Jazz Dance &

Contemporary
Dance
A PRESENTATION TO INTRODUCE JAZZ AND CONTEMPORARY
DANCE
1. Understand the history of jazz and
contemporary dance.

Learning 2. Identify the elements of jazz and

contemporary dance.
Objective s 3. Perform basic steps of jazz and
contemporary dance.

4. Apply learned knowledge to create

and perform simple jazz and
contemporary dance routines.
Jazz What is Jazz Dance?

Dan ce 8 Things to know about Jazz Dance

1. Jazz dance is a vibrant and dynamic
dance style that emerged in the early
20th century, rooted in the African
American communities of the United
States.

2. It draws inspiration from various musical

genres, including jazz, blues, and swing,
reflecting the improvisational and
energetic spirit of these musical styles.

3. Jazz dance is characterized by its

syncopated rhythms, isolations (moving
specific body parts independently), and
expressive gestures, often incorporating
elements of ballet, tap, and modern dance.
4. Key elements of jazz dance include:
- Turns: These are rotational movements, often executed with a sense of fluidity and dynamism.
- Leaps: These are powerful jumps that showcase athleticism and grace.
- Jumps: These are quick and energetic movements that add energy and rhythm to the dance.
- Floorwork: This involves intricate movements on the floor, often incorporating rolls, slides, and
isolations.

5. Jazz dance is a highly versatile style, finding its place in various forms of entertainment, including
Broadway musicals, film, television, and concert dance.

6. It has evolved over the years, with different styles emerging, such as lyrical jazz, contemporary
jazz, and Broadway jazz, each with its own unique characteristics.

7. Jazz dance is a challenging yet rewarding style that requires a strong foundation in technique,
musicality, and expressiveness.

8. It offers dancers a unique opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their physicality, and
connect with the rich history and cultural heritage of this dynamic art form.
Contemporary
Dance
1. A Departure from Tradition: Contemporary dance emerged in
the mid-20th century as a rebellion against the rigid rules and
conventions of classical ballet. It sought to break free from
traditional forms and embrace a more fluid, expressive, and
personal approach to movement.
2. Embracing the Human Experience: Contemporary dance is
deeply rooted in exploring and expressing the complexities of
human emotions, experiences, and relationships. It often delves
into themes of individuality, societal issues, and the human
condition.
3. A Fusion of Influences: Drawing inspiration from various
dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, jazz, and even
everyday movement, contemporary dance embraces a diverse
range of techniques and aesthetics.
4. Key Characteristics:

- Fluid Movement: Contemporary dance emphasizes smooth, flowing movements, often utilizing a wide
range of dynamic qualities, from sharp and angular to lyrical and fluid.
- Expressive Gestures: Movement is used as a powerful tool to communicate emotions, ideas, and stories,
often exploring themes of vulnerability, strength, and resilience.
- Improvisation: Spontaneity and creative exploration play a vital role in contemporary dance, allowing
dancers to discover new movement possibilities and express their unique artistic voices.
- Emphasis on the Body: The body is treated as a vessel of expression, with dancers exploring its full
range of movement capabilities and pushing the boundaries of physicality.
5. A Diverse Landscape: Contemporary dance encompasses a vast array of styles, each with its own
distinct characteristics and artistic vision. Some notable styles include:

- Ballet-Based Contemporary: Incorporates elements of ballet technique, emphasizing fluidity, grace, and
precision, while incorporating a more expressive and emotional approach.
- Modern-Based Contemporary: Draws inspiration from the principles of modern dance, focusing on
exploring the human condition, social issues, and personal narratives through movement.
- Postmodern Contemporary: Challenges traditional dance structures and explores new ways of moving
and interacting with space, often incorporating elements of everyday movement and improvisation.
6. A Continuous Evolution: Contemporary dance is a
constantly evolving art form, with new styles and
techniques emerging as dancers and choreographers
continue to push boundaries and explore new possibilities
of movement and expression.
7. A Dance of the Soul: Contemporary dance offers a
powerful and transformative experience for both dancers
and audiences. It invites us to connect with our own
emotions, explore the depths of human experience, and
appreciate the beauty and power of movement as a form
of artistic expression.
Timeline of Jazz &
Contemporary Dance
1950s-1960s 1970s-Present
20th Century 1930s-1940s

Jazz

Contemporary
Mid-20th 1950s- 1970s-
Century 1960s Present
1. Syncopated Rhythms: Moving to the
offbeat, creating a dynamic and engaging
interplay between movement and music.
2. Isolations: Moving specific body parts
independently, creating intricate and

Elements
expressive patterns.
3. Expressive Gestures: Utilizing the

of Jazz
entire body to convey emotions, stories,
and characters.
4. Turns: Rotational movements executed
with fluidity and dynamism. Dance
5. Leaps: Powerful jumps showcasing
athleticism and grace.
6. Jumps: Quick and energetic
movements adding energy and rhythm.
7. Floorwork: Intricate movements on the
floor, incorporating rolls, slides, and
isolations.
8. Improvisation: Spontaneous and
creative exploration of movement

Elements
possibilities.
9. Musicality: Moving in sync with the

of Jazz
rhythm, phrasing, and dynamics of the
music.

Dance
Elements of
Contemporary Dance
1. Fluid Movement: Emphasis on smooth, flowing movements, utilizing a wide range
of dynamic qualities.
2. Expressive Gestures: Movement used to communicate emotions, ideas, and
stories.
3. Improvisation: Spontaneity and creative exploration of movement possibilities.
4. Emphasis on the Body: The body is treated as a vessel of expression, exploring
its full range of movement capabilities.
5. Exploration of Human Experience: Delving into themes of individuality, societal
issues, and the human condition.
6. Fusion of Influences: Drawing inspiration from various dance styles, including
ballet, modern dance, jazz, and everyday movement.
Basic Steps
in Jazz
Dance
Forward &
Cross point Backward step Side Step Kick Ball Change

Step Ball Grapevine Jazz Slide

CHANGE Paddle Turn
Movement
Qualities in
Contemporary
Dance
- Flowing: Smooth, continuous movements, often with a
sense of fluidity and weightlessness.
- Contraction and Release: A core concept where the body
moves in and out, creating tension and release.
- Percussive: Sharp, staccato movements, emphasizing
impact and energy.
- Weight Shifting: Shifting body weight to create dynamic
changes in movement.
- Fall and Recovery: Controlled movements where the
dancer falls and then recovers, often used to express
vulnerability or power.
Thank you!!!!