Lesson 13 Classic Jazz Flashcards

Classical Jazz Overview

• Developed in the 1940s to meet the needs of the Hollywood movie industry.
• Progressed through to the 1970s, influencing multiple entertainment aspects.

Characteristics of Classical Jazz

• Defined as cool, sophisticated, and sensual with a composed demeanor.
• Jack Cole played a significant role in codifying this jazz style.

Contributions of Jack Cole

• Opened the first jazz dance studio, establishing jazz dance as a formal study.
• Known for emphasizing athleticism and strength in jazz techniques.
• Combined Eastern Indian influence with ballet elements to enhance entertainment value.

Legacy of Jack Cole

• Choreographed for notable movie musicals, including "Man of La Mancha" and "Some Like It Hot."
• Worked with stars such as Marilyn Monroe but is often overlooked in popular culture.
• Influenced later jazz figures like Luigi, Gus Giordano, Matt Mattox, and Bob Fosse.

Prominent Figures in Classical Jazz Dance

• Luigi

  • His style is characterized by elegance, lightness, and fluidity.
  • Notable for using a powerful plié to maintain regal arm movements.

• Gus Giordano

  • Influenced by modern dance techniques from Katherine Dunham and Hanya Holm.
  • Known for sequential movement rippling from pelvis through torso to arms.

• Matt Mattox

  • Popularized Freestyle jazz across Europe.
  • His style integrates various movement forms for a comprehensive jazz experience.

Evolution of Classical Jazz Technique

• Early classical style may appear rigid by contemporary standards, focusing on energy and clarity.
• Rigor in training was closely tied to the rhythms of Big Bands like Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey.
• The emergence of extended jazz hands introduced a continuous energy flow from palms to fingers.

Technical Aspects of Classical Jazz

• Systematic studies of body isolation are central to classical jazz.
• Dancers practice polyrhythm, incorporating separate actions and rhythms simultaneously.
• The genre required codification to distinguish it from Ballet and Modern dance, leading to its structured techniques.

Current Perspective on Classical Jazz

• Today, classical jazz is explored more for its historical significance rather than as a contemporary dance form.
• It emphasizes coordination and complex patterns, challenging dancers in advanced ways.

Common Misconceptions

• Classical Jazz dance does not focus on the song's lyrics, contrary to some beliefs.

Explore the evolution of classical jazz dance from its Hollywood roots in the 1940s to its influence through the 70s. This quiz highlights key figures like Jack Cole and the characteristics that define this unique dance style.