The unmistakable sounds of a Count Basie swing or an Ella Fitzgerald scat have long been the backbone of jazz dance classes. That classic, big band energy is timeless for a reason—it’s pure, undiluted rhythm. But jazz music didn't stop evolving in the 1950s, and neither has jazz dance. It's time to expand our playlists and discover the vibrant, genre-bending soundscape of modern jazz. These contemporary artists provide fresh rhythms, complex textures, and emotional depth that can inspire new movement, tell modern stories, and connect with today's dancers.
Why Modern Jazz for Dance Class?
Incorporating modern jazz artists does more than just update a playlist. It challenges dancers musically. The rhythms can be more intricate, the harmonies more surprising, and the song structures less predictable than the standard 32-bar form. This pushes dancers to develop a sharper ear, a deeper sense of musicality, and the ability to adapt to more complex phrasing. It’s an incredible tool for building versatile, intelligent performers.
Artists to Revolutionize Your Playlist
1. The Composer & Bandleader: Kamasi Washington
Why it works: Washington’s music is epic, spiritual, and drenched in soul. His compositions are often long, sweeping journeys with lush string arrangements, powerful horns, and a deep rhythmic foundation. It’s big band for the 21st century—grandiose and cinematic.
Perfect for: Powerful across-the-floor combinations, intense center work, and emotional lyrical pieces. The sheer force of his sound encourages big, expansive movement and deep connection.
Start with: "Truth," "The Rhythm Changes," "Street Fighter Mas."
2. The Groove Architect: Robert Glasper
Why it works: Glasper lives in the beautiful space where jazz, hip-hop, and R&B collide. His grooves are undeniable, often built on head-nodding beats that are perfect for dance. He takes familiar standards and reimagines them with a modern hip-hop sensibility, making them instantly accessible yet deeply musical.
Perfect for: Warm-ups, cool-downs, and slick, style-based combinations. The grooves are ideal for practicing isolation, texture, and rhythm.
Start with: His covers of "Afro Blue" (feat. Erykah Badu) or "Cherish the Day," or original tracks like "Gonna Be Alright."
3. The Electronic Fusionist: Ezra Collective
Why it works: This London-based quintet infuses traditional jazz instrumentation with the energy of Afrobeat, dub, and UK street music. It’s incredibly joyful, percussive, and impossible not to move to. The energy is infectious and uplifting.
Perfect for: High-energy across-the-floor sequences (think jazz runs, leaps, turns) and explosive, joyful combinations. It’s fantastic for building stamina and infectious performance quality.
Start with: "Victory Dance," "Quest for Coin," "Juan Pablo: The Philosopher."
4. The Soulful Storyteller: Laufey (Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir)
Why it works: Laufey has brought "jazz pop" to a massive Gen Z audience by blending bossa nova rhythms and cozy, romantic melodies with modern lyrical themes. Her music feels both classic and utterly contemporary. The tempos are often moderate, and the melodies are clear and beautiful.
Perfect for: Lyrical jazz, storytelling pieces, and technical adagio work. Excellent for teaching dancers how to interpret a lyric and convey a specific emotion through movement.
Start with: "From The Start," "Falling Behind," "Valentine."
5. The Virtuosic Powerhouse: DOMi & JD BECK
Why it works: This duo is pure, uncut funk and virtuosity. DOMi’s blindingly fast keys and JD BECK’s hyper-technical drums create a sound that is playful, frenetic, and wildly syncopated. It’s a masterclass in rhythm.
Perfect for: Advanced rhythm studies, intricate tap routines (even for non-tappers, the footwork inspiration is there!), and fast, precise jazz technique. Challenges dancers to hit accents and play with space.
Start with: "SMiLE," "NOT TiGHT," "TAKE A CHANCE."
6. The Neo-Soul Catalyst: Yussef Dayes
Why it works: A drummer and bandleader, Dayes creates deep, hypnotic grooves that are both complex and incredibly cool. His music is a fusion of spiritual jazz, broken beat, and soul, creating a immersive and atmospheric sound.
Perfect for: Sophisticated style-based jazz, grounded movement, and combinations that focus on weight, flow, and groove over flashy tricks.
Start with: "Love Is The Message," "Rust (feat. Tom Misch)," "Blacked Out."
How to Incorporate Modern Tracks
- Start Small: Use a modern track for your pliés or tendus at the barre. It eases dancers into the new sound in a familiar context.
- Edit Tracks: Many modern jazz songs are long (6-10 minutes). Use audio editing software to create shorter, class-friendly clips that highlight the best sections.
- Talk About the Music: Before the combination, play the track and point out specific rhythmic patterns or melodic hooks you want the dancers to hit or be inspired by.
- Embrace the Vibe: Encourage dancers to match the energy and emotion of the music, whether it's the cool groove of Glasper or the explosive joy of Ezra Collective.
By weaving these modern artists into the fabric of our classes, we do more than just teach steps; we educate ears, foster musicality, and ensure the art of jazz dance continues to evolve and resonate. So, turn up the Kamasi Washington, clear the floor, and see where the new rhythm takes you.
