Jazz and Hip-Hop dancing have many similarities. They both have been around for a long time, and dance studios all over teach both styles. Both styles evolved from American and African American culture. But as closely related as these styles may be, they are also very different from each other. These differences can be confusing to those who aren’t heavily involved in dance. Listed below are 5 ways they differ.
Jazz involves many different styles, such as Broadway jazz, lyrical jazz, jazz-funk, and ballet. You’ll often see ballet-like moves in jazz dancing with great dancer posture and pointed feet. Jazz is a classical style of dance that is full of energy and class. Hip-hop is a style of dance that uses quick moments, and requires a lot of athleticism. Break dancing is known as an early form of hip-hop, and in “breaking” there are moves done with both ands and feet on the floor and also spinning on the head and shoulders. this style of dance requires lots of strength and flexibility!
Jazz started before hip-hop, back in the 1920’s. It was very popular in nightclubs at that time. Hip-hop started later in the 20th century, in the 1970’s in urban New York City, where street dancers would break dance on street corners. This style was also popular in the ghettos of Los Angeles during the same time.
Jazz music was originally used for funeral marches, and eventually made it into bars and dance halls during World War 1. During this time it because a favorite music genre world-wide. Hip-hop originated on playgrounds of the Bronx and is associated with graffiti writing and a certain style of clothes and slang words. It is supposed to reflect on the feelings and emotions of young African-Americans of the time.
Jazz dancing was a respond to the celebration of the music style. It emerged slowly over American History. Improvisation is the core of jazz music. Hip-hop dancing grew out of the response to the hip-hop music style. Poetry and rhyme are the core of hip-hop music.
Jazz dancing has been memorialized in such films as “Flash Dance” and “Footloose.” One jazz technique was made famous by Michael Jackson; moonwalking. Hip-hop music is less renowned although it’s popularity is growing everyday! Popular styles of hip-hop include break dancing, pop-locking, and freestyle. If you would like to see some examples of this style, watch the 1984 movie “Breakin.”
Hopefully this answers the question, “What is the difference between Jazz and Hip-Hop?” If you would like to take either style of dance class, you can find out more information about these dance classes here, or you can register online today! Our dance instructors would love to have you in class!
