WHAT IS 'OLDSCHOOL' JAZZ?
Jazz dance also known as Black American Authentic Vernacular Jazz, encompasses a variety of social dances that majorly originated in the clubs, parties, and ballrooms of Harlem, New York, during the first half of the 20th century.
Among others, Jazz encompasses the Charleston, Black Bottom, Applejack, Big Apple, Bebop, Mambo, Shaky Blues, Lindy Hop, The Walk, Bop and many more. The Savoy Ballroom, a prominent venue in Harlem, was a significant influence and trendsetter for many of these styles. Some of these dances spread to the rest of the world, notably through legendary performers like the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, Josephine Baker, Cab Calloway...
LEVELS
Up to 4 Levels
Covering first-timers to proficient dancers.
This hub is designed for you to become the best Jazz dancer you can be in your lifetime.
Introduction
Getting started
Wisdom
Personal inspiration
Foundation
The must-have
Artistry
Becoming much more
TESTIMONIALS
"It is one of the most reliable learning sources available, especially when I can’t attend physical solo jazz classes.
I have been dancing solo jazz for a year, and since subscribing, I have significantly improved my understanding of the fundamentals of jazz steps. It has also given me incredible insights into styling and variations. "
Jingchoo, China | Jazz & Lindy Hop Dancer
PHILOSOPHY & BACKGROUND
Learn the foundation, create your own style
Embark on a journey to master the foundations of various Authentic Vernacular Jazz styles from the 1920s to the 1950s, under the guidance of Alex McCormack. Transitioning from his early days as a competitive Bboy, Alex has dedicated over a decade to the study and practice of African American Jazz. His extensive exploration includes analyzing historical footage, engaging in-depth conversations with Old-timers and Old-school dancers, and attempting to emulate the essence of Black American Jazz dances.
Alex's approach to teaching is deeply influenced by his background in Hip Hop and the wisdom imparted by his mentors. He stresses the importance of a solid foundational understanding, as he attempts to pass down from his studies of the originators of Jazz dance. Yet, he also encourages a creative adaptation of these fundamentals to foster a unique personal style. In his view, this blend of respect for traditional techniques and individual expression is key to both preserving the legacy of the dance and contributing to its ongoing evolution and innovation.
Through his classes, Alex offers a comprehensive learning experience that is not just about mastering steps, but also about understanding and respecting the rich history and culture behind these vibrant dance forms. This balanced approach ensures that students gain a deep appreciation for Jazz Dance while developing their own artistic voice within the genre.
![About the legendary Frankie Manning (born March 26, 1914–2009), Ambassador of Lindy Hop
Frankie had a characteristically athletic and low horizontal style, doing airsteps in a way no one else could. The famous "snatch" is one of his signature airsteps, where even to this day his execution has been unrivaled.
Both a leader and a chief choreographer for the famous Whitey's Lindy Hoppers crew, his routines are still famously performed all around the world, including: the California Routine, the First Stops, Tranky Do, the Big Apple Contest routine...
He was known to have contagious joy and went on to spread Lindy Hop around the four corners of the world. Every single person who had worked closely with Frankie consistently talks highly of the man. As @sing_lim says: "we were so lucky to have had one of the best Lindy Hoppers live that long, to have been able to teach until his very last years."
Frankie Manning created the mind-blowing, high-speed dance scene in the 1941 film Hellzapoppin'. This is his spotlight with the incredible Ann Johnson!
Ann & Frankie were dance partners between 1940-1952. Frankie once said : "[She was] like a cat....no matter what way I threw her, she would land on her feet."
She appeared in Life magazine in 1940 & 1941 and starred in famous Lindy Hop sequences such as Hellzapoppin', Killer Diller & Hot Chocolate
#WorldLindyHopDay #dancehistory #LindyHop #SwingDance #Jazz
Credit to BlackPepperSwing for the colorised version.
This is taken from the movie Hellzapoppin that came out in 1941.](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/705246909_1006911515040462_7136951802400706875_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=uuM_HhDvZEwQ7kNvwHSE3fF&_nc_oc=Ado5tcwr83KdtZUn5o210OFSkrwvAJ5pMwnbszKVB9S1mCMTxwHTBRSKubqIgfnlc78&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=kLjviaLZR4lMhO_yJ1gFug&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQH4uhboHw5BGFFQb_FAdOFWYsciMkKtPbtdt_ZlBk8e-XrH0gtrqM686ugGcdvxCJDcuZ-5Xs7J&oh=00_Af6KO8v8UaPdHi5C1kaonhPv8ZHTlD2wIjsMoGLyLIU33g&oe=6A1F2D39)
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED
Vernacular jazz dance should be accessible to all while having its cultural heritage carried by its founders legacy. If you relate to these situations, please consider applying for a scholarship :
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Cultural Heritage: If you have a direct connection to African-American Dance Heritage.
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Financial Barriers: If financial constraints hinder your access to the courses.
Send a short cover letter to info@jazzerz.net