Jazz dance has two meanings, depending on the era. Both forms are related by evolution.

• From ? until 1955, jazz dance meant tap dance, because jazz was the music and tap was the main performance dance of the era. See Tap dance.
• After 1955, jazz dance evolved into the smooth, modern Broadway style that is taught today.

The first popular "jazz dancer" was vaudeville star Joe Frisco in the 1910s. He danced in a loose-limbed style close to the ground, with eccentric steps, and juggled his derby and cigar.

Jazz dance is a form of dance commonly used in Broadway shows and movies. Jazz is a less serious looking, looser kind of dance compared to ballet, for instance. Even though jazz dancing might look easy and fun when the dancers do it, most times the dancers have to be in really good shape, and practice sometimes six hours a day. Some traditional jazz numbers are 'All That Jazz' and 'Chicago'.

In jazz dancing the movements are big and exaggerated and there is usually an attitude the dancer conveys to the audience. The attitude would depend on the dance. For example in a modern number like "Livin' La Vida Loca", the dancer would probably be happy, and look like they were at a party having a really rockin' time. That would give the dance a profesional look. Jazz dancing is also used in modern dancing as on MTV. Las Vegas showgirls are also jazz dancers.

Just about every dance school teaches jazz.

Famous jazz directors/ choreographers include: Bob Fosse Gwen Verdon

Well known Jazz dances includes: All That Jazz CanCan Damn Yankees The Red Mill

See also

• Dance
• Tap dance