PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Jazz dance is an American form of dance that developed in the early 1900s as both African and European peoples began to mix their dance traditions. Africans focused on rhythms and torso movement and Europeans on musical harmonies, folk and social dances.
Many jazz traditions were imported from Africa, where every tribe had a set of dances of its own, characterized by many rhythms going on at the same time. Different parts of the body move to the various rhythms – arms to one rhythm, the torso to another. Typically these dances were done solo, yet in a group for various ceremonies. In America, they became competitive for the purpose of entertainment.
The term "jazz" was first applied to a style of dance during World War I.Jazz in a dance form, however, originates from the vernacular dances of Africans when they were brought to the Americas on slave ships. Jazz dance first appeared in African American culture in the United States. The dance form is linked with native music of African slaves, featuring "free conversation-like style of extemporaneous improvisation."
The first official American "jazz dancer" was Joe Frisco around the year 1910, who performed in vaudeville, however its roots trace much further back than this, with many moves being created by the slaves as a much needed physical and emotional outlet.
Europe lent elegance to the technique, Africa gave it its movement and rhythm, and America allowed it to have the exposure and growing popularity that has sustained it as a cherished dance style today.
