What is Jazz Dance?
As a general term, jazz dance encompasses such a dizzying range of styles and eras that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint. Originating from West African musical tradition, jazz dance has grown from the streets of New Orleans to Vaudeville to Broadway musical theatre to the jazz concert stage. Jazz has evolved over the 20th century to include the lively Lindy Hop, the sleek stylings of musical theater legend Bob Fosse, and the hip-hop of todays hot young artists. For Marilyn York, the main focus of her career has been the classic approach to jazz dance. Classic jazz technique borrows heavily from the fluid lines of ballet, featuring broad, grounded movements and captivating music. Though it demands years of training, jazz allows dancers more freedom to showcase their personalities. Quality jazz dance is timeless. As a living artistic history, jazz dance stems from the heart of a nation never at rest. Kinetic yet fluid, technically acute yet hugely entertaining, jazz dance generates co
