Where did Jazz Dance originate?
Dancers in Congo Square, New Orleans.
Jazz dance first started in the late nineteenth century. It was first introduced by African Americans in New Orleans, an important Jazz centre. There, many African Americans would dance many of their cultural dances which were brought over from Africa. Of course, over the years of being in America, many of their dances were influenced by European backgrounds of the slave owners. The only place where it was left "untouched" by the white men's influence was Congo Square in New Orleans. There, the African Americans were permitted to dance however they wanted by the French and Spanish Catholics who lived in the area at the time. It gave the African Americans a place to dance freely, while being monitored by the Catholics so that plans for revolt and secret voodoo dances could be avoided.
After watching the African Americans' dances, the white men started to create stereotypes. In the 1800s, they would imitate the slaves' dancing and would even go as far as to blacken their faces as well! A professional dancer, John Durang, from 1789 described a routine he created as containing "shuffles" just like the movements that slave dancers used. The first ever worldwide known dance was created in 1828 by imitating slaves and was called "Jump Jim Crow" by Thomas Rice. It was actually based on a crippled slaves' movements and became the beginning of an era of American entertainment founded on the slightly unjust stereotype of the dancing slave.
It wasn't just in America where Jazz dance was popular
Since the 1920s, Jazz dance has been a popular dance style that is constantly changing with the culture. Depending on the popular culture, Jazz dance will reflect this culture. Crucial parts of Jazz are the improvisation and individuality. Some of the many types of Jazz dance that are still well known around the world are the Charleston and Black Bottom (from the 1920s) and theatrical Jazz which includes funky Jazz and lyrical Jazz (which many dancers are still taking and studying even now).
- Rachel Burke
After watching the African Americans' dances, the white men started to create stereotypes. In the 1800s, they would imitate the slaves' dancing and would even go as far as to blacken their faces as well! A professional dancer, John Durang, from 1789 described a routine he created as containing "shuffles" just like the movements that slave dancers used. The first ever worldwide known dance was created in 1828 by imitating slaves and was called "Jump Jim Crow" by Thomas Rice. It was actually based on a crippled slaves' movements and became the beginning of an era of American entertainment founded on the slightly unjust stereotype of the dancing slave.
It wasn't just in America where Jazz dance was popular
Since the 1920s, Jazz dance has been a popular dance style that is constantly changing with the culture. Depending on the popular culture, Jazz dance will reflect this culture. Crucial parts of Jazz are the improvisation and individuality. Some of the many types of Jazz dance that are still well known around the world are the Charleston and Black Bottom (from the 1920s) and theatrical Jazz which includes funky Jazz and lyrical Jazz (which many dancers are still taking and studying even now).
- Rachel Burke
Bibliography:
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112398/jazz.htm
http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/jazz.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112398/jazz.htm
http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/jazz.htm