Jazz Dance There are many ways to express jazz, but the following is a guideline.

All jazz dance works must be creative expressions that clearly understand and are inspired by the various genres and styles that fall under the jazz dance umbrella.

Other dance forms and styles must not override the elements and techniques required for jazz dance. The techniques in this genre are very clearly described and are necessary for fair and honest judging.

Please note: Acrobatic dance and gymnastics skills are not a substitute for jazz technique and choreography. When choreography uses acrobatic elements, the acrobatic movements must be integral to the main delivery of the jazz choreography and have a genuine connection to the dance story and composition.

Jazz music forms an important part of jazz choreography. Choosing the right music naturally reinforces the elements of jazz dance and also helps to understand musicality, syncopation, dynamics and provides an overall visual for the choreography.

Broadway/West End Jazz Dance Style

The dance technique and style should be indicative of the jazz genre. It should be inspired by, but not exactly copy, famous Broadway shows or dance musicals of the past or present. Examples include: Chicago, Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, All That Jazz, West Side Story, and more recent shows such as: In the Heights, Flash Dance, Chorus Line, Motown, Memphis, The Lion King, Dream Girls, An American in Paris, 42nd Street, Five Guys Named Mo, Sister Act, An American in Paris. The genre is home to many inspiring choreographers, such as Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins.

Lyrical Jazz Dance

This is a style of jazz choreography that is more emotionally engaging and immersive than jazz music. The elements and expression of lyrical jazz are a fusion between the dancer and the creative content of the music. Jazz dance technique is the primary source of choreographic creativity. Lyrical jazz is not about dancing to song lyrics, nor is it about using contemporary dance styles, techniques, or performances.

Jazz is full of emotionally rich, slow-tempo pieces that provide a wonderful platform and canvas for creating original lyrical jazz dance, both solo and in groups.

Afro jazz dance

It incorporates African aesthetics into jazz dance traditions.

The music selected for the choreography must reflect the true expression and appropriate technical elements of Afro-Jazz dance.

Afro-jazz dance can easily represent the more dramatic, dynamic, and stylized choreography of jazz dance, and can express the Afro-jazz aesthetic in performance.