How to Do a Jazz Square in Dance

Jazz dance can be as technically difficult and challenging as ballet, but there are several introductory steps you can try that are easy and fun. One of these is the jazz square. You may start out falling all over yoruself, but after a couple of practice runs, this step will become second nature to your previously awkward legs.

Instructions

1. Assume the position. Arrange your feet in what is called first position. The jazz dance positions are very similar to those in ballet, except instead of turning your feet out, you turn them in. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Then, place your feet so that they are parallel to one another. You should feel like each foot is on one of the rails of a railroad track. Your feet should point as straight forward and stay as parallel as those train tracks.

2. Take your first step. When broken down, making a jazz square is simply taking four steps. For the first of these steps, cross your right leg over the left and place the weight of your body on your right leg.

3. Back up. Because your weight is on your right foot, your left foot is free to move. Step backward onto this left leg, shifting your weight off of the right.

4. Step aside. Now your right leg is free again. Lift this foot and step directly to the right. Your feet should once again be in the same position where you started.

5. Get ahead. You weight should have shifted once again to the right, so your left leg is free to move. Step forward with your left foot so your left leg is in front of, but not crossed over your right leg. Your feet should still stay parallel and shoulder width apart on those imaginary train tracks. You have officially completed a full jazz square by making the shape of a square with the movement of your feet.

6. Pick up the pace. Run through these steps a couple of times slowly until you feel comfortable with the motion. Once you have the hang of it, though, speed things up until you are making the square smoothly without pauses. Stay low to the ground and keep your knees bent so the shifts of your weight are less obvious and your square is more seamless.

Tips & Warnings

• Add music and a little attitude to spice up the step.

• Take your time. Don't try to speed up the step before you are comfortable, because you might fall on your face.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Jazz square demonstration video.
• More jazz steps to check out