Jazz Dance Costume

History of Jazz Dancing

Jazz dancing has a very unique history and has been influenced by many other dance styles and techniques. Like jazz music, its roots can be found in African and slave traditions. It then took inspiration from tap, Minstrel shows, vaudeville, swing and Broadway. The result is that the styles associated with jazz dancing constantly change.

When African slaves in the 1800s were travelling to America, they were allowed to dance in order to maintain their fitness. Such dances continued when they arrived at the plantations on which they worked in South America. During the early 1900s, this contributed to black Americans to lead the jazz movement. The movement quickly spread to the audience and public, and the result was that dances like the Charleston, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie and Swing began to develop.

One of the greatest individual influencers of jazz dance as we know it today was Jack Cole. He was a choreographer and theatre director born in 1911, and is sometimes referred to as "the father of jazz dance". He developed some of the ballet-based movements and theatrical expression which have become cornerstones in contemporary jazz dance.

A great name influenced by the work of Cole included Bob Fosse. He went on to have significant influence over the development of jazz dance in the second half of the twentieth century. His influence was born from Fosse's inability to conform to the rigid positions of ballet as a young dancer. This led him to incorporate inward turned knees, hunched shoulders and burlesque-inspired sensuality into his choreography. His distinctive style is often characterised by his use of bowler hats, canes and chairs.

Contemporary jazz styles are as far reaching as ever. They continue to develop and range from elegant Broadway-inspired movements, ballet styles and even include hip-hop. However, the root of jazz technique remains in the mastery of leaps, turns, kicks and fluid style.

If you're looking to purchase a jazz dance costume it doesn't need to be expensive. There are a large number of reputable dance wear companies such as Roch Valley who make a wide range of crop tops, cycle shorts and hot pants which are ideal for jazz dancing. Some companies also make-to-order which means you can select to have your garment made from a wide range of different printed, coloured and glistening fabrics.

About the Author

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dance wear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of jazz shoes please visit our website http://www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

I need a Christian song for a jazz dance that has students wearing a jumpsuit in various colors.?

I am helping my mother find a song for her jazz dance recital piece; she works at a CHRISTIAN dance studio. It needs to match the jumpsuit costume all of the dancers already own. This is a beginning class so it can't be too fast!

~Say a Little Prayer for You: Aretha Franklin (not really Christian, but it does support prayer)
~Jesus Freak: DC Talk (a little faster but it has more modern style)
~The Cartoon Song: Chris Rice (I like this one!)
~Dive: Steven Curtis Chapman (this one's good too)
~Mystery of your Love: (http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=212&flashdisplay=Y )
~All of My Heart: (http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=1 )

I hope I helped! Try looking for a Christian mix CD (kinda like NOW cds and listen to different songs from it). I love that your mom works at a Christian dance studio. The one I go to isn't a Christian dance studio, but the owner does require things to follow Christian morals (ya know, music and costume wise, as well as some other things) Good luck ( :

PS I like the last 4 best

Advanced Jazz Dancing Moves : Jazz Dance Costumes

Art Poster, Waiting for a Dance - 12x18 $14.95 This high quality, durable art poster measures 12x18 and arrives ready to frame. Posters are printed on heavy-stock, semi-matte paper producing the best possible combination of color vibrancy and durability. All posters from ClassicPix.com are made on demand one-at-a-time, just for you -- not mass-produced. Flat shipping rate $5.95 within the U.S. -- no extra charge for additional art posters by C...

Art Poster, Waiting for a Dance - 18.75 x 27.5 $19.95 FREE SHIPPING on this item when you purchase 2 or more Art Posters from ClassicPix.com. This high quality, durable Art Poster measures 18.75" x 27.50" and arrives ready to frame. Posters are printed on heavy-stock, semi-matte paper producing the best possible combination of color vibrancy and durability. All posters from ClassicPix.com are made on demand one-at-a-time, just for you -- not mass-pro...

Black Framed/Matted Print 17x23, Waiting for a Dance $69.95 FREE SHIPPING on this item when you purchase 2 or more Framed Art Posters from ClassicPix.com. This high quality art poster is matted and framed by our professional framers, and arrives fully assembled and ready to hang. The durable black wood frame measures 17" x 23" - poster size is 12" x 18". A clear plexiglass facing protects your poster and adds a lusterous shine. Posters are printed on heavy...

