How to Learn Jazz Dance Moves

Jazz dance refers to the energetic and fluid dance moves popularized by African-American dance troupes and dance-oriented Broadway hits like "A Chorus Line." This funky and fast-paced dance style is challenging to learn, but it offers the chance for a potential dancer to express their creativity and unique style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Loosen up! Do preliminary stretching exercises and tone your body up in preparation for jazz dance lessons. To learn jazz dance moves, a fluid, limber body is necessary, so get yourself ready to perform with warm-up exercises before your first lesson.
2. Master basic jazz dance moves like single rotation turns and split leaps with lots of practice. Reinforce your practice by watching instructional dance videos.
3. Take classes at your local college, community center or Learning Annex. Some great dance teachers are also available through magazines like Backstage if you're in New York or L.A. or through ads in the alternative weekly newspaper in your town.
4. Check out special events like the Jazz Dance Congress and the workshops it offers. This conference offers workshops for both beginning and advanced students and can put you in touch with many movers and shakers in the jazz dance world.
5. Look at professional jazz dancers and what they do. Whether you want to pursue jazz dance as a career or do it just for fun, watch hip-hop videos and Broadway shows that feature jazz dancers. Or watch Bob Fossee's "A Chorus Line" for inspiration and ideas.