Two Rhythms, One passion – The story of Hip-Hop & Jazz

 

         Two Rhythms, One passion – The story of Hip-Hop & Jazz

 

Dance is a universal language, here are two most fascinating forms of dance i.e. Hip-Hop & Jazz. Both are unique in their own way both but both share common message of love, creativity, self-expressions & movements.

Let’s explore both the forms:

Hip-Hop

               Hip-Hop was started in 1970s in the Bronx New York city. Hip-Hop music, Graffiti art & Dj culture gave youth a powerful way to express themselves. It was started as street dance performed at block parties & clubs which were influenced by funk, disco, African dance tradition. DJ Kool Herc & Grandmaster Flash helped in popularize the culture.

Let’s see the key styles of Hip-Hop:

1.   Breaking

2.   Popping

3.   Locking

4.   Krumping

5.   Freestyle

 

There are four core elements of Hip-Hop culture i.e. DJing, Rapping, B-boying & Graffiti writing.

The basic steps of Hip-Hop;

a.   The dougie

b.   The woah

c.    The moonwalk

d.   The Camel walk

e.   Boogaloo

Hip-Hop mainly focuses on individuality, attitude, storytelling. Hip-Hop is performed all over the world.

Hip-Hop performed on stage or on street it will always remain the dance of attitude & endless evolution which proves that everyone can tell their story through dance.  

Jazz

        Jazz was originated in African & American communities in New Orleans, Louisiana in 19^th & 20^th C.E. Jack Cole was known as Father of Jazz Dance. Jazz is known for his sharp & controlled movements. Jazz includes pop, rock, R&B, contemporary which makes dance more modern.

Characteristics of Jazz:

1.   Isolations

         Sharp lines

3.   Turns & Leaps

4.   Expressive style

5.   Dynamic energy

Let’s see types of Jazz:

      I.            Classical Jazz

   II.            Jazz Funk

III.            Contemporary Jazz

IV.            Lyrical Jazz

Some famous dance choreographers are Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, Luigi etc.

Four Pillars of Jazz are:

A.  Technique

B.  Harmony

C.   Lead Sheets

D. Scales

Basic Steps of Jazz;

·       The Jazz Square

·       Chasse

·       Kick Ball Change

·       Plie

·       Shimmy

·       Jazz walks

·       Pivot

Jazz marvellously merge discipline & freedom. From lively clubs of Jazz to today’s global stage jazz help the dancers to express themselves with grace & power. Jazz will always remain the dance of joy & endless creativity.

Conclusion

Both the forms come from different country but celebrate Joy & self-expressions.

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