mark Hochberg, NYU student, the movements can be considered jazz-like as it also embraces syncopation and improvisation. The style of dance gained in popularity because of performers and choreographers such as The Whitman Sisters, Florence Mills, Al & Leon, Dawn Hampton, Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, Eugene Louis Faccuito, and Gus Giordano. During this time, the jazz form dominated Hollywood and Broadway productions.

It encourages a dancer's originality.

NYU freshman Mark Hochberg says that one of the most attractive aspects of jazz dance is that the movement exudes confidence and power. Compared to other forms that focus on structured and flowing movements, jazz movements are more rhythmic. The jitterbug, the Charleston, African tribal dances, and other techniques enriched the form the world knows now. Many choreographers and instructors admit that the contemporary technique is still growing. And the re-emergence of dance programs and competitions just shows that there is still so much to explore about jazz.