Why Jazz Dance?

Jazz dance is a celebration of movement, personality, and rhythm. Born from African American traditions and infused with ballet, modern, and social dance elements, jazz is as diverse as it is dynamic. It's the dance style that gave us the iconic moves of Bob Fosse, the energy of Broadway, and the precision of commercial dance.

For beginners, jazz offers a fantastic foundation—improving coordination, musicality, flexibility, and confidence. Plus, it's incredibly fun!

Essential Jazz Moves for Beginners

Let's break down some fundamental jazz steps that every beginner should know. Practice these slowly at first, then gradually add speed and style.

Jazz Square

The jazz square is a classic four-step movement that forms a box pattern with your feet.

  1. Cross your right foot over your left
  2. Step back with your left foot
  3. Step to the side with your right foot
  4. Step forward with your left foot

Tip: Keep your weight centered and movements crisp. Add arm variations as you become more comfortable.

Ball Change

This quick weight transfer appears in countless jazz combinations.

  1. Step on the ball of your right foot behind you
  2. Quickly shift your weight back to your left foot

Tip: Keep it light and springy! The ball change is all about speed and precision.

Jazz Walk

The jazz walk is all about attitude and style—more than just ordinary walking.

  1. Point your toe first before placing your foot down
  2. Keep steps smooth and controlled
  3. Add a slight sway in your hips
  4. Maintain strong posture with shoulders back

Tip: Imagine you're moving through water—create resistance and purpose in each movement.

Pivot Turn

A basic but essential turning technique in jazz.

  1. Step forward with your right foot
  2. Turn 180 degrees on the balls of both feet
  3. End facing the opposite direction

Tip: Spot your head quickly to prevent dizziness—focus on a point in front of you as you turn.

Chassé

A graceful sliding step that adds flow to your combinations.

  1. Step to the side with your right foot
  2. Bring your left foot to meet your right
  3. Step again to the side with your right foot

Tip: Keep the movement smooth and continuous, like you're gliding across the floor.

Building Your Jazz Foundation

Beyond specific steps, jazz dance is built on fundamental principles that will transform your movement quality:

Isolation Mastery

Jazz dance emphasizes moving body parts independently. Practice isolating your head, shoulders, rib cage, and hips without other parts moving. This control creates those signature jazz articulations.

Strong Plié

Bent knees are a jazz signature. A strong, controlled plié (knee bend) gives you power for jumps, protects your knees from injury, and adds that characteristic jazz look.

Arms and Hands

Jazz hands aren't just a joke—they're part of the style! Practice creating clean, purposeful arm lines and learn when to use relaxed hands versus spread jazz hands.