Nutcracker Sweeties/The Judas Tree $15.66 NUTCRACKER SWEETIES/JUDAS TREE - DVD Movie...

White & Silver Butterfly Wings,21823,multi-colored,One-Size $4.95 Perfect for performances and dress up, these butterfly wings make any dancer feel like a fairy princess! Size: one size ....

Gold Sequin Top Hat ~ Halloween Costume Accessories $6.88 ...

Abracadabrazoo Set of 10 Pink Ballet Fairy Princess Tutus Party Favors $40.00 Set of 10 comfortable and durable pink tutus. Satin waistband and 2 full layers of tulle. Satin covered elastic waist makes for a comfortable fit. Waist stretches from 20" around - 30" around. Approximately 12" long Perfect for the fairy, princess or ballerina in your life!...

Bunheads Hair Nets $1.99 Bunheads Invisible Hair Nets come in packages of three, available in six colors: Blonde, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Black and Auburn, to keep the hair looking neat and tidy....

Light Purple Knee Hi Leg Warmers by KD dance, In 20+ Colors $27.99 Knee Hi Knit Leg Warmers in the colors of your choice. Designed to flow with your every movement. Great over boots, jeans or leggings. KD dance was created by young professional dancers knitting outfits while on tour in 1980, 2010 will mark our 30th Anniversary.High quality fabric and design in unique colors make KD dance leg warmers stand out from the pack as both fashion items and the mark of a ...

ISOTONER Women's Classic Satin Ballerina Slipper $20.00 An Isotoner classic, this ballerina slipper is great for wedding parties as well as relaxing at home. The Isotoner Satin Ballerina Slipper surrounds your feet in the ultimate comfort of quality materials. These Isotoner Ballerina Slippers are great for travel and home. Stretch Satin upper on a suede sole. These Isotoner ballerina slippers cushion your feet with soft foam and specialized soles form...

Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume $49.95 Its time to change it up and rebel against the strict rules society tries to put on you. Become a 1920's flapper with this demanding Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume. This five piece Jazz Sexy Flapper Costume comes with everything you need to look sexy and dance the night away. The costume includes a sequined front and black back dress with fringe, a matching sequined feathered headband, sexy long satin gloves, purple bead necklace, and cigarette holder. This Halloween go all out get the costume you and everyone else have been dreaming of.

Black Flapper Costume - All that Jazz Flapper $49.95 When this sexy flapper does her dance she'll put you in a trance. Nothing screams confidence and sexuality like an Adult Flapper Costume. This hot dress will make you want to stay out all night with the gals looking for trouble at the local speakeasy. This four piece Adult Flapper Costume comes with a sexy white microfiber strapless dress with a drop waist that shows just enough to make them beg for more. This costume also features a draping sequin trim and removable shoulder straps. Included are some great accessories including sequin neckband, feathered sequin headband and a long sleek cigarette holder.

Womens Flapper Costume - Dazzling Silver $49.95 Do you want to dance the Charleston this Halloween? Want to bring back the Roarin' 20s? You'll razzle dazzle them this year in our sultry Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Silver! Show up to the wild parties with All That Jazz in this scandalous Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Silver. The sexy silver dress comes complete with six rows of fringes to razzle dazzle, a sultry choker and matching headpiece with a feather. Add on a boa and fancy cigar holder for that extra glam look. Look glamorous this Halloween. Show up to the parties with All That Jazz!

Girls Flapper Costume - Roaring 20's Flapper $16.99 Get ready to razzle dazzle the Halloween crowd this year! You will look absolutely fabulous in this gorgeous flapper dress! Bring back the Roaring 20s in the Girls Flapper Costume ??? Roaring 20's Flapper Dress! Do you feel the jazz beat? Can you dance the Charleston? Ready to paint the town red and all that jazz?! Then check out the Girls Flapper Costume ??? Roaring 20's Flapper! The beautiful costume comes with a red dress with five layers of fringe and a red sequin headband. Add on a boa for that extra Flapper look! Put on your dancing shoes this holiday season! Paint the town red with this gorgeous Flapper Dress!

Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume $26.95 Paint the town red this holiday season! Head to the whoopee spot where the piano's hot in this cute Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume! Give them the old razzle dazzle and all that jazz this Halloween in a cute flapper dress! The Hot Pink Girls Flapper Costume is a perfect choice to bring back the roarin' 20s. The hot pink dress has six layers of fringe to dazzle the audience when you shimmy shake on the dance floor! The hot pink will draw everyone's attention this holiday season! So hurry up and put in your order today!

Womens Flapper Costume - Fashion Flapper Girl Black $37.95 It's the 1920s, in the era of Jazz; a new time of seduction and women's empowerment. To this day the style of the Flappers has always been in style for a night on the town. Dance the Charleston at the speakeasies in this Fashion Flapper Girl Black Womens Flapper Costume! You'll be the cat's meow! Carry yourself with the allure of Clara Bow and the class of the times! It's a glamorous lifestyle, and so slide in to an equally glamorous dress and be the social butterfly of the night! Order the Fashion Flapper Girl Black Womens Flapper Costume today!

Womens Flapper Costume - Dazzling Dark Grey $49.95 Do you want to dance the Charleston this Halloween? Want to bring back the Roarin' 20s? You'll razzle dazzle them this year in our sultry Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Dark Grey! Show up to the wild parties with All That Jazz in this scandalous Womens Flapper Costume ??? Dazzling Dark Grey. The sexy silver dress comes complete with six rows of fringes to razzle dazzle, a sultry choker and matching headpiece with a feather. Add on a boa and fancy cigar holder for that extra glam look. Look glamorous this Halloween. Show up to the parties with All That Jazz!

Womens Flapper Costume - Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size $43.95 In the 1920s, jazz was never more popular; it was a new era of seduction and feminine empowerment, and to this day has yet to go out of style. Hang out in the speakeasy and dance the Shimmy in this sexy Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size Womens Flapper Costume. You'll be the cat's meow! Carry yourself with the allure of silent film and a distinctive, classy vibe that no one can ignore! It's a glamorous lifestyle, and so slide in to an equally glamorous dress and be the social butterfly of the night in the Fashion Flapper Girl Black Plus Size Womens Flapper Costume!

Jazz Time Honey Costume - Black & Gold $36.95 Juke Joint Jezebel! For flirty Flapper fun, check this out! Our Black and Gold Jazz Time Honey Costume will transform you into a Golden Era Flapper girl. This comes with a black and gold fringed golden dress with gold sequin detail on the straps! It also comes with a gold sequin headband with attached black feathers and fashionable jewel! You're in for a roaring good time in this festive Black and Gold Jazz Time Honey Costume! When you're looking to jazz up your wardrobe, this is a red hot look you can stand behind!

Dance Hall Queen Sexy Womens Costume $47.96 Sexy dancer costume includes dress, chocker and head piece. The Sexy Women's Dance Hall Queen Costume is sexy in a classic way. The dress is modeled after the kind worn by women who would get paid to dance with men. Most saloons and dance halls had women like ...

Tween Girls 80's Dance Star Costume $34.95 The Cyndi Lauper look is a tough one to pull off. You gotta commit to it with a costume like the Tween Girls 80's Dance Star Costume. Just because the 80???s ended over 20 years ago (jeese, when did that happen? I???m getting old) that doesn???t mean you can???t celebrate the decade of Day-Glo, Ronald Reagan, and Corey Feldman movies. If anything the 80???s were all about fun and girl???s just want to have fun, right? Right.The Tween Girls 80's Dance Star Costume comes with a blue tank top, a net pink shirt, blue leggings, a yellow headband, multi-color gloves, and leg warmers. Everything a budding young pop star needs for a good Halloween. The Tween Girls 80's Dance Star Costume is perfect for any Cyndi Lauper fan or anyone who likes the stylings of the 1980???s.

