Jazz Dance Steps

Jazz dance is profoundly determined by jazz music in its sounds, rhythms and techniques. It is more popular in the United States than in Europe. Its style, which is energetic, abstract, sensuous, clean and cool is what makes jazz dance different from other types of dances. Till the mid 1950s, jazz dance was associated with tap dance which was the main dance presentation of the era. It was initiated by the African-American community in the United States. Before you get ready to know how to dance jazz it's important to know about the warm-up exercises that should be done, especially if you are dancing after a long time. You can try yoga or any other exercise to loosen your stiff muscles. In terms of jazz dance steps, ideas and opinions are varied but there are some basic steps which you cannot segregate from the dance repertoire.

1. Jazz Square: One of the most iconic moves, it is done either on the left or right side with some extreme twists in the upper body.
2. Isolations: For hands and limbs, it is quite easy but you will have to isolate the chest and the hips as well to really master the dance form. You can also warm up with isolations.
3. Chasse: It is literally a 'chasing' step where you put one step forward and bring the other foot from behind. It has its origin in Ballet.
4. Jazz Layout: This step is frequently used in posters and images as it can effectively portray the excitement involved in the dance form. This move requires balance and flexibility.
5. Jazz Walk: It requires the dancers to walk straight in a plié with the shoulders in counter positions.

Besides these, there are also ball change, catwalk, catch step, fall over the log, hip walk, moon walk, pivot step, touch, twist, etc. to name a few.

Jazz Dance Techniques
Technique is the core of any dance movement. To perfect a dance step, it is important that you learn the techniques correctly. Jack Cole, considered the father of jazz dance techniques developed different styles of this dance form. His techniques were employed in various videos, television commercials, films and musicals. Rapid directional changes, angled placement and long knee slides remain his trademark. Another name worth mentioning is Bob Fosse. He was a choreographer, and a film director. Rounded shoulders, inward knees and full bodied isolations were his forte. Other names to reckon with jazz dance techniques are Katherine Dunham, Gus Giordano, Jerome Robbins and Gwen Verdon.

Learning jazz is a great way to stay in shape and jazz dance classes are conducted everywhere. To improve the jazz dance steps, it is recommended that you learn some other dance forms like ballet and hip hop. Personal instruction is necessary to learn the dance which you can acquire by enrolling in a dance studio. Though you can pick out a DVD to learn the basic steps, it is always better to take professional help to master the art form. There is always a great demand for skilled jazz dancers in Broadway productions and dance performances all over the world. Noted choreographers have their hands full working in a variety of genres, television commercials, drill teams, etc.

Costumes and Attire for Jazz Dance
It's showtime folks! Make sure you have the proper costumes to go with your performance. Jazz dance costumes and shoes are considered to be one of the most elegant dance costumes with all the flash and crazy colors. They are sometimes delectable but should be very fitted. But in case of lyrical jazz, the color and detailing may be a little subdued. The costumes are more inclined towards the ballet costumes which are floaty and feminine.

So what are you waiting for? Get on your dance shoes, put on some jazz music, try out some of those jazz dance steps and let your feet just sway to the rhythm.