Jazz dance and its inherent music is recognized 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
offers a practical and uncomplicated overview to the multi-layered
history, practices and development of jazz dance as a creative and
artistic dance form. It covers the incredible history and lineage of
jazz dance; the innovators, choreographers and dance creatives of the
genre; specifics of jazz aesthetic, steps and styles; a 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, and finally, choreographing and creating jazz works.
With over 230 colour photos and a wealth of tips and advice, this new
book will be an ideal reading companion for dancers of all abilities,
dance teachers, choreographers as well as all jazz dance enthusiasts.