Womens Plus Size Jazz Time Honey Costume $29.96 Plus Size 20's costume includes a fringed dress and headband with feathers. Get ready to cut the rug this Halloween when you don our Women's Jazz Time Honey costume! This striking mini dress costume features enough flash to get everyone at the speak easy talkin

Teen Dramarama 80s Dance Star Costume $24.96 Teenagers 80's costume includes tank top, long sleeve mesh top, leggings,headband, gloves and leg warmers. The Teen Dramarama 80's Dance Star Costume comes with 6 brightly colored pieces. It starts with electric blue leggings and a bright blue tank top. An off-the-shoulder, long ...

Jazz Dance Styles and Steps for Fun $21.95 Jazz Dance Styles and Steps for Fun

Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Plus Women's Costume $42.96 Sexy 20's costume features a stretch knit strapless dress with unique drop waist, draping sequin trim and removable shoulder straps. includes sequin neckband and matching sequin and feather headband. This sexy costume combines the two popular styles of the Roaring 20s. The Women's Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Plus has...

All That Jazz Sexy Womens Flapper Costume $45.96 Sexy 20's costume includes dress and head piece. These days, we say that someone is all that when they are really sexy. This Halloween you can be all that jazz which mean you are sexy in a jazzy Flapper style. The Sexy Women's All That Jazz Flapper ...

Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Women's Costume $31.94 Sexy 20's costume features a stretch knit dress with tiered fringe and beaded neckline, sequin and feather headband, choker and boa. Step back in time to when the gin was cold and the piano was hot, but not a hot as this sexy flapper costume. The Women's Sexy All That Jazz Flapper Costume has classic details with modern sex appeal...

Elite Dance Hall Darlin Costume For Adult $68.96 This Elite Dance Hall Darlin' Costume brings back the spirit & fun before the west was tamed. It comes with a short black & red corset dress, lacey shorts, long fingerless lace gloves, red feather headpiece, choker, & to complete this sexy look a pair of black fishnet thigh stockings & red feather boa.

Disco Inferno Costume - Red $29.95 The disco ball is spinning. The dance floor empties. Pretty girls wait on the side for a sexy disco dancer. You enter the dance floor wearing the hot Disco Inferno Costume ??? Red. You give them a dance inferno like they've never seen! Afterwards, the ladies flock to your side. They all want to dance with the Dancing King! You can experience all your disco fever dreams when you're wearing the Disco Inferno Costume ??? Red! The red sequin shirt has a button up front and plenty of red sparkles to draw all the attention you need at the disco! Burn that dance floor Dancing King!

Tootsie Roll Costume - Adult $48.95 It's a dance, it's a term of endearment... oh, right, and it's a chocolate candy as well! This Tootsie Roll Costume is an easily recognizable adult costume that will have everyone in stitches! In one simple Tootsie Roll licensed bodysuit, you'll be able to join your Halloween party with the confidence of a noticeably polished style! If anyone wants to dance, they won't need to ask you your specialty! Do the Tootsie Roll in, well, the Adult Tootsie Roll Costume!

Gretchen Costume - Sexy Womens $49.95 The Hills are alive with the sound of a great costume! You'll get in the mood to dance on tables and sing along to country carols in the Sexy Womens Gretchen Costume! This Gretchen Costume features a colorful and fun Sexy Womens dress, which comes fully equipped with gold trimming, a sexy corset top, and even bow stockings. Grab yourself a proper frothy beer stein and get ready for the all night Oktoberfest celebrations! Order the Sexy Womens Gretchen Costume today!

Disco Halloween Costume - Disco Heat $44.95 Is disco fever burning you up at night? Bring your disco heat to the dance floor this holiday season! Try on our extra sexy Disco Halloween Costume ??? Disco Heat! You'll set the dance floor ablaze when your show off your disco moves! Don't hold back! You're wearing the Disco Halloween Costume ??? Disco Heat! Look sexy, feel sexy is a hot Disco Costume. The costume comes with everything you need to set that dance floor on fire. You will receive a colorful disco shirt with white bell bottom pants! Check out our matching Disco Heat Ladies Costume for a his and hers Halloween!

