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Fundamentals
In this chapter we will talk about the essential elements of jazz dance like bounce, backbeat, swinging 8th note, syncopation etc.
Roots of jazz dances lie in west African dance traditions. So many of the technical elements are unexpected and sometimes opposite to the European tradition in dance.
Take for instance the posture. In white European dances the centre is in the chest, we tend to grow up and have a more erect spine with straightened limbs. We tend to search for symmetry and beauty in the form. The main trajectory of the movement is up. While in African derived dance forms the centre is in the naval, we work with gravity and the intention and accent is towards the earth. It is as well the African influence that gives jazz dance it’s rhythmic component, as-symmetrical forms and swing.