Jazz Dance Steps

Dancers regularly combine basic jazz dance steps to create dance routines; add rhythmic, syncopated music to the mix, and the result is a dynamic and entertaining form of self-expression.

Ball changes involve both footwork and quick shifts in placement of the dancer’s weight. The word "ball" refers to the ball of the foot; in jazz choreography, you execute ball changes typically in conjunction with steps and/or kicks. For example, in a kick ball change, you might kick forward with your right foot, then step back with your right foot. You would then quickly transfer your weight to your left foot: the 'change' of the kick ball change, since your weight is then transferred from right to left.

This complex dance step combines an arched back with a leg extension or kick. In the most impressive-looking jazz layouts, you see the leg raised as high as possible, and the back arched far enough to resemble a partial backbend.

Many dancers consider the jazz layout to be the quintessential jazz dance movement.

This is a multi-step dance move where the dancer’s footwork forms a loosely defined square. Variations exist; dance the jazz square with or without arm movements, and incorporate it into a variety of dance routines.

The first step: one leg crosses in front of the other, or sometimes, behind the other. Initiate this movement in either direction. For example, start by standing with your weight on your left leg. Your right leg crosses in front of your left leg. Shift your weight onto your right leg. Next, swing your left leg back and place your weight on it. Step with your right leg and place your weight on it. Step forward with your left leg to complete the jazz square. At this point, you could begin another jazz square by crossing your right leg in front of your left leg again.

A jazz walk is a walk that incorporates the plié position. The jazz run is a faster, more intense version of the jazz walk.

There are multiple ways to perform a lunge; lunges are typically characterized by at least one bent leg. They may also include dramatic sweeping movements with the arms, in combination with an arched back. Dancers can perform either full lunges or half lunges.

Jazz choreographers include pirouettes, turns, kicks, leaps, falls, and a variety of other movements into their jazz dance routines. These movements are not unique to jazz dance, but are easily adapted to include a "jazzy" flair.

Each body part has its own vocabulary of typical jazz movements and poses. Incorporate these bits and pieces into the basic jazz steps described above.

To form jazz hands, spread your fingers wide apart. Your arms can be in any jazz-friendly position, but, typically, the palms of your hands will be facing outward. Jazz hands are particularly effective when combined with sharp, precise arm movements.

It is critical to incorporate hip motion into jazz dance steps. It is not sufficient to learn only the footwork; hip motion is one element that brings jazz dance to life.

Most dancers will want to go beyond just learning the basic jazz dance movements; they really come to life when you learn to combine them into jazz dance routines. Creating jazz routines is best done by using a variety of combinations so that you create your very own style; however, if you need inspiration, study the routines performed by famous jazz dancers to see how they combine steps.

Practice is the only way to improve, so it is essential to use what you’ve learned. After you’ve mastered the basic jazz dance steps, you might wish to join a performance group and participate in recitals. You can check with local dance studios and educational institutions to see if they offer jazz dance classes. Dance instruction DVDs provide additional opportunities to practice between classes. If you have an interest in choreography, you can even create your own dance routines for a group of others to perform. Whichever approach you take, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process.

• Written by: Amy Solovay.

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