A History of Jazz

Over the last few years of research, it has become clear to me that what many of us were taught about jazz dance were not based on the original intention of this style. The style / styles that so many of us call jazz dance are truly beautiful, BUT… are they jazz? Jazz dance is a way of being, an expression of a life lived and one’s life experiences day in and day out. It is a social dance, based on community and culture. It is self-expression shown through improvisation, the same way jazz music and tap dance were born. Jazz dance evolves from this same development process.

New Orleans was a melting pot of different cultures worldwide in the early 20th century. A major part of the population coming into the city at this time were from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. This movement brought many different styles of dance to America – before the birth of jazz dance. The West African culture had a major influence on this movement as it did with jazz music, hence the name jazz dance. Born out of oppression and slavery, from Congo Square and the racial divide, these dances provided a way to express, celebrate, cry out, rebel and connect to a higher power. The African people who were exposed to and living through these unspeakable times used dancing, singing and music to dig into their deepest feelings, to rise above, and come together. This is how jazz dance is best expressed. Jazz and (it must be noted because of its direct connection to jazz music) MUST have a sense of feeling; without this feeling it is simply NOT THE ORIGINAL.

Over time there were and still are many different influences that have caused jazz to evolve from its’ traditional roots of the vernacular style, Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. Many critics today would say, jazz dance has become very diluted from its original form and that the other forms referred to as jazz dance, lack any of the fundamentals of traditional jazz dance. From the social dance halls like the Savoy ballroom in Harlem, nicknamed “the home of happy feet” dancing, to the swinging big bands of the era where Lindy Hop and Solo jazz were born, to countless dance studios all over the world, to the stages of Broadway and onto the big screens of motion pictures, jazz dance is alive and going strong in its’ various forms. Jazz would not exist without people and our related life experiences. Good or bad jazz dance reflects who we are, where we’ve come from and where we are headed. It represents the building blocks of community, nations and cultures.

The term jazz dance has truly evolved over the last century. Referencing the book “Jazz Dance – A History of the Roots and Branches”, and specifically the jazz tree, we see that vernacular jazz dance is at the root. However, it needs to be mentioned that Lindy Hop and Solo jazz were where it all originated. There are many branches on this tree that represent other styles that hold the term “something” jazz. You are left to decide to come up with your own answers about the origins of jazz dance and where today’s jazz dancing fits into the mosaic. It’s an amazing history to explore, being both eye-opening and humbling. Importantly, some people might argue (and they make a valid point) that the “other styles” we call jazz are simply not jazz. They do not hold onto or have any of the critical fundamental foundations that real jazz dance must contain to be called jazz. These other styles are beautiful, dynamic and vibrant in our era however, so it is important that we recognize what authentic jazz dance is and what it isn’t. Below is a list of other styles that have been called and are still called jazz dance today that evolved from the traditional style. Not all styles are mentioned here, there are others, and again, we recommend that you take the time to dive down the rabbit hole and research as many styles as you can, to see where the connections and disconnections occur. Most importantly you should be willing to learn, so that we can honour the history, the people that pioneered this art form, and the ones who are carrying it forward.

• Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz – Considered the original form of Swing dancing and the beginning of jazz dance, Lindy Hop and Solo jazz are American dance forms that originated in the ballrooms of Harlem between the 1920’s to the 1940’s. That time period in the jazz music scene was the considered the swing era where these forms evolved. Lindy Hop was danced with a partner and Solo jazz alone, and both were a part of the jazz music culture and have had a large influence on other jazz dance forms as well. We recommend that you Check out the movie Hellzapoppin 1941 where you can watch one of the most iconic lindy hop pieces of choreography ever. Also look up the iconic group Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers where you can find and watch the pioneers of this form
  
• Authentic Jazz Dance or “just Jazz” – Developed alongside jazz music from the 1920’s to the 1940’s there is a clear relationship and connection to African movement. Danced to jazz music, there is also a heavy connection to swing and syncopation. Syncopation are beats that lie between the downbeat or quarter note. Another very important element is improvisation; improvisation is a key element in this movement. It is directly connected to history and culture. It was performed then and should be practiced today as well. It develops your courage to trust yourself and forces you to really listen to the music and know your tune. Improvisation is also a key element of jazz music.
  
