So you’ve nailed the basics of jazz dance—those crisp isolations, smooth pivots, and sassy walks. Now it’s time to level up! Intermediate jazz is where technique meets artistry, and your movement starts telling stories. Let’s break down five essential moves that’ll sharpen your skills and add flair to your repertoire.
1. The Jazz Pirouette (With Attitude)
Why it matters: Turns separate beginners from intermediates. A jazz pirouette isn’t just a ballet spin—it’s sharper, faster, and often ends with a dramatic pose.
- Start in parallel or jazz fourth position
- Spot aggressively (think "snap your head around")
- Finish with a hip pop or angular arm for style
2. The Barrel Jump
Why it matters: This aerial move adds wow factor to combinations. It’s all about controlled power.
- Prep with a deep plié and strong arm swing
- Tuck knees to chest mid-air while arching back
- Land in plié to protect your knees
2025 Trend: Try landing in a jazz slide for extra drama.
3. The Contraction-Release Combo
Why it matters: Borrowed from modern dance but jazzed up, this move builds core control and emotional expression.
- Initiate contractions from the solar plexus
- Pair with breath (sharp exhale on contraction)
- Add jazz hands or a head roll during release
4. The Jazz Square (Advanced Variation)
Why it matters: The humble jazz square gets a 2025 upgrade with syncopated timing and directional changes.
- Try crossing back first instead of forward
- Add a heel pop on the third step
- Experiment with levels (sink into plié on step 2)
5. The Flick-Kick-Slide
Why it matters: This three-part move trains precision and transitions—key for contemporary jazz choreography.
- Flick: Brush foot forward with pointed toe
- Kick: Immediately extend into a high kick
- Slide: Lower into a sideways jazz slide
Styling tip: Add a shimmy during the slide for sass.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’ve got these moves in your toolkit, try linking them in a short combo:
Jazz square → Barrel jump → 2 jazz pirouettes → Contraction-release → Flick-kick-slide
Remember: Intermediate jazz is about intention as much as technique. Play with facial expressions, dynamics (sharp vs. smooth), and personal flair. Want more? Check out our 2025 Jazz Fusion Challenge for cutting-edge variations!
