Modern jazz – is the basis of modern pop dance. Modernity is the beginning of the classical dance, all the attention to it – on the search for balance and use of the body to create a form in space. The main difficulty in dancing jazz-modern is that it is largely opposed to the laws of classical dance, as well as being its logical continuation!
The roots of this trend to be found in the dance culture of African Americans. Improvisation is implicit in the very nature of Afro-jazz gets modern jazz a logical continuation and reaches a certain turn of history. Sharp lines, completeness movements not deny with the smooth flowing poses from one to another. Bizarre and somewhat «Space Art» choreographic solutions reflect musical idea – after the music, body sensitively repeats whimsical drawing! Much attention is paid to finding the balance of the dance and the use of the body to create a form in space.
USA enriched the world of choreography of the two artistic elements: the «free» Duncan dance and jazz African Americans. Feature jazz dance – it is the absolute freedom of movement. For 300 years, from 16 to 19 century, blacks were brought from Africa to Latin America and the United States. Once in America, they quickly recovered their own customs and holidays. But instead of drums negros clapped their hands and feet to beat the rhythm. However, there are other process. Due to the fact that the main population of the United States were resettled Irish, the Scots and the English, the dances of these people are a major part of art and everyday life. European and Negro art influence each other, and eventually mixed.
In the late 18th century in the great cities of the North began to appear musical shows for white people, they white-skinned dancers, wearing masks and costumes blacks, imitated African dances and songs. The first Negro performer of jazz dance, which went down in history, is the «Master Juba». Blacks were allowed to perform on stage just after the Civil War ended in the USA. But because of the small number of Negro groups, mainly developed vaudeville, comedy and sketch. Despite the fact that negros could perform on a professional stage, it was thought that the «black» dance – it is independent of each other, with no logic and clumsy movements.
With time and white dancers began to realize the beauty and complexity of this type of dance. One of the first performers of jazz dance is George Primrose. Since the 90’s to the end of the Second World War – the next stage in the development of jazz dance as a unique technology, which has its own school system and movement. During this time, jazz dance influences consumer and theater dance, as well as ballet.
Between 1890 and 1916 there is a real triumph of the «black» and dance on domestic dancing. They dance in America and in Europe. Around this time, noted the appearance of the word «jazz» and «jazz dance.» 1917-1930 are the peak years of jazz dance. «Black» dance and music appear in musical productions in Harlem and on Broadway. Stunning artists of this period – Bert Williams, Bill Robinson, and Back Babols participated in musical performances in the «black» variety of Harlem.
Show «shuffle Elong» (1921) marked the beginning of «black» revue on Broadway. In 1933, Doris Humphrey’s choreography creates Negro Opera «Run, little children.» This was the first attempt to make a serious work based on the African-American dance. Real triumph was staged in 1935, George Gershwin’s opera «Porgy and Bess.» But the most popular dancer, choreographer and ethnographer, writer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham is that developed the theory and technique of jazz dance. She created a series of jazz performances, which include «Tropical and hot jazz,» «Cabin in the air», «Tropical Revue». Important role jazz dance has had on the development of the musical. In the 50-60’s there are talented young choreographers, Ross, B. Voss, M. Kidd and H. Champion.
In the late 60’s jazz dance takes its place confidently in the direction of modern dance. This home dance, film, theater dance, dance performances. He absorbs the elements of the various dances. As a result, a process of unification of basic schools, a new choreography and direction – modern jazz dance.