What Is Jazz Dance? And 5 Basic Jazz Dance Steps
The form, style, rhythm, and energy. These four basic elements of jazz dance make it a perfect tool for becoming a professional cheerleader.
Dancing is a critical aspect of pro cheerleading. You need to be able to match the beat and maintain good form while dancing. So if you're aspiring to be part of a pro cheer team, taking dance lessons and perfecting your style is important.
One way to enhance your cheer dance skill is to take jazz lessons. Jazz dance teaches you the movements and body postures that are essential in the cheerleading arena. This article discusses different jazz dance moves that will equip you with the necessary skills for your tryouts.
What is Jazz Dance, anyway?
Before trying out different jazz dance moves, it's important that you first know the essence of jazz dance.
Jazz dance is a social dance introduced by African Americans in the 20th century. It began as a mixture of traditional American steps and European movements, and it's centered around improvisation and creativity.
Jazz dance is also a lively style of dancing. It requires high energy with sharp yet fluid movements. One major characteristic of jazz dance is isolating one body part. Often, dancers move one part of their bodies, like their head or hips, while the rest remains still.
5 Jazz Dance Moves
Through jazz dance, you'll learn the steps and footwork, which is the basis for many pro cheerleading routines. Here are 5 basic jazz dance moves to get you started.
1. Jazz walk
Jazz walks are a stylish form of dance walking with tiptoeing steps. Start with your knees slightly bent and your shoulders rolled back. Then step while tiptoeing. Jazz walk routines can vary depending on the direction of the steps.
2. Ball Change Cross
In ball change, you use the balls of your feet to quickly transfer weight from one foot to the next. Then do the cross by crossing one leg forward to the other side.
3. Box Step or Jazz Square
It's a four-step movement making a square pattern on the floor. Start by using your right foot to step in front, then use your left foot to cross towards your right, then your right foot step back, and lastly, use your left foot to step towards your left. Repeat this multiple times, and that's your jazz square.
Note that you can also change the direction, as long as it forms a square pattern.
4. Pirouette
Pirouette is executed by turning your body using one foot. In jazz, prepare by first putting your left foot back with its back hill lifted up. Your arms should be on the same level as your chest while bending your knees slightly. Then, give enough push to turn while lifting your left leg up and putting the weight on your right front hill.
5. Chasse
Chasse is a step-together-step movement where you step your right leg out, then hop, bringing your left foot up to meet your right foot before landing. You can also change sides by starting with your left leg out.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many basic steps in jazz. If you want to learn more, check out this video showing 10 basic jazz dance moves. It's also a good idea if you take a jazz dance class or lessons to have an instructor that will examine your moves and provide feedback.
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