History of Jazz Flashcards
Origins of jazz dance
brought to America by African slaves. A new culture was created with both African and European influence.
Slave Act of 1740
There was a prohibition of African drums or performing African dances. They used chants/gospel/stomping (to replace drums) to make up for the culture lost.
Minstrel Show
American white performers using blackface because they liked the music of slaves. It was difficult for black dancers to gain stature.
Great Depression & Jazz
People escaped into dance competitions during the great depression to win cash prizes.
(person) shift of jazz because of bringing full orchestration to his music and introduced syncopation
Paul Whiteman
Syncopation
placing accent or emphasis on normally unaccented beats
(person) brought elegance to the dancers’ movement by bringing the flowing movements of ballet with the abrupt movements of jazz. He mirrored his dance with the music by dancing every note.
Fred Astaire
WWII and Jazz
with the demise of social dance, jazz dance as a profession grew which became modern jazz.
(person) father of theatrical jazz dance. He studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance. He trained jazz dancers for Hollywood musicals.
Jack Cole
(person) professional jazz dancer who added athletic ability to dance and had an energetic style.
Gene Kelly
(person) early 1960s when Motown was the musical craze. He choreographed dances in Detroit. Created the concept of lead singer in front while backup singers are dancing.
Charles “Cholly” Atkins
(person) had a paralyzed arm on the right side. He danced and taught dance despite the doctors doubting he will ever walk again. His dance was influenced by ballet (very lyrical) his technique needed a lot of strength/muscle control but look beautiful
Luigi Giordano
(person) influenced by modern dance and used isolation movements.
Gus Giordano
(person) 1980s. Brought jazz dance to London. He made the musical “cat”
Andrew Lloyd Webber
(person) 1980s blend of strength, funk, and individual interpretation with an emphasis on selling your performance.
Frank Hatchett