Jazz dance began as the popular dance moves of the early 1900’s. At the time, jazz music was the popular music heard on the radio. The key elements of the jazz music are syncopation, individual style, and improvisation. Syncopation is what gives jazz music & dance its edge & excitement. It is not monotonous & dry. The various styles of Jazz dance have grown from the emphasis in individual style & improvisation.

In addition to syncopation & individuality, connection with the music is another element of jazz dance. The Music & dance go hand in hand. Jazz dance directly expresses the music, whether it is jazz, blues or rap. In Jazz one uses muscle tone, strength & flexibility.

The term “Jazz dance” has been used to describe a forever- changing form of popular & creative dance movement ever since the 1920’s. Jazz dance has character & ability to make changes as a main fragment. It is this element that allows itself to shed its skin & take up another for every passing era. Jazz dance is based on folk dances of African people. The greater part of Jazz development took place in the United States.