Jazz Dance

Catalog description

An exploration of jazz dance technique throughout history. DANCE 240 Jazz Dance (1.5 per semester/maximum of 6) (GA) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. DANCE 240 is an exploration of Jazz Dance. The course is designed for any student with an interest in Jazz Dance and to support the Dance Studies Minor. This class explores the many styles and genres of jazz dance developed through American history. Emphasis is placed on the development of a personal jazz dance style, exploration, and self-expression. Jazz dance, as a technique class, has at its core, increasing the strength, alignment and flexibility of each dancer. Each semester the dancer will be introduced to different styles of jazz which will require a changing perspective of the body and its' movement. Movement classes will be supported through viewing a variety of the dance styles being studied. In each style, daily movement experiences will be introduced to build coordination, flexibility and strength, as well as the understanding of the particular jazz dance idiom. These experiences will take place in the center floor, across the floor accumulations, and culminate in a combination of all these experiences in a dance to develop their potential as a performer. Connections to the social aspect of jazz dance will be consistently addressed, as all dance forms are vernacular in origin. Jazz dance, being a true American dance form, has its roots in the late 1800's and early 1900's with a pre-history in Africa and West Indies. The desire for self-expression through physical movement drove the dance form to a formal art expression on the concert stage. This connection to the vernacular has been maintained in the jazz dance idiom. The exploration in Jazz Dance emphasizes the individual expression through movement in response to music particular to the style being presented in each semester.