jazz dance

¹

noun

1. a dance form or dance that is matched to the rhythms and techniques of jazz music, developed by African Americans in the early part of the 20th century.

jazz-dance

²

[ jaz-dans, ‑-dahns ]

verb (used without object)

, jazz-danced, jazz-danc·ing.

1. to perform jazz dance.

Other Words From

• jazz dancer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jazz dance¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

As a youngster, however, Koenig spent most of her time practicing jazz dance.

From Los Angeles Times

At social events in the Black community, like a dance for Black postal employees, there would be a live band and a package of entertainment: a comic emcee, a flash act, a tap dancer, a blues singer, an exotic dancer and maybe a kid act like Zollar’s, precociously performing jazz dance.

From New York Times

Weir — who starred in the 2022 movie “Matilda the Musical” — is a gifted mover, with training in contemporary and jazz dance.

From New York Times

Jazz dance, especially — which he studied at the Dupree Dance Academy in nearby Hollywood — struck a chord.

From New York Times

Maurice studied ballet, African and Dunham Technique as well as studying with modern maestro Alvin Ailey and jazz dance innovator Frank Hatchett.

From Los Angeles Times