Jazz dance and its inherent music is recognised as one of the original and most potent art forms of the last two centuries. From its African roots to our present-day global dance community, the jazz idiom has afforded a cross-fertilization with all other artistic, cultural and social representations within the arts industry, providing an accessible dance platform for dancers, teachers and creatives to enjoy both recreationally and professionally.
The Essential Guide to Jazz Dance is the ideal companion for dancers of all abilities, dance teachers, choreographers and creative artists, as well as all jazz dance enthusiasts. It offers a practical and uncomplicated overview to the multi-layered history, practices and development of jazz dance as a creative and artistic dance form, including:
- The incredible history and lineage of jazz dance, highlighting the innovators, choreographers and dance creatives of the genre
- Specifics of the jazz aesthetic, steps and styles
- An insightful and detailed breakdown of a practical jazz dance warm-up and technical exercises
- Creative frameworks to support development of jazz dance expression and aesthetic
- Performance and improvisation Jazz music and musical interpretation
- Choreographing and creating jazz works
With over 230 photographs and a wealth of tips and advice, The Essential Guide to Jazz Dance provides an authentic framework to support, enlighten and encourage a candid understanding of the true heart and soul of jazz dance.