MC Hammer Costume - Mens $33.95 Hammertime! For a great Halloween costume that'll have you screaming, "Can't touch this!" you need the Mens MC Hammer Costume! Our Mens MC Hammer Costume comes with a black and gold lame jacket! The jacket is open and has one solid gold sleeve and one black sleeve! This costume also comes with a matching pair of Hammer pants in black, with a gold lame belt, low crotch and fitted cuffs around the ankles! You'll be ready to dance from one side to the next in this awesome 90's costume! Grab your favorite pair of black sunglasses and shave a few lines in the side of your head for good measure! You'll be a pop icon in no time!

Womens Bollywood Costume - Beauty $49.95 Be a Bollywood Beauty in this amazing costume! The Beauty Womens Bollywood Costume is a stunning sexy look! Our Beauty Womens Bollywood Costume comes with an ornate red skirt and top! The skirt has a lot of gold details and the top has a gold trim! This also comes with a matching red veil for the head and one for the body! This even includes red armbands and fabric bangles! Be sure to purchase a lovely bindi to match! Purchase this pretty pick right now and get ready to dance!

Toddler Indian Boy Costume $21.95 This is perfect for a little Indian chief! If you have a brave warrior at home who needs a lovely Halloween look, check out this Toddler Indian Boy Costume! Our Toddler Indian Boy Costume comes with an adorable brown fringed shirt with woven accents on the chest! This also comes with a pair of matching brown fringed pants, and a feathered headband with attached black yarn hair! So, before you head out to dance around the fire with your Indian brethren, make sure you order this great costume today!

Naughty Cop Costume - Sexy Cop Costume $39.95 Freeze! Police! You have the right to remain saucy... Anything you do can and will be held against you in a court of good times. Keep order over your district with a teasing style that would make any renegade respect the badge! Walk the beat with the confidence that an outfit of impeccable charm and a tough-as-nails attitude can bring in this Sexy Cop Costume. Say "10-4" to this Naughty Cop Costume, and you'll make any rogue stop in their tracks, and in the name of good taste! From the interrogation room to the dance floor, this Naughty Cop Costume will clean up the streets!

Girls Skeleton Ballerina Costume $35.95 The Girl???s Skeleton Ballerina Costume combines the great taste of skeleton costumes with the great look of ballerina costumes. It is a bright and bone-filled skeleton that we live in. This skela-rina is as cute as it is creepy, the perfect mix of gothic horror and Swan Lake. A little bit of this and a little bit of that and what is Halloween but a collection of disparate ideas that resulting one big good time.The Girl???s Skeleton Ballerina Costume comes with a black dress with attached hood, bone leggings, and glovettes (again, with more bones). Dance the danse macabre this Halloween with the right outfit. Momento mori. The Girl???s Skeleton Ballerina Costume is just the costume for doing the danse macabre this Halloween.

Naughty Native American Costume $49.95 The American Indians have got style. Even when it's only in a Halloween costume, the archetypical styling still get through, as you can see in the Naughty Native American Costume. Sure you're not going to be going to the Ghost Dance or the Sun Dance or anything this year, but sending out smoke signals with this outfit has gotta be worth something. You don't need a path finder to find that one out.The Naughty Native American Costume comes with a stretch knit faux suede dress with intricate bead detailing on dress and head piece. The entire bottom half of the dress is also full decked out with fringe. The Naughty Native American Costume is a hot little number for those that want to dress up as an American Indian maiden this Halloween season.

70's Style Costume - Purple $39.95 Stay alive this Halloween season with a dose of Saturday Night Fever! For a great Halloween costume, consider this Purple 70's Style Costume! Our Purple 70's Style Costume comes with a deep purple jacket and pants! The jacket is a 70's leisure suit style with pockets over the chest and buttons down the center! Pair this up with your favorite polyester fly collar shirt and huge sunglasses for a funky fresh look! Purchase this costume today and get ready to get funky on the dance floor!

70's Fashion Costume - Orange $39.95 Stay alive this Halloween season with a dose of Saturday Night Fever! For a great Halloween costume, consider this Orange 70's Fashion Costume! Our Orange 70's Fashion Costume comes with a bright orange jacket and pants! The jacket is a 70's leisure suit style with pockets over the chest and buttons down the center! Pair this up with your favorite polyester fly collar shirt and huge sunglasses for a funky fresh look! Purchase this costume today and get ready to get funky on the dance floor!