JAZZ HISTORY

What is Jazz Dance? Is jazz dance a serious art form? Is art an idealization or reflection of a culture? Is art by definition upper class and aristocratic? Is jazz dance really an American art form? Jazz dance is referred to the close unique relationship between the music and the dance. Jazz moves. Jazz swings.

Jazz Energy Defining characteristic of jazz is the impulse to move called kinetic energy. This energy comes from the music. Jazz inventors amplified the feeling and the noises and the internal rhythms of the dancers. It was a cooperative outpouring of pent-up frustration and emotion.

The Jazz Culture Music and dance were considered separate entities in Europe. But when the unified African conceptual art met the European mind-set it nourished and produced JAZZ. Western African culture lived in collective society. When Africans were brought to America they found their physical, personal, and social strength became necessary for their survival as slaves. Africans were restricted from dancing and singing, therefore they used reserved means to celebrate by using hands, feet, mouth and bodies. The owners taught them European- style music and songs to dance and sing yet they never forgot their culture.

Project Due Tuesday Nov. 23 Produce a Time Line by using the article provided and the Internet to show the change and growth of Jazz Dance in Society. Use half of a poster board and visual aide to complete the project. On pages , begin your research on dates of events, for example, Broadway shows and Jazz dance style throughout American History. Vernon and Irene castle WWI Runnin wild - Charleston 1923