Swing and Jazz Dance

[pygmalion]

I was reading through an article today on the Big Apple, which says that the Big Apple was based on jazz dance steps. Then I read another article which talks about jazz music's basic components, which included "swing," meaning the accent pattern of the music.

What is the Big Apple?
It is a circle dance that set the country on fire in the mid 1930s. The scene was Columbia, South Carolina... Billy Spivey came up with the idea of a dance made up of individual jazz steps, performed in a circle, as called by a leader. .............So, the eponym for New York has its origins in the fancies of a group of teenagers in south Carolina. Source: http//www.jitterbuzz.com/bwood.html


http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/jazz.htm

So now my next questions should be obvious. What's the relationship between swing dance today and "jazz" dance today, if any? Do you incorporate jazz moves into your swing dancing? How? And is there any advantage to a swing dancer studying "jazz" dance, on the side, so to speak? 8)

[Flat Shoes]

What's the relationship between swing dance today and "jazz" dance today, if any?

Modern jazz dance has nothing to do with swing jazz dance. the only thing is that sometimes the same music is used. I think modern jazz dance has a european history and more connected with ballet, while swing jazz is afro american in origin.


Do you incorporate jazz moves into your swing dancing? How?

Not modern jazz, but jazz steps, which is something totally different. Jazz steps can be seen as solo steps developed alongside with swing dancing and tap dancing.


And is there any advantage to a swing dancer studying "jazz" dance, on the side, so to speak? 8)

Not directly, but you will of course gain more movement knowledge, body control train your musicality and probably find some inspiration. Maybe also pick up something that can be used for styling when dancing swing.

This is what I think, but keep in mind that I'm far from any expert on modern jazz dance.

[d nice]

Well said.

If you want a better insight I'd recommend the book "Jazz Dance", by Marshall and Jean Stearns.