• Tap Dance – A percussive style of dance (and music) done today with metal taps on the bottom of a pair of shoes. Tap dance has a direct connection to authentic jazz dance and jazz music. It is a conjoining of African and European cultures forced to live in the same demographic location. Based on society at the time, tap dance is an American art form like its close relatives jazz music and jazz dance. Tap dance incorporates many of the same values as its cousins with values focused on syncopation, swing, improvisation and more but, the articulation is based in the footwork. For a deeper dive into the history of tap dance please refer to the write up on this website focussed on this form specifically.
  
• Rhythm Jazz Dance – Rooted in African American dance and music this form is danced (as a matter of speech) from “the inside out”, usually with a deep understanding of the musical forms of jazz and blues and with an understanding of intricate rhythms a heavy sense of feel and groove. Dancers that perform this style are usually more grounded and lower to the floor; body relaxed so they can really sit into the beat or the pocket. A sense of swing and improvisation are also a big part of this style.
  
• Theatrical Jazz Dance – Representing a fusion of styles with a heavy accent on ballet and its technical requirements as well as vernacular at its foundation. You can also see other ethnic styles fused into Theatrical jazz like modern, tap dance and other jazz dance styles. Theatrical jazz was and still is very popular with audiences when performed on stages such as Broadway and other venues, Renowned choreographer and teacher Jack Cole had a big influence here and is considered to be the father of theatrical jazz. His work in the 1940’s marked a shift from authentic jazz to jazz – influenced dance.
  
• Afro – Caribbean Jazz Dance – This style is a blend of African, European and indigenous movement. The movement is very specific to the Caribbean vocabulary and is danced to the music that comes out of and represents the Caribbean culture. Katherine Dunham was the main influence of this style in the United States.
  
• Club Jazz Dance – Developed in Britain in the 1980’s and influenced form American jazz music of the early 1900’s. These were club dancers inspired by some of the greats such as the Nicholas Brothers (Tap dancers) Whiteys Lindy Hoppers and Mamma Lu Parks. Fast footwork, syncopation, flash moves such as spins drops and splits can be seen in this style. Some references to check out to see this style danced are “Brothers in Jazz” and “IDJ” (I do Jazz) You can find these groups on YouTube.
  
• Broadway Jazz Dance / Musical Theatre Jazz Dance – This style could include any type of jazz that has ever appeared on Broadway. As with Theatrical jazz dance you can see a blend of other styles such as modern tap dance or any other stye that fits the requirements or needs of the show. These jazz dance styles mainly serve the purpose of entertainment and were the choreographic foundation for Broadway shows going back to the 1940’s.
  
• Classical Jazz Dance – This style could be put into 2 different categories 1. “Authentic Jazz” that developed in the 1920’s alongside jazz music and was a free movement mainly done socially with some steps that were given names but not based heavily on structure. 2. A time when jazz was beginning to expand from it’s origins to more structured codified methods and was danced with set choreography in shows on Broadway and abroad. There were many master teachers and choreographers that had major influences in the codified methods that will be mentioned later in this write up.
  
• Commercial Jazz Dance – This style is based heavily on performance for profit, used for selling a product from anything that is pop influenced. Performed in venues such as Las Vegas nightclubs TV or in film.
  
• Lyrical Jazz – Beginning in the 1960’s and danced to a ballad (slow tempo) this style incorporates ballet techniques with an emotional context. The movement is usually influenced by the lyrics and is quite emotionally expressive in the performance.
  
• Pop Jazz Dance – Performed to popular music this style is mainly seen at dance conventions dance competitions and in private dance studios.
  
• Vernacular Jazz – This is the social dance style of the everyday people and can be danced by anyone without formal training. The main influence came out of Africa the West Indies but does also have European influences as well. Very reflective of the free-spirited people of America in the early 1900’s Vernacular jazz screams personality of and individual and is expressed through improvisation and a deep connection to the music. This style represents a time, culture and community always changing and shifting as society changes and evolves. Here are a few very important things to know and recognize that are staples in what defines what we will call “real jazz” or “authentic jazz” or as stated in the name of this paragraph “vernacular jazz”
  
• Poly Rhythmic and Syncopation, a rhythmical approach very musical and always musically influenced
  
• Grounded, a bent torso danced very close to the ground and flat footed
  
• Improvisation, KEY! as this form developed alongside jazz music, improvisation was a key component to the evolution of jazz music therefore jazz dance as well. With improvisation there must always be a close relationship with the music or the band/musicians at all times.
  
