5. Course Fundamentals
Authentic jazz has a grounded swing quality, an inclined torso, syncopation, polycentrism, and articulation of the torso. It also includes more articulation of the spine, including curves, undulations, and contractions, and use of the pelvis of which are NOT seen in classical ballet. It is important to note that black culture is foundational to jazz and jazz dance, which is not the case in European dance forms such as ballet.
Authentic jazz dance includes the following elements:
- Grounded swing quality
- Inclined torso
- Syncopation & Polyrhythm
- Polycentrism
- Articulation of the spine, including curves, undulations, and contractions, and use of the pelvis
- Call and response