Jazz is what I would call one of the most popular styles of dance. It is commonly used on Broadway, in music videos, in competitive dance and in other forms of dance entertainment. Many styles of dance have roots in jazz, or borrow moves from jazz.


Many steps in jazz are similar to those in ballet, and many steps that are set to jazz are used in other styles of dance.
Some common steps are:

• ball change
• pas de bourree
• pivot step
• rise
• jazz runs
• kicks

Some common turns are:

• pique
• pirouette
• chaine
• pas de chat
• lame duck
• axel

Some common jumps/leaps are:

• jete
• switch split
• stag leap
• rush in(split leap)

Jazz is believed to have originated from African American dance. The jazz dance we know today began to evolve in the early 1900's with dances like the Charleston, the Jitterbug, Swing dancing, and Lindy Hop. After the mid 1900's some individuals began to turn these dances into the jazz we recognize. One of these individuals was Katherine Dunham. Katherine Dunham turned these dances into a performing art. Jazz is a dance that may still evolve, but not quickly. Many of the moves in jazz are set to jazz, and although the music and styles may be altered, I expect the steps to stay the same for the most part.

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© 2009 Jordynn