• Polycentric, separate body parts moving differently at the same time
  
• Isolation, one body part moving in a specific way
  
• Community and individuality, coming together to celebrate a culture a way of life yet being able to express your individual self in a social environment.

As stated above these are not all the styles that have evolved from its original form. There are other styles of jazz dance out there. You can find these by doing research and seeking out community, online or reading books that will be mentioned later in this writeup.

Below are some names of the great masters of this dance from yesterday and today we recommend you look up and check out. Again, there are many more we could mention but the list would be very long. We highly recommend that you look up and check out as many jazz dancers as possible as the list is long and full of incredible dancers.

Herbert “Whitey” White – Date unknown
William Downes – Date unknown
Ann Johnson – Date unknown
Billy Ricker – Date unknown
Scuby Strohman – Date unknown
Thomas King – Date unknown
Esther Washington – Date unknown
George “Shorty” Snowden – 1904 – 1982
Earl “Snake Hips” Tucker – 1907 – 1937
Katherine Dunham – 1909 – 2006
Willa Mae Ricker – 1910 – 1978
Consuela Harris – 1910 -2000
Jack Cole – 1911 -1974
Leon James – 1913 – 1970
Ananias Berry – 1913 – 1951 (Also known for their tap dancing but without tap shoes. A part of the duo act “The Berry Brothers”)
Frankie Manning – 1914 – 2009
James Berry – 1915 – 1996 (Also known for their tap but without tap shoes dancing. A part of the duo act “The Berry Brothers”)
Alfred “Pepsi” Bethel – 1918 -2000
Norma Miller – 1919 -2019
Frances “Mickey” Jones – 1919 – 1982
Sandra Gibson – 1919 – unknown
Al Minns – 1920 – 1985
Matt Mattox – 1921- 2013
Gus Giordano – 1923- 2008
Eugene Louis Faccuito Luigi – 1925 -2015
Bob Fosse – 1927 -1987
Donald McKayle – 1930 – 2018
Frank Hatchett – 1935 -2013
Sheri Gold – 1935 – 1994
Jo Jo Smith – 1938 – 2019
Melanie George
Bebe Miller
LaTasha Barnes
Lynn Simonson
Brian Foley
Fred Connect
Dianne Mclntyre
Sekou Mc Miller
Camille A Brown
Chester Whitmore

It is so easy to access information these days. You can find information on all of these people online or in books. If you decide to go down this amazing rabbit hole you won’t be disappointed, it’s truly an inspiring journey!

Here is a list of books we recommend. These books are wonderful resources which provide information on the stories and history of jazz dance from different peoples’ perspectives that we feel you will thoroughly enjoy. These are all accessible on Amazon.

Jazz Dance A History of the Roots and Branches
Jazz Dance The Story of American Vernacular Dance
The story of Jazz (based on jazz music but integral to the connection to jazz dance)
Comments on Jazz Dance
Beginning Jazz Dance
Jazz Dance Class Beginning thru Advanced
Rooted Jazz Dance Africanist Aesthetics and Equity in the 21st Century
The Essential Guide to Jazz Dance
Frank Hatchett’s Jazz Dance
Gotta Dance The Rhythms of Jazz and Tap
Swingin at the Savoy

Some great movies and documentaries and jazz dance clips to check out

“Hell’s a Poppin” (as stated earlier in this write up)
“Swing Out”
“Jazz Continuum” LaTash Barnes
“Uprooted” The Journye of Jazz Dance
“The Spirit Moves” (part 1 and 2) Mura Dehn
“Barrel House Blues” Catherine Dunham
“Kismet” Jack Cole (Hindu Swing style) performed on the Perry Como show 1955
“Sing Sing Sing” Jack Cole
“Sing Sing Sing” Bob Fosse 1988
Ksenia Parkhatskaya (jazz dancer) great YouTube clip highly recommended!

We hope this brief outline has given you enough information and insight to get started on your own journey into jazz dance. We encourage you to stay inspired, to dig deeper, look further and share the stories and information with your people, your students and anyone who will listen.

Enjoy the journey!