Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre

Question 1

Describe Jazz dance.

Answer 1

• “show” style, meant for entertainment purposes (ie. Chicago, popular among adolescences in studios)
• energetic, fun, unique movements, big leaps, and quick turns

Question 2

Who is Bob Fosse?

Answer 2

• American entertainer
• moved to New York to become the new Fred Astaire
• discovered by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
• offered a MGM contract for film which did not last due to typecasting
• moved on to musical theater choreography- Pippin, Chicago, Cabaret

Question 3

Describe Fosse style.

Answer 3

• very recognizable: “stylized jazz with a cynical sexuality”
• turned in knees, rolling shoulder, jazz hands, hats
• movements are subtle but highly effective

Question 4

Describe foot positions in basic jazz steps.

Answer 4

similar to the Ballet positions but they are parallel instead of turned out

Question 5

Describe arm positions in basic jazz steps.

Answer 5

• usually straight with fingers spread wide open “Jazz Hands”
• jazz 5th: high “V” above head

Question 6

What is the arch in basic jazz steps?

Answer 6

curve of the torso upward

Question 7

What is the contraction in basic jazz steps?

Answer 7

• the shortening of body parts

- the torso contraction: spine curves outward, lower back rounded, abdomen is hollowed, pelvis pulled forward

Question 8

Describe the flat back in basic jazz steps.

Answer 8

• bend forward from hips at a 90 degree angle

- back is straight and parallel to the floor

Question 9

Describe the lunge in basic jazz steps.

Answer 9

one foot is advanced as far as possible while other remains stationary

Question 10

Describe the jazz split in basic jazz steps.

Answer 10

half-split position on the floor (front leg straight, back leg bent)

Question 11

What is lyrical dance?

Answer 11

• fusion of ballet, jazz and contemporary techniques
• expressive and dynamic, conveying musicality and emotion through movement
• song lyrics and tempo are a driving force and inspiration for movement

Question 12

What is contemporary dance?

Answer 12

• emerged in the 20th century as an outgrowth from modern dance and other techniques
• not associated with specific dance techniques but rather with a dance philosophy (explore natural energy and emotions, often personal)
• emphasis on mind-body connection

Question 13

What is musical theatre?

Answer 13

• for entertainment purposes, explains a story through movement
• combines song, dance and dialogue
• began in the 20th century
• Broadway: began in the 18th-19th century